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14 December 2024 – The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) has forged a new partnership with the Enugu State Government to boost trade and investment in the region. The agreement was officially signed earlier this month at the Government House in Enugu, where CWEIC’s Chief Executive, Rosie Glazebrook, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to supporting the investment drive of Enugu State Governor, H.E. Peter Mbah’s administration.

During the ceremony, Rosie extended her gratitude to Governor Mbah for agreeing to co-chair the Governors Roundtable at the upcoming 2025 Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London. Governor Mbah further expressed that the partnership with CWEIC aligns perfectly with his administration’s ambitious goal to expand Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in the coming years.

“We know that we cannot wish that growth into existence. Instead, we need to take steps. We have to do things deliberately and we have to be very intentional; which is why we see the partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council as quite strategic.

“The value of this strategic partnership cannot be lost on us because we see it as a platform that will enable us to tap in. We have over 140 private sector partners. Whether it is partnership between government and business or between government and government, we see you as that channel that would give us access”, Mbah stated.

Mrs Glazebrook was accompanied by CWEIC’s local team and Strategic Partners, including CWEIC Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Obinna Anyanwu; Novare South Africa representative, Mr Ayotunde Adesulu; Regional Head for South South & South East, Emerging Africa Group, Mr Collins Olise; and the Regional Director, South South/South East, Leadway Assurance, Mr Ikponmwosa Iyamu, noted the many investment opportunities in the state, commending also the governor’s effort to de-risk investment.

“The opportunities here are many. Whether it is education, infrastructure, the new city, the light railway. These are all of great interest to many of our partners,” Mr Iyamu stated.

This new partnership reflects CWEIC’s broader mandate to enhance trade, investment, and economic collaboration across the Commonwealth, promising substantial socio-economic benefits for Enugu and similar regions looking to capitalise on their unique strategic advantages.

Mbah emphasised that his administration’s huge investments in infrastructure, security, education, including the completion of the Enugu International Conference Centre, ongoing construction of the adjourning five-star hotel, revamping of moribund state assets, and the imminent launch of Enugu Air were all geared towards catalysing trade, investment, tourism, exponential economic growth in the state.

During CWEIC’s visit to Enugu, the delegation also had the opportunity to visit the almost completed International Conference Centre, and accompanying 5* Hotel Complex. Initially abandoned for 17 years, the project has recently been revitalised under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. The state government has approved the completion of the ICC and is committed to revamping other neglected projects in the region, restoring investor confidence. As of December 2024, the construction of the ICC is nearing completion, with reports indicating that it is 95% ready. The facility is expected to serve as a hub for conferences, events, and other gatherings, contributing to the socio-economic development of Enugu State. In addition to the conference centre, Governor Mbah has initiated the construction of a five-star hotel adjacent to the ICC. This development aims to provide luxury accommodation for visitors and enhance the appeal of Enugu as a destination for international conferences and tourism.

Learn more here: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/12/12/enugu-commonwealth-enterprise-investment-council-seal-strategic-partnership-deal/