Ban Ki-moon, Boris Johnson, President of Liberia, and former President of Mauritius confirmed for historic two-day economic gathering
OWERRI, IMO STATE. Imo State is preparing to host what is set to be the biggest economic summit in West Africa this season, as the Imo Invest Summit 2025 brings together world leaders, global CEOs, and international finance institutions on December 4-5, 2025, at the Concorde Boulevard in Owerri.
His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, will welcome an unprecedented lineup of global heavyweights, including Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations; the President of Liberia Joseph Boakai; former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson; and former President of Mauritius Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, alongside development experts and investors from across the world.
The two-day summit, themed “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation,” marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s subnational development story, as Imo State positions itself as an emerging economic hub built on infrastructure expansion, industrial growth, clean energy, agriculture, technology, and strategic public-private partnerships.
A New Chapter for Regional Development
The summit signals international confidence in Imo State’s bold economic transformation agenda. With targeted reforms focused on ease of doing business and investor-friendly policies, the gathering will showcase how subnational governments can drive national growth and attract global capital.
“This is more than an economic summit, it is a blueprint for how African states can compete on the global stage,” said His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma.
“We are presenting bankable projects, concrete reforms, and real opportunities for partners who want to be part of Africa’s next growth frontier.”
Investment-Ready Sectors on Display
The summit will unveil major projects and opportunities across key sectors, including the landmark Orashi Special Energy Zone, which represents Nigeria’s ambitious gas-to-industry strategy and commitment to renewable energy solutions.
Other priority sectors include industrialization through Special Economic Zones, solid minerals, agriculture and agro-processing, digital infrastructure and technology, tourism and the creative economy, and large-scale infrastructure financing through public-private partnerships.
High-Level Programme
Day one of the summit features a keynote presentation by Ban Ki-moon on positioning African subnational economies for global capital, a fireside chat with Prof. Benedict Oramah on Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, and panel discussions on infrastructure financing, energy access, and logistics development.
The second day will include a keynote address on youth, technology, and Africa’s economic future, alongside sessions on agro-industrialization, digital transformation, and tourism as economic catalysts.
The summit will also feature business matchmaking sessions, a solid minerals roundtable. an SME Pitchathon, investment showcases, and closed-door meetings with government officials, regulators, and development finance institutions.
Media Invitation
National and international media organizations are invited to accredit teams for comprehensive coverage of this historic event. Accredited journalists will receive full access to keynote sessions, exclusive interviews with global leaders and industry figures, advance briefings on major deals and policy announcements, and on-site logistics support.
