Anambra Set for Investment Summit

Anambra state government says all is set for the second edition of the Investment Summit, scheduled for November 14, 2024, at the International Conference Centre in Awka, the state capital.

The summit aims to showcase projects that have progressed from conceptualisation to bankability, inviting potential investors to support the state’s development initiatives.

This upcoming summit follows the success of the inaugural event held last year, during which critical agreements and funding arrangements were established.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference organised by the Anambra State Investment Protection and Promotion Agency (ANSIPPA), the State Ministry of Industry, and the State Ministry of Information.

Speaking at the event, ANSIPPA Managing Director, Mr. Mark Okoye, emphasised Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to advancing Anambra’s economic landscape.

He highlighted a strategic pivot in ANSIPPA’s operations from a supply-driven agency to one focused on facilitating projects aligned with the governor’s manifesto and the 50-year Anambra development plan. This approach emphasizes vital sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, innovation, tourism, and industrialisation.

“Over the last year, extensive work has been done to drive project development forward. This summit will serve as an opportunity for the governor to provide updates on signed agreements and the status of ongoing projects,” Okoye stated. He noted that the summit would feature projects ready for investment, including the Anambra Industrial City, the Rail Masterplan, and the New Awka City, among others.

The summit aims to attract a diverse audience, including investors, local entrepreneurs, and representatives from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).

Okoye underlined the significance of developing a comprehensive database of interested investors to ensure that projects receive the necessary financial backing.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to showcasing only bankable projects, emphasising the necessity for investors to demonstrate available funding and technical capabilities.

Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, reiterated the government’s dedication to ready projects with defined timelines, stating that only serious investors willing to commit financially and deliver accordingly would be entertained.

He pointed out the summit’s potential to unveil new economic sectors ripe for investment, particularly in solid minerals and oil and gas.

Safe Investment Climate

Additionally, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, reassured attendees of Anambra’s safety for investment, contrasting it with challenges faced in other southeastern states. He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate with the government through the Public-Private Community Partnership initiative to realize the vision for a prosperous Anambra.

Udechukwu highlighted Anambra’s leading status in ease of doing business in Southern Nigeria and its robust support for small and medium enterprises.

“The upcoming summit represents a pivotal moment to attract further investments and elevate the state’s economic capacity.
“The stakes are high as Anambra aims to position itself as a premier investment destination; the forthcoming summit is expected to play a crucial role in turning that vision into reality,” Udechukwu stated.

Hauwa Abu