The German government has expressed strong interest in boosting economic cooperation with Enugu State, focusing on agriculture, energy, trade, and investment. This move is part of Germany’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with select states in southern Nigeria.
Germany selected Enugu State as one of its top three business and investment destinations in southern Nigeria, alongside Ogun and Abia States. This decision was based on the findings that Enugu, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, has significantly improved its ease of doing business. The German Consul General, Weert Börner, highlighted this during a visit to Governor Mbah in Enugu.
Börner led a delegation of German business representatives and officials from the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). The visit aimed to build on discussions initiated in Lagos in 2023, where the potential for increased German cooperation with Enugu State was first explored.
“We are here in Enugu to deepen our conversations about this cooperation,” Börner said. He noted that the delegation included representatives from the Deutsche Handels Kompetenz (DHK), which is Germany’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Lagos, GIZ, and Siemens Energy. Siemens Energy is already actively working in Nigeria to enhance the country’s electricity and energy sectors.
Börner praised the progress made by Enugu State in creating a business-friendly environment, which has made it an attractive destination for foreign investment. He added that Germany’s decision to focus on specific states within Nigeria’s federal system, particularly in the south, is part of a strategic shift to foster closer economic ties with regions that demonstrate significant potential for growth.
Governor Peter Mbah welcomed the German delegation’s interest and emphasized his administration’s readiness to partner with Germany. He highlighted the ambitious $30 billion GDP target set by his administration, which he believes is achievable through private sector investments and international cooperation.
Mbah stressed that while Enugu is a subnational entity, its goals are national in scale. He outlined the state’s plan to grow its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion over the next seven years, aiming for a compounded annual growth rate of 27%. The governor believes this goal is realistic due to the untapped economic potential within the state.
He further emphasized that Nigeria’s much-needed economic growth would stem from the states rather than the federal government, advocating for a bottom-up approach to development.
Governor Mbah assured the German delegation of numerous investment opportunities in Enugu, particularly in agriculture, energy, and trade. He explained that agriculture is a critical sector for the state’s economic growth, with plans to go beyond food security and focus on export-oriented agro-processing. Enugu is also establishing Special Agro Processing Zones to meet local consumption needs and develop standardized products for export.
Additionally, Mbah mentioned that the state is in advanced stages of completing and operationalizing the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport. This includes plans to build a cargo terminal to facilitate the export of agricultural products.
The governor also shared that the state had acquired about 300,000 hectares of land to attract commercial farmers. The administration is also modernizing the livestock industry, having recently initiated and signed the Ranch Management Agency Law.
To support these initiatives, the state government is aggressively developing road infrastructure, ensuring that investors have easy access to farmlands and can efficiently transport farm produce and processed goods.
Governor Mbah encouraged the German delegation to leverage the state’s efforts in institutional strengthening, progressive policies, and improved regulations in the electricity sector through partnerships and investment. He reiterated that Enugu State is committed to creating a conducive environment for both local and international investors, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.
