In an address at the Commonwealth-organized Trade and Investment Summit in London, 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate Mr. Peter Obi, emphasized the untapped potential within Africa, themed “Harnessing the African Opportunity.”
Highlighting Africa’s significance as the second-largest continent with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, He stressed the continent’s wealth, encompassing natural resources and a dynamic workforce. He outlined four key sectors—Technology, Entertainment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture—as pivotal to Africa’s emergence on the global stage.
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“Africa is not just catching up, but innovating,”He Obi stated, citing examples from fintech solutions to mobile technologies that bypass traditional infrastructure, fostering innovation and increased access to education and healthcare. The address underscored Africa’s abundant natural resources, including substantial shares of gold, chromium, platinum, and the majority of cobalt, diamonds, and uranium globally.
He highlighted the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) position as the richest country in mineral resources, estimated at over $24 trillion. Obi passionately advocated for agricultural transformation, asserting, “Nigeria can earn more from agriculture than from oil.”
Despite acknowledging challenges linked to leadership failures and poverty, Obi expressed optimism, urging the Commonwealth’s involvement in fostering accountable political leadership across Africa.
In conclusion, he affirmed his hope for “a New Africa and a New Nigeria,” emphasizing the need for strategic reforms to unlock Africa’s vast opportunities for the continent, the Commonwealth, and the global economy.