Pursuant growing the economy of Imo State, global finance experts, and local entrepreneurs are set to converge in Owerri on December 4-5, 2025, for the Imo Economic Summit. The high-profile gathering aims to transform the state into Nigeria’s premier investment hub through strategic partnerships, substantial investments, and a shared commitment to innovation.
The organizers have unveiled another line-up of speakers. Mrs. Chika Emole, Co-founder of the digital nation platform Afropolitan, will share strategies for building enduring businesses that align with Imo’s growth plans. Her popular podcast, launched in 2022, has connected with over 25,000 YouTube subscribers by interviewing business starters and cultural leaders to unite Africans worldwide.
Bringing decades of international development experience is Mr. Felix Ukeh, a Senior Project Director at the World Bank Group. An Orlu native and chemical engineer by training, Ukeh has led diverse projects from agricultural initiatives in Zambia to clean air programs in Lagos. He will provide critical guidance on leveraging international finance for infrastructure and building economic resilience.
The entrepreneurial spirit will be embodied by Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu, the self-made billionaire and Executive Chairman of Cubana Group, whose success story in scaling businesses serves as a powerful example for the state’s economic ambitions. They will be joined by Mr. Obi Asika, a trailblazing music executive and Founder/CEO of Storm 360, who currently heads Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture. Asika will emphasize innovation in tech-driven industries, which is key to unlocking Imo’s creative economy.
Rounding out the expert speakers is Mr. Collins Nzekwe, a Business Development Strategist at Lex Consulting LLC in Toronto. A graduate of the Schulich School of Business, Nzekwe brings over a decade of experience helping African startups secure funding and partners, and his expertise in market planning will be invaluable for local businesses seeking to grow.
The summit will confront the state’s most pressing economic challenges head-on. These include the critical need for industrial diversification into agriculture, manufacturing, and tech.
Participants will also address infrastructure deficits such as power shortages, which hinder business operations. Further priorities are tackling youth unemployment and limited credit access for SMEs, attracting foreign direct investment in a post-insecurity climate, and bridging skills gaps to build human capital ready for Industry 4.0.
The Imo Economic Summit 2025 is positioned to catalyze investment deals, firmly establishing the state as the emerging economic engine of Southeast Nigeria.
