Owerri, the capital of Imo State, is currently the centre of attention for the West African economic community. The state is hosting the prestigious Imo Invest Summit 2025, a major two-day gathering designed to attract global capital and showcase the region's reform agenda.
Global Dignitaries Converge on Owerri
The summit, which commenced on December 4 and runs through December 5, was officially declared open by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma. The event has drawn an impressive roster of international figures to the Concorde Boulevard venue. Notable attendees include former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.
They are joined by a diverse assembly of investors, policy experts, and development partners from across the globe, signalling strong international interest in Imo's economic trajectory.
Showcasing Imo's Economic Blueprint
Under the theme “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation,” the summit serves as a platform to present the state's comprehensive strategy for growth. Governor Uzodimma stated that the event reflects growing confidence in the state's direction, with Imo ready to offer “bankable projects, concrete reforms, and real opportunities” to the investment community.
The state's presentation focuses on several key sectors poised for development:
- Industrial Growth & Infrastructure: Emphasis on expanding critical infrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships.
- Clean Energy & Gas: A major highlight is the Orashi Special Energy Zone, central to the state's gas-to-industry and renewable energy plans.
- Agriculture & Technology: Priority areas include agro-processing, solid minerals, digital infrastructure, and the creative economy.
Summit Agenda and Expected Outcomes
The first day of the summit featured a keynote address by Ban Ki-moon on positioning African subnational economies for global investment. The agenda included a fireside chat with Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, and panel discussions on infrastructure, energy access, and logistics.
Day two shifts focus to youth, technology, agro-industrialization, and digital transformation. Practical sessions are a key component, with business matchmaking, a solid minerals roundtable, an SME pitch event, and closed-door meetings with government officials and development finance institutions all scheduled.
This high-profile summit positions Imo State as a serious contender for international investment, aiming to translate dialogue and presentations into tangible projects and partnerships that will drive economic development in the heart of West Africa.
