Edo holds public-private dialogue to exploit AfCFTA opportunities

Towards creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive, Edo State Government, through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and the Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, has facilitated an engagement with the private sector to leverage opportunities guaranteed with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a statement by the media aide to the Edo State governor, Crusoe Osagie, reads.

Addressing participants at the public-private dialogue, which was organised by ESIPO in partnership with GIZ, the Managing Director ESIPO, Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, noted that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration focuses on promoting private sector investment and positioning investors for Africa domination.

“Why are we particular about access to the market? We are also preparing our state for the African Continental Free Trade Area. Trading has commenced in Ghana and Kenya already. The African Continental Free Trade Area has come to stay.”

So, as a state, we are concerned about the manufacturing sector. We want Edo State to be competitive so we can take Edo products to the international market.

“To be very candid, if we must seek the growth of any economy, we must seek out the private sector. To move the economy forward, they have to lead the way. If we must ensure that the state’s economy is viable, we have no choice than to partner with the private sector. That is the overriding goal for Edo State.” 

Edo State GIZ-SEDEN State Coordinator, Blessing Ajimoti, noted that GIZ is interested in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in several areas, including access to credits, and access to training to improve the environment in which they operate.