By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
5- DEC- 2025

The kick-off of the Imo Economic Summit of December 2025 marked a historic moment as global political and business leaders converged on Owerri to demonstrate unprecedented support for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s ambitious plan to unlock Imo State’s economic future. It was the first summit of such scale since the State’s creation, signalling the beginning of a transformative journey.

World leaders, leading economists, global investors, and high-ranking government representatives were in attendance, showcasing the event’s international significance. Their presence reaffirmed the global community’s interest in partnering with Imo State as it strategically positions itself for accelerated development.

Among the distinguished guests were President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Amina Akim of Mauritius, Prime Minister Americo Ramos of São Tomé and Príncipe, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Each brought with them perspectives shaped by decades of leadership in global development.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, delivered a powerful message of solidarity from the Federal Government. He praised the vision of the summit and reiterated the President’s unwavering support for Imo’s economic reawakening.

President Tinubu, through his representative, emphasized that partnership between subnational governments and the federal structure is vital to sustaining national growth. He highlighted that the administration is committed to helping states implement reforms that expand business opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and create jobs.

He expressed confidence that the summit would serve as a launchpad for unlocking the economic ecosystem of Imo State, urging local and international investors to seize the abundant opportunities created by recent national reforms and the enabling environment already visible in the State.

In their keynote presentations, the leaders of Liberia, Mauritius, and São Tomé and Príncipe underscored Africa’s rising profile in global economics. They noted that Nigeria—particularly states like Imo with an energetic youth population—is positioned to lead the continent’s next wave of advancement.

President Amina Akim of Mauritius highlighted renewable energy as a frontier sector and pledged collaboration with Imo State to expand its clean energy initiatives. She described Imo as a willing and capable partner in Africa’s green energy expansion.

President Joseph Boakai of Liberia emphasized the role of innovation in driving transformational growth. He stressed that technological adoption can reposition Imo as a regional economic force and urged African leaders to prioritise development-focused governance.

President Boakai noted shared similarities between Imo and Liberia, praising both societies for their resilience and commitment to progress. He encouraged deeper regional cooperation to strengthen democratic governance and inclusive development.

Boakai also celebrated Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, stating that such achievements reflect broader African progress—a progress he believes Imo State is prepared to actively contribute to through visionary leadership.

Welcoming the global audience, Governor Uzodimma described the summit as a turning point in Imo’s economic journey. He declared that Imo has transitioned from a rising State to a fully risen one, ready to compete with major investment destinations across Africa.

The Governor introduced a new definition of IMO: Investment Meets Opportunities, underscoring the State’s strategic location, entrepreneurial population, and expanding infrastructure as key pillars for sustained growth.

Uzodimma applauded President Tinubu’s nationwide policy reforms, stating they have created the right conditions for investors to thrive. He emphasized that Imo’s $1 trillion economy aspiration is fully aligned with the Federal Government’s economic renewal agenda.

He highlighted Imo’s competitive advantages, including fertile agricultural belts, a rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, and its status as home to the largest proven gas reserves in West Africa—assets he said investors can immediately leverage.

Addressing infrastructure, the Governor announced that Imo has successfully constructed over 120 major roads linking communities, industrial zones, and neighbouring states. He said the improved connectivity is already stimulating commerce and reducing travel time.

A major announcement was the imminent commencement of the Light Up Imo Project, which aims to deliver 24-hour electricity to power industries, tech hubs, and commercial districts. Uzodimma described constant electricity as the backbone of the State’s economic plan.

On land reforms, the Governor revealed that the establishment of the Imo Land Information Centre has eliminated bottlenecks and transformed land administration into a modern, transparent, and technology-driven system, thereby boosting investor confidence.

He further identified other transformative initiatives such as dredging the Orashi River to the Atlantic to unlock maritime trade, establishing Imo as Nigeria’s digital innovation centre, and promoting OKOBI—One Kindred, One Business Initiative—to stimulate grassroots enterprise development.

Concluding his address, Governor Uzodimma extended an open invitation to global investors to become active participants in Imo’s economic rebirth. He reaffirmed that Imo is not merely ready for investment—it is structured, positioned, and determined to become one of Africa’s most dynamic economic destinations.

The Imo Economic Summit continued to attract powerful endorsements as distinguished speakers delivered compelling addresses in support of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s economic blueprint. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, praised the Governor’s strategic foresight, particularly his bold investment in an independent power project designed to deliver uninterrupted electricity across the State. Describing the initiative as a “real game changer,” Edun asserted that reliable power will unlock industrial growth, enhance productivity, and position Imo as one of Nigeria’s most competitive economic hubs. He further noted that Nigeria’s economy is on a progressive upward trajectory, with expanding fiscal capacity and a target of 7 percent annual growth. To accelerate this national ambition, he encouraged deeper collaboration among local, state, and federal institutions to build a unified pathway to prosperity.

Adding a global perspective, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in shaping global climate solutions. He highlighted that the continent possesses immense natural advantages capable of transforming global environmental efforts. Ban Ki-moon urged stronger international cooperation, stressing that climate challenges require shared responsibility and the spirit of global citizenship. By advocating environmental stewardship and sustainability, he encouraged African nations—including Imo State—to fully embrace innovation, resilience, and partnerships as key tools for combating climate threats and advancing long-term development.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also addressed the gathering, expressing admiration for Governor Uzodimma’s forward-looking vision for an economic renaissance. Johnson hailed Nigeria as one of the world’s most promising investment frontiers, fueled by its youthful population, rich natural resources, and expanding digital economy. He described the country as a future global powerhouse and commended Imo State for positioning itself strategically to benefit from Nigeria’s immense potential.

In another resounding endorsement, former President of the Africa Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting major economic projects in Imo. He highlighted the transformational value of the Orashi River dredging project, which aims to open new maritime trade corridors and strengthen Imo’s logistical capacity. Prof. Oramah also referenced the establishment of a state-of-the-art petrochemical testing facility near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport—an investment expected to elevate Imo’s role in global petrochemical exports and attract high-value industries.

The President of Dangote Group, Africa’s foremost industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote, added his voice by commending President Tinubu for implementing reforms that strengthen national economic stability. Dangote encouraged entrepreneurs to invest courageously in Nigeria, noting that the nation’s vast natural resources and entrepreneurial talent remain unmatched. He assured Governor Uzodimma that the Dangote Group is willing and ready to partner with the Imo State Government in any developmental area deemed appropriate, reinforcing investor confidence in the State’s economic direction.

The summit hall was filled with an impressive array of global and local leaders—including diplomats, multinational executives, development partners, top financiers, and influential business figures such as Dr. ABC Ojiakor, Ogbuagu Ernest Nwapa, Mr. Abdulrasak Isaiah of Walmart, and Mr. Uzoma Dozie of Sparkle Microfinance Bank. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, captains of industry, and top-tier investors also graced the event, validating the summit’s stature as a global investment magnet.

In a strong show of political solidarity, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Yetaweh Nantewah, along with former National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, joined several serving governors and political stakeholders at the summit. Members of the Federal Executive Council, federal and state legislators, and senior officials of the Imo State Executive Council also attended in full strength, reflecting the broad national support behind Imo State’s transformative agenda under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership.