Germany has expressed a strong interest in partnering with Enugu State, Nigeria, in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, trade, and investment.
This announcement came during a recent visit by Weert Börner, the German Consul General, who led a delegation from the German business community and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) to meet with Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.
Börner highlighted that Enugu State was selected as one of three primary business and investment destinations in southern Nigeria due to its improved ease of doing business under Governor Mbah's administration.
He noted that this visit was a continuation of discussions initiated in Lagos earlier this year, aimed at enhancing German cooperation with Enugu in the targeted sectors.
Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Börner stated, “We are very happy about this development. The German government has chosen to focus on specific states within Nigeria, and Enugu is one of them.”
He emphasized the positive feedback received from both Nigerian media and their own office regarding the state’s efforts to improve its business environment.
Governor Mbah welcomed the German delegation and expressed his administration's readiness to collaborate with German businesses. He underscored the ambitious target of growing Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion over the next seven years, a goal he believes is achievable through private sector investments and international partnerships.
“Though we are subnational, our ambition and goals are national in scale,” he remarked.
Mbah elaborated on the state’s economic strategy, which includes unlocking untapped economic potentials and fostering growth from the grassroots level.
He highlighted agriculture as a critical sector for economic expansion, stating, “For us, agriculture is beyond food security.” The governor outlined plans to establish Special Agro Processing Zones aimed at enhancing local production and facilitating exports.
In addition to agriculture, Mbah discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, including the completion of the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the construction of a cargo terminal to support export activities.
He also mentioned that Enugu State has acquired approximately 300,000 hectares of land to attract commercial farmers and is seeking partnerships to modernize the livestock industry through the Ranch Management Agency Law.
Furthermore, Mbah emphasized the importance of developing road infrastructure to ensure easy access to farmlands and the efficient evacuation of agricultural produce.
He urged the German delegation to leverage the progress made in institutional strengthening and regulatory improvements in the electricity sector to foster investment.
The discussions between the German government and Enugu State signal a potential shift in the state’s economic landscape, with the aim of attracting foreign investment and enhancing local capacities.
As both parties explore opportunities for collaboration, the partnership could play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and development in Enugu State, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria's evolving economic framework.
With a focus on sustainable development and international cooperation, the partnership with Germany could pave the way for significant advancements in agriculture, energy, and trade, ultimately benefiting the local economy and its residents.
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