LONDON, United Kingdom – November 28, 2023 – In a compelling address at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London, Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra State, Nigeria, proclaimed Africa as the ideal destination for trade and investment.
Obi, a seasoned politician and astute businessman, painted a vivid picture of Africa’s immense potential, highlighting the continent’s abundant natural resources, burgeoning youthful workforce, and expanding middle class. He underscored Africa’s impressive economic growth, with several African economies outperforming global averages.
“Africa’s time has come,” Obi declared. “The continent is not just catching up with technological advancements; it is innovating at a remarkable pace.” He cited the transformative power of fintech solutions and mobile technologies in revolutionizing education, healthcare, and agriculture across Africa.
Obi also extolled the burgeoning African entertainment industry, epitomized by Nollywood and its counterparts in other African nations. He emphasized its growth potential, cultural significance, and ability to attract global investments and attention.
With its vast reserves of minerals, oil, gas, and arable land, Obi described Africa as a treasure trove of natural wealth, offering immense investment prospects in mining and agriculture. He particularly emphasized Africa’s untapped agricultural potential, stating that the continent possesses a significant portion of the world’s uncultivated arable land, presenting an opportunity to become a global agricultural powerhouse if the right policies and investments are implemented.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by Africa, such as leadership failures, limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and poverty, Obi emphasized the need for partnerships to harness the continent’s opportunities. He proposed an African Consensus, a framework designed by Africans in collaboration with strategic partners, to drive sustainable development and growth in Africa.
Obi also highlighted the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in supporting Africa’s development agenda. He proposed collaboration between Africa and the Commonwealth to create a special fund for infrastructure development, promote exports, facilitate knowledge exchange, and craft a globally attractive African Development Agenda.
Addressing the issue of leadership in Africa, Obi asserted that effective harnessing of Africa’s opportunities would require accountable and responsible leadership across the continent. He emphasized the need for an African Consensus Development Agenda rooted in responsible leadership, urging support from strategic partners like the Commonwealth.
Obi’s address resonated with the summit’s attendees, former leaders, former Ministers, and heads of institutions from among the Commonwealth countries. His vision of a prosperous and vibrant Africa, driven by trade, investment, and responsible leadership, inspired hope and optimism among those seeking to unlock Africa’s immense potential.