Peter Obi arrives South Africa for Spier Dialogue on Africa’s future

Africa, Politics

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in the Spier Dialogue 2026, where he is expected to address global leaders and stakeholders on policies aimed at driving Africa’s growth and development.

In a statement issued on Friday, Obi described the dialogue as a critical platform focused on the future of Africa and the urgent challenges confronting the continent and the wider global community.

According to him, the event comes at a crucial period as Africa faces growing concerns around governance, democracy, economic inclusion, urbanisation, migration, and leadership, while also presenting opportunities driven by the energy and creativity of the continent’s youthful population.

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Obi said he looks forward to engaging in discussions with leaders and stakeholders from different parts of the world, noting that he would deliver an address on policies geared toward sustainable growth.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that Africa’s future should not be defined by poverty amid abundant resources or by division instead of development.

“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,” he said.

Obi also disclosed that he met with members of the Nigerian community in Cape Town upon his arrival, where discussions centred on recent challenges affecting African expatriates in South Africa.

He said the meeting lasted more than two hours and focused on strengthening engagement with Nigerians living abroad.

The former presidential candidate reiterated his commitment to advocating for what he described as “a New Nigeria and a New Africa,” driven by integrity, service, youth empowerment, education, and accountable leadership.