Nigerian billionaire businessman and CEO of Nedcomoaks Limited, Kennedy Okonkwo, has called on African investors, both at home and in the diaspora, to take charge of the continent’s economic destiny by harnessing its abundant human and natural resources.
Speaking at The Invest in Africa Series 2025 London Edition, Okonkwo emphasised that Africa possesses all it needs to thrive—vast natural resources, a youthful workforce, and a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
However, he warned that if Africans fail to invest in their economies, foreign investors will continue to dominate key industries.
“We have 60% of the world’s arable land and 30% of its mineral resources, yet we import $35 billion worth of food annually.
“This is not a setback but a call to action. If Africans abroad invest just 10% of their $2 trillion combined wealth back home, we can revolutionise the continent,” Okonkwo said.
Drawing from his journey, from being a homeless young boy in Lagos to becoming a real estate magnate, he underscored the vast opportunities within Africa, urging investors to see beyond the challenges and tap into the continent’s transformative potential.
The campaign will continue in Manchester on March 22 and Birmingham on March 23 as Okonkwo seeks to mobilise diaspora investors to reinvest strategically in agriculture, real estate, technology, and education.
“Africa’s future does not lie in foreign aid but in African-led investments. We must bridge the gap between diaspora wealth and local talent, creating Africa-owned businesses and industries,” he stated.
He also highlighted the growing influence of foreign investors, particularly from China, Lebanon, and India, in key sectors of African economies. Rather than viewing this as a threat, Okonkwo positioned it as a wake-up call for African professionals and entrepreneurs to take ownership of their industries.
“We need to train and retrain our people to take full advantage of opportunities within critical sectors like construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. No one will build a better Africa for us—we must do it ourselves,” he stressed.
While acknowledging leadership challenges, Okonkwo urged African investors not to be deterred but to actively shape the continent’s economic future. “We cannot keep throwing away the baby with the bathwater. Africa’s transformation depends on our collective action,” he concluded.
Africa Has Adequate Human, Natural Resources To Unlock Potential—Ned Okonkwo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
