Former Anambra State governor and ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that Africa possesses the human and natural resources needed for economic transformation and should no longer remain trapped in poverty and underdevelopment.
Obi made the remarks during a guest speech at the Spier Dialogue Event on “Policies for Growth in Africa” held in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to statements posted on his official Facebook page on Sunday and Monday, Obi said Africa’s major challenges stem from poor leadership, corruption, weak institutions and the high cost of governance rather than lack of resources.
He noted that the continent holds vast mineral deposits, more than 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land and the youngest population globally, describing them as strategic assets capable of driving economic growth and prosperity.
The former presidential candidate stressed the need for African leaders to shift attention from “politics and endless election cycles” to productivity, development and nation-building.
He advocated greater investment in education, healthcare and poverty reduction, arguing that improving Human Development Index indicators remains critical to the continent’s future.
Obi also lamented rising poverty, unemployment and the collapse of small and medium-scale businesses across many African countries, attributing the situation to poor infrastructure, harsh economic conditions and policy inconsistency.
According to him, Africa requires competent and compassionate leadership focused on production, institutional reforms and economic growth.
“If we invest in our people, strengthen institutions, reduce the cost of governance, combat corruption and create an environment where businesses can thrive, we can build a more productive, secure, democratic and prosperous Africa,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Obi disclosed that before leaving Cape Town for Johannesburg, he met with former Botswana President Ian Khama and former South African President Thabo Mbeki.
He said the meeting gave him the opportunity to appreciate both leaders for their advocacy for peace, unity and stability across Africa, particularly their comments on recent immigration-related tensions within the region.
Obi described Khama and Mbeki as respected African statesmen whose contributions continue to resonate across the continent even after leaving office.
Peter Obi and President Ian Khama
During his meeting with Mbeki, Obi also reunited with former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, who delivered a keynote address at the Africa Day lecture organised by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.
The lecture focused on rebuilding unity and revitalising institutions across Africa.
