The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has called on Africans in the diaspora to play a more active role in promoting good governance and sustainable development across the continent, insisting that Africa’s greatest challenge is not a lack of resources but a deficit in leadership.
Obi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, on Friday, July 10, 2026, during a programme themed “The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development Across Africa.”
In a statement shared via his official X account on Sunday, Obi described Africa as the richest continent in the world, blessed with vast natural resources, fertile land and a youthful population capable of driving global economic growth.
He noted that Africa covers more than 30 million square kilometres, making it the world’s second-largest continent by landmass, while its population of over 1.5 billion people, including more than one billion young people, represents the largest youthful workforce globally.
According to him, the continent also possesses nearly one billion hectares of arable land, about 60 per cent of which remains uncultivated, giving Africa the capacity not only to feed itself but also to become the food basket of the world.
Despite these enormous advantages, Obi lamented that Africa remains home to the world’s largest concentration of people living in extreme poverty.
He observed that of the estimated 800 million people living in extreme poverty globally, nearly 60 per cent, or about 480 million people, are in Africa, with Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the countries most affected.
“In other words, nearly one in every three Africans lives in extreme poverty. Likewise, in multidimensional poverty, Africa continues to bear the greatest burden,” he said.
Questioning why the continent has failed to translate its abundant resources into prosperity, Obi argued that the missing link is effective leadership.
“It means there is a missing link. That missing link is competent leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance,” he stated.
According to him, Africa requires leaders who possess the competence and integrity needed to unlock the continent’s vast potential.
“What Africa needs is leadership that will rise to the challenge and drive the continent in the right direction.
This means competent leadership with character, capacity, compassion and commitment to begin turning the continent around.
When we get leadership right, everything else begins to change. We start realising our true potential,” he added.
Turning to the role of Africans living abroad, Obi said members of the diaspora have a significant responsibility because they live in societies where institutions function more effectively and democratic accountability is stronger.
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He urged them to become vocal advocates for good governance and democratic accountability across Africa.
“Because you live in societies where institutions largely work, where democracy is strengthened by accountability and where systems function more effectively, you have both an opportunity and a responsibility to help build Africa.
“It is time to become stronger advocates for good governance. Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter.
They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent.
“Stand firmly for what is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit you. Let them know where they are getting it wrong. That is what some of us have continued to do,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also highlighted the crucial role diaspora communities have played in the economic transformation of other nations.
He cited Japan’s modernisation following the Meiji Restoration of 1868, noting that Japanese professionals and scholars who studied abroad later returned home to drive technological advancement.
He also referenced China’s economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping, which began in 1978, saying the country’s embrace of education, innovation and global engagement enabled its diaspora to contribute significantly to lifting millions out of poverty.
Obi observed that while China once had more people living in poverty than Africa, sustained reforms and effective leadership had enabled it to dramatically reduce extreme poverty, whereas Africa continues to grapple with the challenge.
He maintained that Africa’s future depends on accountable leadership, stronger institutions and the active participation of Africans at home and in the diaspora in shaping the continent’s development trajectory.