Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Africans living abroad to move beyond remittances and become active partners in rebuilding the continent, arguing that the diaspora holds the expertise, influence and global networks needed to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking at Mandela Hall, the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, during a keynote address on “The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development across Africa,” Obi said Africa’s future depends not only on its governments but also on the willingness of its citizens abroad to shape governance, transfer knowledge and invest in development.
He described Africa as one of the world’s most richly endowed continents, blessed with abundant natural resources, over 1.5 billion people and the world’s largest youthful workforce.
According to him, the continent also possesses nearly one billion hectares of arable land, much of it still uncultivated, making it capable of becoming a global agricultural powerhouse.
Yet, Obi noted, Africa continues to account for the largest share of the world’s extremely poor population, a reality he attributed to weak governance rather than a lack of potential.
“The missing link is competent leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance,” he said.
Obi urged Africans in the diaspora to use the lessons learned from countries with strong institutions to demand accountability from leaders back home.
He said their responsibility extends beyond sending money to relatives, stressing that they should champion reforms, encourage investment, mentor young Africans and contribute ideas that can strengthen institutions across the continent.
Drawing parallels with Japan and China, Obi said both countries benefited immensely from citizens who acquired education, skills and experience abroad before returning or contributing to national development.
He argued that Africa could chart a similar path if governments embraced competent leadership while creating an enabling environment for diaspora expertise and investment to flourish.
The NDC presidential candidate maintained that Africa’s transformation would require a partnership between visionary leadership at home and an engaged diaspora determined to help unlock the continent’s vast economic potential.