Wake Up, Africa” – Obi Reveals Masterplan To Beat Trump’s Economic Onslaught

“Wake Up, Africa” – Obi Reveals Masterplan To Beat Trump’s Economic Onslaught

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on African countries to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade tariffs by focusing on productivity and human capital development.…….READ MORE 

Speaking in London at the 2025 Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) Trade and Investment Summit, Obi urged African leaders to push a transformation agenda that would drive economic growth from within.

According to Obi, Africa has become too dependent on Western institutions and must now rise to the challenge by building strong economies anchored on innovation, quality education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.

This follows the U.S. government’s decision to impose a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports, citing trade restrictions Nigeria had placed on 25 American goods. Last week, Trump launched the policy under a new set of measures called “Liberation Day”, which impacts almost every country including Nigeria.

Obi pointed out that Africa’s share of global trade is still extremely low—between 2 to 3 percent, with a GDP per capita of only $1,900, compared to Asia’s $9,000.

He stressed that with Africa’s large youth population—over one billion strong—and vast natural resources, the continent has what it takes to become a global agricultural and industrial force.

Obi said Africa’s food and agriculture sector, currently worth $280 billion, could rise to over $1 trillion by 2030, if properly harnessed.

He concluded by urging African governments to take charge, produce what the world needs, and adapt smartly to whatever new trade rules emerge from Trump’s disruption.

> “We need the right leadership to shift priorities, increase productivity, and move Africa up the global value chain,” Obi stated.