Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has cautioned African governments against celebrating economic growth figures that fail to reflect real improvements in the lives of their citizens.
Speaking at a recent economic forum, Osinbajo emphasized that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth should not be the sole measure of national progress, noting that many African countries record impressive growth rates while poverty, unemployment, and inequality remain widespread.
He urged policymakers across the continent to focus on inclusive growth strategies that create jobs, improve education, strengthen healthcare systems, and expand social safety nets.
According to him, “It is not enough to grow the GDP; what matters is how that growth impacts the ordinary citizen. A nation’s success must be measured by the welfare and opportunities of its people, not just by economic statistics.”
Osinbajo called for pragmatic policies that link economic performance to human development outcomes, stressing that Africa’s future prosperity depends on translating growth into tangible benefits for all.