Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged Africans in the diaspora to remain actively involved in shaping the continent’s future, saying their voices are important whenever things go wrong in Africa. Obi made the call while delivering a keynote address at Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, on Friday, 10th of July, 2026 during a discussion on “The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development across Africa.”
Obi described Africa as a continent of immense riches, rich not only because of its vast mineral resources but also because of its greatest asset, its people. Yet despite those advantages, he lamented that of the approximately 800 million people living in extreme poverty globally, nearly 60 percent are in Africa, with approximately 480 million people affected, and Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the countries most impacted.
He maintained that Africa’s vast human and natural resources can only deliver meaningful development when matched with visionary leadership. “The missing link is competent leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance,” he said, adding that getting leadership right would help unlock Africa’s potential.
The Diaspora’s Role
Obi was direct about what he expects from Africans abroad: “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.”
He urged Africans in the diaspora to remain steadfast in defending democratic values and supporting initiatives that promote electoral integrity, accountability and inclusive development across the continent, insisting that credible elections remain the foundation of legitimate governments and sustainable development.
Learning From Asia
Drawing comparisons with China and India, Obi argued that the experiences of both countries demonstrated that deliberate leadership and sound policies could significantly reduce poverty and transform national development. China has reduced the proportion of its population living in extreme poverty dramatically, while India has successfully leveraged the expertise of its diaspora medical professionals to build one of the world’s leading healthcare systems and a thriving medical tourism industry.
He urged African governments to create an enabling environment that would encourage skilled professionals in the diaspora to contribute their expertise, particularly in healthcare, education, technology and innovation.
Obi urged Africans at home and abroad to work together towards building a continent defined by unity, peace, shared prosperity and sustainable development. “When we create the enabling environment necessary for sustainable development, we start unlocking Africa’s potential,” he said.
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