Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Africa’s over-reliance on foreign assistance has stifled the continent’s development.
Speaking at a panel session during the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025) held in Abuja on Thursday, Obasanjo described Africa’s political systems as deeply flawed and dependent.
He noted that good governance and sound policy choices can unlock the wealth and potential of African nations.
“We have lived too long on aid. Is that how Africa should be expecting to survive? I don’t believe so,” Obasanjo said.
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“We run to Japan; we run to China. But for how much? China will give $20 billion, which a single African country can generate if it is well governed.”
He challenged African leaders to prioritise knowledge-driven governance, arguing that informed policymaking at all levels is crucial to long-term development and self-reliance.
“If we have knowledge, we will get the right policies from the community level to the national, sub-regional, and continental levels. And those policies will reflect the world we live in,” he said.
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Obasanjo also criticised the absence of genuine opposition in African democracies, warning that the political culture in many countries mirrors a “monocracy” rather than true democratic practice.
“In most African languages, opposition is the enemy. Where do you talk of a loyal enemy? Our democracy is not a democracy — it is a monocracy,” he said.
“You buy everyone; you become treasurer, and the money goes into your pocket.”
Reflecting on Africa’s traditional governance model, the former president noted that the continent’s historical approach to leadership was based on consensus rather than adversarial party politics.
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“In the African system, we never talk of opposition. We sit down, argue, and get a consensus. Not government versus opposition. Now is the time to say it is not working for us. Even for them, it’s not working,” he said.
He urged African leaders to rethink both their internal political arrangements and economic strategies to ensure an independent future for the continent.
