Obi meets Khama, Mbeki, Fayemi; urges Africa to shift from politics to productivity

Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi capped his engagements in Cape Town with a high‑profile meeting alongside two respected African statesmen — President Ian Khama of Botswana and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa — before departing for Johannesburg.

Obi described the encounter as an opportunity to thank both leaders for their positive interventions on immigration issues and their continued advocacy for peace and unity across the continent. He noted that Khama and Mbeki remain influential voices in Africa due to their contributions during and after their presidencies.

During his audience with Mbeki, Obi also reconnected with Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State, who delivered the keynote at the Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture. Fayemi’s address focused on rebuilding unity and revitalising institutions, themes Obi said were critical to Africa’s future.

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The event was organised by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

Earlier, at the Spier Dialogue Event on “Policies for Growth in Africa”, Obi argued that Africa’s abundant resources — including vast mineral deposits, over 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, and the youngest population globally — should position the continent among the world’s leading economies. He insisted that persistent poverty is unjustifiable given these endowments.

Obi blamed Africa’s slow development on poor leadership, corruption, weak institutions, and high governance costs, urging leaders to move away from “politics and endless election cycles” toward productivity and nation‑building. He stressed that Africa’s future depends on aggressive investment in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction, warning that small businesses are collapsing under harsh economic conditions and inconsistent policies.

He called for competent leadership that prioritises production over consumption and development over politics, adding that strengthening institutions, reducing governance costs, and creating an enabling environment for businesses would make Africa more secure, democratic, and prosperous.

Upon arrival in South Africa, Obi also met with members of the Nigerian community in Cape Town, where discussions centred on challenges facing African expatriates. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for a “New Nigeria and a New Africa” built on integrity, service, youth empowerment, education, and accountable leadership.

Obi concluded his engagements by declaring: “It is time for us to move from consumption to production, from divisive politics to politics rooted in competence and compassion, and from empty promises to measurable progress that impacts everyday citizens.”