The Edo State Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment (MBTI) on Thursday hosted a high-level delegation from the Euro-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EACCI) as discussions intensified on the implementation of a $250 million investment in strategic sectors of the state’s economy. The delegation was led by Amb. Dr. Kingsley Obasohan, Director General, and included Arc. Austin Emuen, Lead Implementation Partner (Africa); Comrade Tony Erha, Director of Media Strategy; Dr. Iyere Iheonkhan, Finance Director; and Comfort Selabo, Senior Legal Officer, Edo State Diaspora Agency.
Amb. Dr. Obasohan explained that the visit follows a strategic meeting with Governor Monday Okpebholo and builds on commitments first announced in Glasgow in September, where EACCI pledged the $250 million to support Edo State’s economic growth. Key sectors targeted include agriculture, healthcare, energy, water and wastewater management, waste management, mineral development, and a flagship electric vehicle assembly plant, which will attract $30 million in investment.
A major highlight of the engagement was the announcement of a youth development program. EACCI revealed plans to train 30,000 Edo youth across all three senatorial districts, equipping them with skills in modern agriculture, digital markets, green technology, and electric mobility. The top 20 candidates will be carefully selected based on performance, dedication, and potential, and will be sponsored for advanced training abroad, ensuring they are on par with their global peers and prepared to take leadership roles in Edo State’s industrial and technological transformation.
Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Hon. Omoh Anabor, welcomed the delegation warmly and reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting investors. He emphasized that MBTI would provide seamless administrative and technical support, coordinating closely with other MDAs to expedite approvals and facilitate smooth implementation of projects. Hon. Anabor also highlighted the importance of the youth program, describing it as a strategic investment in human capital that complements the state’s SHINE Agenda. “These young people are the future of Edo State. By equipping them with global-standard skills, we are ensuring that Edo will remain competitive and innovative in the years ahead,” he said.
EACCI confirmed that preliminary research and implementation activities are scheduled to commence between January and February 2026, focusing on digital systems, agricultural clusters, and infrastructure development. The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, F. Edokpolor, explained that MBTI’s Digital Peers platform will streamline administrative processes and enhance investor support, ensuring efficient and transparent implementation.
Those in attendance included , the Permanent Secretary, MBTI, and other senior management staff, who provided technical and administrative support throughout the engagement, signaling Edo State’s readiness to host and sustain large-scale investment partnerships.
