The Imo State Government has announced that its forthcoming economic summit, scheduled for December 4–5, 2025, will serve as a catalyst for the state’s economic transformation, with a focus on infrastructure, energy, and digital innovation.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu.

According to him, the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, which will be held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC), Owerri, will attract investors, financial experts, captains of industry, and other key stakeholders across various sectors.

Ugochukwu described the summit as a “game-changer” for the state’s economic landscape, adding that it aims to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across key sectors while positioning Imo as a hub of economic activity in Nigeria and beyond.

“This landmark two-day event will convene leading figures in finance, energy, technology, agriculture, and policy-making to unlock Imo State’s vast economic potential through strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and innovative solutions,” he said.

He noted that the summit will focus on transformative initiatives, spotlighting opportunities in infrastructure financing, renewable energy, agro-industrialization, regional trade, digital transformation, data infrastructure, and tourism development.

Ugochukwu further explained that discussions would explore public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund critical infrastructure projects that address Imo’s growing need for modern transportation, utilities, and urban renewal.

“Investors can expect deliberations on scalable models to bridge funding gaps and deliver long-term economic returns,” he added.

On energy, he said emphasis would be placed on renewable technologies and gas-to-industry investments, leveraging the state’s abundant natural gas resources to support power generation and industrial applications in line with Nigeria’s energy transition goals.

Highlighting opportunities in regional trade, he said the summit would outline strategies to position Imo as a key player in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosting export-driven growth and cross-border commerce.

He also revealed that the state will promote agro-industrialization, focusing on expanding from farm production to global export markets through value-added processing and supply chain integration.

On digital innovation, Ugochukwu said the summit would project Imo’s ambition to become a technology hub, with investments in digital and data infrastructure to power Africa’s growing digital economy.

In tourism, he said participants would explore ways to leverage Imo’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions to develop the sector into a significant economic driver capable of attracting both local and international visitors.

Ugochukwu added that the summit is expected to attract domestic, diaspora, and international investors seeking high-growth opportunities in Nigeria’s southeast region.

“By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the summit aims to stimulate job creation, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth,” he said.

“Its focus on digital transformation and renewable energy aligns with global trends, making Imo an attractive destination for forward-thinking investors.”

He concluded that participants would deliberate on a practical blueprint to diversify the state’s economy, noting that with its strategic location, abundant resources, and ambitious vision, Imo is poised to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic future.