EU-UNDP Support Pivotal to ESIPO's success at the 27th World Investment Conference - Uwaibi

By Henry Oqua

From (L); Mona E. Haddad, Global Director, Trade, Investment, and Competitiveness, World Bank; Kelvin Uwaibi, Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office, Nigeria; Gunther Beger, Managing Director, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, UNIDO at the recent 27th World Investment Conference, New Delhi, India. 

Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) has returned from the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) in New Delhi, India, expressing appreciation to the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their invaluable support.

The conference, themed: "Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth," was a pivotal platform for global investment discussions.

ESIPO's participation at the conference was strategically aimed at addressing economic and social challenges impacting investment in-flows, specifically in emerging economies like Nigeria.

Throughout the event, ESIPO engaged in diverse activities, including intensive technical sessions, and strategic networking sessions focused on bolstering investment prospects in Edo State.

ESIPO's core objectives revolved around learning from global peers, understanding evolving FDI trends, and enhancing investment prospects for Edo State. 

The team actively participated in specialized technical sessions led by industry experts, diving deep into strategies for unlocking potential in climate-focused FDI, refining investor engagement approaches, and mobilizing institutional investments.

The technical sessions were instrumental, offering insights from global development leaders and discussions on bridging FDI gaps, leveraging technology for investments, and promoting climate-conscious initiatives.

ESIPO actively contributed to dialogues advocating transparent investment policies, technology-driven growth, and innovative approaches aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ESIPO's engagements included meetings with various businesses and startups, fostering potential collaborations and exploring investment opportunities in Edo State. 

Crucial discussions with Invest India, Business France, and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zone paved the way for potential collaborations and investment facilitation, ensuring a robust investment landscape.

Participation in WAIPA's Start-Up Capital Connects showcased the potential of startups in Edo State, highlighting the region's attractiveness in available energy, internet connectivity and enabling business environment to prospective investors.

Kelvin Uwaibi, Managing Director of ESIPO, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the EU-UNDP partnership for their unwavering support. 

As he emphasized Edo State's commitment to welcoming EU investors, envisioning it as the preferred cosmopolitan destination by 2030. 

"Edo State has made gains in establishing an ecosystem conducive for investors and digital nomads, fostering an environment for living, working, and flourishing," Uwaibi told WAIPA on the sidelines of the conference.

ESIPO's active engagement and fruitful interactions at the 27th WIC underscored the government's commitment to attracting strategic investments, fostering economic growth, and aligning with global investment trends.

As ESIPO continues its journey, the focus remains steadfast on positioning Edo State as an investment haven and a hub for sustainable growth and development, propelled by fruitful collaborations and strategic initiatives. 

This Uwaibi believes can be achieved with the robust support provided by the EU and UNDP.