OkEdo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has launched a bold international investment drive aimed at repositioning the state as a destination for sustainable economic growth.
The governor is leveraging the ongoing 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., to attract credible investors and forge long-term development partnerships.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the initiative marks a strategic shift from previous development models which relied heavily on debt financing.
Instead, Governor Okpebholo is championing equity-based investments across key sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing.
“Unlike past approaches reliant on debt financing,” Itua said, “the governor’s strategy emphasises long-term partnerships and direct capital investment aimed at strengthening the state’s fiscal sustainability.”
Leading the state’s delegation in Washington is a three-man team comprising the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor; policy economist and head of Policy House International, Taiwo Akerele; and the Special Adviser on Finance, Investment and Revenue Generation, Kizito Okpebholo.
The team is showcasing a diverse portfolio of investment-ready projects spanning mining, oil and gas, agro-processing, housing, and SME development.
A key highlight of the governor’s trip is Edo’s co-hosting of the inaugural Multi-Sector Global Partnership Summit in partnership with ReadyToLead Africa and Policy House International.
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The summit aims to build transparent, actionable investment relationships by spotlighting Edo State’s development milestones and future opportunities.
Edo is also aligning itself with the World Bank’s $50 billion Africa-focused investment pipeline for 2025–2026.
The state is targeting funding through mechanisms such as Investment Project Financing (IPF), Multilateral Investment Guarantees (MIG), and Technical Assistance (TA).
These instruments are expected to support infrastructure projects, social protection initiatives, academic exchanges with Ambrose Alli University, and affordable housing schemes.
“This is a bold shift in economic diplomacy,” Itua added. “Edo State is now focused on building—not borrowing. The emphasis is on attracting investments that translate to jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth.”
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Edo’s engagement with international partners is rooted in its longstanding relationship with global financial institutions.
While previous administrations secured World Bank-backed budget support, Governor Okpebholo’s administration is redefining the playbook—prioritising transparent, equity-led investments over credit-heavy arrangements.
With the global economic landscape evolving, Okpebholo is positioning Edo to harness new opportunities, aiming to anchor development on measurable outcomes and improved quality of life for the people.
