By Osaiyekemwen Confidence
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken the state’s investment drive to the international stage, seeking strategic partnerships from the United States and other developed economies to accelerate economic growth at home.
The governor is participating in the ongoing 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., where he is engaging key investors and development partners to attract long-term capital into Edo State.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Edo as a destination for sustainable development across sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing.
“This marks a significant shift from past practices that leaned heavily on debt,” Itua said. “The governor’s focus is now on equity-based investment and long-term partnerships that enhance fiscal sustainability and deliver tangible results.”
The Edo delegation in Washington includes the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor; policy economist and head of Policy House International, Taiwo Akerele; and Special Adviser on Finance, Investment and Revenue Generation, Kizito Okpebholo. The team is showcasing investment-ready projects in mining, oil and gas, agro-processing, housing, and small and medium enterprise (SME) development.
As part of its engagements, the Edo State Government is co-hosting the first-ever Multi-Sector Global Partnership Summit, in collaboration with ReadyToLead Africa and Policy House International. The summit is designed to connect Edo with credible investors and global stakeholders in a bid to attract impactful capital and development support.
“The summit goes beyond rhetoric,” Itua said. “It’s a platform to transparently highlight Edo’s achievements and present clear plans for the future.”
Edo is also targeting funding from the World Bank’s $50 billion Africa-focused investment pipeline for 2025–2026. Areas of interest include public-private infrastructure ventures, academic exchange programs with Ambrose Alli University, social protection initiatives, and housing development.
While previous administrations benefited from World Bank budget support instruments, the current government is adopting a different approach. “Governor Okpebholo is redefining Edo’s economic diplomacy,” Itua added. “The focus is no longer on borrowing but on building—creating jobs, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive growth.”
Observers say Edo’s global outreach is timely, as shifting trade dynamics and capital flows are encouraging sub-national governments to seek innovative funding solutions.
With these engagements, Edo State aims to emerge as a key investment destination in Nigeria, ensuring that development is people-centered and growth-oriented.
