By Ebele Iyke Odili
Anambra State emerged as a major highlight at the Trade Commissioners Summit held in Abuja on July 3, with the Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, delivering the only presentation by a Nigerian state. Before an audience of international trade experts, diplomats, investors and business leaders, Ebonwu showcased Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s economic transformation agenda, positioning Anambra as a prime destination for investment, industrialisation and innovation.
The presentation attracted commendation from participants and opened opportunities for strategic partnerships with Afrexim Bank, MTN Business and other international trade organisations to strengthen digital commerce, expanding exports and attracting investment. The summit also facilitated discussions with trade representatives from China, Russia, Spain and Portugal, creating prospects for bilateral partnerships and increasing foreign direct investment in the state.
Highlighting the administration’s development strategy, Ebonwu outlined flagship projects including the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC), the Aerotropolis and the Anambra Innovation District, saying the projects are designed to improve the ease of doing business, accelerate industrial growth and make Anambra more competitive in the global economy.
The commissioner highlighted the Soludo administration’s reforms aimed at digitising commerce, formalising business activities and supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through technology-driven policies. According to him, the initiatives are strengthening the state’s business environment while encouraging innovation and private sector-led economic growth.
Speaking after the summit, Ebonwu reaffirmed the Ministry of Commerce’s commitment to converting the engagements into tangible investments and economic opportunities for the people of Anambra, saying the ministry would continue to implement policies that promote industrial development, enterprise growth and wealth creation in line with Governor Soludo’s vision.
The summit, organised by GlobalAfri Diplomat at the Afrexim Africa Trade Centre, brought together trade officials, foreign missions and private sector stakeholders to explore ways of deepening intra-African trade, promoting investment and expanding economic cooperation across the continent.
Anambra’s participation reinforced its growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations, reflecting the Soludo administration’s commitment to building a resilient, globally competitive and investment-friendly economy.
Ebele Iyke Odili is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
