Otti seeks global partnership to boost Abia economy
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, is seeking to attract American and other international investors to the state through the 2026 edition of the African Diaspora Conference and Expo, AFRICANDO. The conference, scheduled to hold in Abia this month, is expected to bring together investors, business leaders, policymakers, development partners, diplomatic representatives and entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities and strengthen commercial relations between Africa and the United States. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the state government was working with the organisers to ensure the event delivers concrete investment opportunities beyond speeches and networking. According to him, the conference, themed “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA,” will connect investment opportunities in Abia and other African markets with American capital, technology, expertise and international distribution networks. Ajagba said the African Continental Free Trade Area presents opportunities for businesses to expand beyond domestic markets, while international partnerships could strengthen production capacity and competitiveness.
He described Abia as strategically positioned to benefit from the initiative, particularly through its manufacturing and entrepreneurial base in Aba, known for its indigenous manufacturing, commerce and craftsmanship. Ajagba said the Otti administration was investing in infrastructure, strengthening public institutions and improving the business environment to make the state more attractive to private investors. He added that delegates and prospective investors would be encouraged to visit manufacturing clusters, business enterprises, strategic economic locations and government-backed projects to assess opportunities firsthand and engage with local businesses and government agencies. Sectors expected to receive attention include agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, consumer goods, energy, financial services, healthcare, transportation and logistics, science and technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. A major feature of the conference will be a structured Deal Room and Investment Marketplace, where investment-ready projects from Abia and participating businesses will be presented to prospective investors. Ajagba stressed that AFRICANDO 2026 is an international economic platform hosted by Abia, rather than an event exclusively focused on the state.
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