Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that Africa has no justification for remaining poor, pointing to the continent’s vast but neglected natural and human resources as a basis for prosperity .
Speaking over the weekend at the Spier Dialogue Event in Cape Town, South Africa, themed “Policies for Growth in Africa,” Obi addressed an international audience of policymakers and stakeholders, laying bare the paradox of a resource-rich continent trapped in poverty .
In a post on his X handle following the event, the former Anambra State governor outlined Africa’s staggering endowment. “Our continent is endowed with vast natural and human resources,” he wrote. “Africa possesses significant mineral reserves, more than 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, and boasts the youngest population globally” .
Obi stressed that these attributes “should be viewed as valuable assets for economic progress, not liabilities” .
Leadership Failure, Not Resource Scarcity
Despite this abundance, Obi said Africa continues to grapple with poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment. He identified the root causes as ineffective leadership, corruption, fragile institutions, and the high cost of governance across many African nations .
The NDC flag bearer lamented that numerous African countries are currently struggling with low life expectancy, elevated infant mortality rates, rampant unemployment, and worsening poverty levels . Small and medium enterprises, which are critical drivers of economic growth, he noted, are collapsing under harsh economic conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent government policies .
“What Africa requires is capable leadership that exhibits capacity, empathy, and a commitment to prioritize production over consumption, and development over political maneuvering,” Obi declared .
A Call for a New Direction
Moving forward, Obi urged African leaders to abandon what he described as endless political distractions. “Africa must adopt a forward-thinking approach. We should divert our attention from the distractions of politics and endless elections towards enhancing productivity, fostering development, and engaging in nation-building efforts,” he said .
He stressed that the continent’s future hinges on aggressive investments in Human Development Index indicators, particularly in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation .
Obi also called for a fundamental shift in governance philosophy, urging leaders to cut wasteful spending, strengthen institutions, and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. “By investing in our people, strengthening institutions, lowering governance costs, combating corruption, and fostering a conducive environment for businesses, we can create a more productive, secure, democratic, and prosperous Africa that serves its entire population,” he stated .
Beyond the Dialogue
Obi’s engagement in South Africa extended beyond the Spier Dialogue. During his visit, he also held high-level meetings with South African government officials, including Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie . Discussions focused on migration pressures, economic hardship, youth unemployment, and rising tensions involving African expatriates in South Africa .
He also met with members of the Nigerian community in Cape Town, where he listened to their concerns regarding security and peaceful coexistence in the country .
“The progress of Africa depends on our ability to build unity, promote economic inclusion, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African regardless of where they live,” Obi said .
As the 2027 general election approaches, Obi’s message from Cape Town appears aimed at positioning him as the candidate offering a vision of competent, developmental leadership capable of unlocking Africa’s potential — a stark contrast to what he describes as the politics of consumption and endless political maneuvering that has held the continent back .
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