Owerri is set to become the centre of West Africa’s investment diplomacy as Imo State welcomes global leaders, top economists and international finance institutions for the Imo Invest Summit 2025. The high-profile event runs from 4–5 December at Concorde Boulevard, gathering decision-makers intent on shaping Africa’s next economic frontier.
A star-studded lineup of participants includes former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and ex-Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. They will join CEOs, investors and development experts for two days of intensive policy discussions, project showcases and strategic networking.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation,” will spotlight major reforms and investment-ready projects designed to reposition Imo State as a competitive regional hub. Key focus areas include energy, industrialization, agriculture, digital technology, infrastructure financing and tourism.
Governor Hope Uzodimma said the forum goes beyond speeches and ceremonial gatherings, describing it as a template for how African subnational governments can draw global capital. He said Imo would present “bankable projects, concrete reforms and real opportunities for partners who want to be part of Africa’s next growth frontier.”
Among the strategic initiatives to be presented are the Orashi Special Energy Zone, new Special Economic Zones driving industrialization, expanded agro-processing value chains, digital infrastructure investments and a tourism revival programme aimed at boosting the region’s creative economy.
Day one of the event will feature a keynote by Ban Ki-moon on the flow of foreign capital into African states, followed by a conversation with Afreximbank President Prof Benedict Oramah on maximizing Special Economic Zones. Sessions will also explore energy access, logistics development and long-term infrastructure finance.
The second day will shift focus to youth-driven innovation, digital transformation and the future of African economic competitiveness. Activities will include a solid minerals roundtable, SME pitchathon, investment showcases and closed-door meetings between government officials, regulators and global financiers. The event underscores Imo State’s ambition to elevate subnational leadership within Africa’s broader economic growth narrative.
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