At Spier Dialogue, former Anambra governor blames poor leadership and weak institutions for Africa’s underperformance despite vast resources

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has called for a decisive shift from politics to productivity across Africa, warning that the continent’s continued underdevelopment stems largely from leadership failures and weak institutions.

Speaking at the Spier Dialogue in Cape Town, South Africa, where he delivered a guest lecture on “Policies for Growth in Africa,” Obi argued that Africa possesses all the fundamentals needed for economic transformation but has failed to harness them effectively.

According to him, Africa’s vast mineral wealth, over 60 percent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, and its position as home to the youngest population globally should serve as powerful drivers of growth rather than missed opportunities.

“Africa has no reason to remain poor,” Obi said, stressing that these advantages are strategic assets capable of transforming the continent’s economic fortunes.

He, however, identified poor leadership, corruption, high cost of governance, and fragile institutions as key factors holding the continent back. Obi urged African leaders to move beyond “endless election cycles” and refocus governance on development, productivity, and nation-building.

The former governor emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in Human Development Index (HDI) indicators, particularly education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. He noted that many African countries still grapple with low life expectancy, high infant mortality rates, rising unemployment, and deepening poverty.

Obi also raised concerns about the struggles of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), describing them as the backbone of economic growth but increasingly burdened by harsh economic conditions, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent government policies.

He called for a new leadership approach anchored on competence, compassion, and commitment to prioritizing production over consumption. Strengthening institutions, reducing governance costs, tackling corruption, and creating a business-friendly environment, he said, are critical steps toward building a more prosperous continent.

“A new Africa is possible,” Obi concluded, urging stakeholders across the continent to embrace reforms that will unlock sustainable growth and shared prosperity.