Oborevwori Hosts Namibia-Delta Trade Summit to Boost Investment Opportunities

Stakeholders from the business community in Delta State, on Wednesday, October 30 2024 gathered for the Namibia-Delta Trade & Investment Summit, marking a pivotal effort to strengthen economic ties between Namibia and Nigeria.

The summit provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to explore partnerships and identify new market opportunities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the continent.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, speaking through his commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Samuel Oligida, welcomed the stakeholders to Delta State and discussed the state’s cultural and natural resources. He outlined the advantages of investing in Delta, including a skilled workforce and various incentives for foreign investors, such as tax exemptions and free land.

In his keynote address, Humphrey Geiseb, Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, hailed the summit as a historic first for Nigeria. He highlighted Namibia’s lucrative investment opportunities and urged Nigerian businessmen to view them as a “goldmine.” Geiseb also expressed gratitude to local leaders for their hospitality.

Chinyere Umeasiegbu, Chairperson of the Organising Committee in her opening speech earlier, emphasized the importance of investment, drawing on her background as a former banker. She expressed a vision of integrating tourism into investment strategies and chose Warri to showcase opportunities in sectors such as mining, tourism, energy, agriculture arts and crafts.

In his part, Mr. Henry Erikowa, Chief Presiding Officer of the Coastal and Marine Areas Development Initiative (CMADI), stressed the summit’s role in revitalizing Warri and Delta State. He urged local stakeholders to leverage the region’s coastal resources and advocated for a focus on the blue economy and bio-energy, moving away from reliance on oil and gas.

The summit also addressed logistical aspects like the Namibia visa process and accommodation options, alongside panel discussions on trade and tourism.

Organized by the Namibia High Commission in collaboration with Global Links & Services Ltd, CMADI, and PIND, the event attracted key stakeholders from the Delta State business community, government officials and royalty, marking a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Namibia and Nigeria.