The German government has expressed a strong interest in enhancing economic collaboration with Enugu State, Nigeria, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, energy, trade, and investment. This was revealed during a visit by the German Consul General, Weert Börner, who led a delegation of the German business community and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) to meet with Governor Peter Mbah at the Enugu State Government House.
Germany’s decision to select Enugu as one of only three southern Nigerian states for intensified cooperation is based on recent findings indicating improved ease-of-doing-business under the Mbah administration. The visit marks the continuation of discussions that began in Lagos in 2023, aimed at increasing German investment and cooperation in the region.
Börner expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “I am very happy to be here in Enugu city to increase and deepen our conversation on this cooperation. The German government has decided to focus more on specific states within Nigeria, and we are particularly impressed with the progress in Enugu State.”
Governor Peter Mbah warmly welcomed the German delegation and highlighted the ambitious goals his administration has set, including growing the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within the next seven years. Mbah emphasized that achieving this target would require significant private sector investments and international partnerships.
“We are really excited about this partnership, especially because, although we are a subnational entity, our ambitions and goals are national in scale,” Mbah said. He outlined plans to unlock the state’s economic potential, particularly in agriculture, where Enugu aims to go beyond food security to become a major player in agro-processing and export.
Mbah also assured the German delegation of the state’s readiness to support investment in energy, trade, and infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to operationalize the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport and develop a cargo terminal to facilitate exports. Additionally, the state has acquired 300,000 hectares of land to attract commercial farmers and is modernizing its livestock industry through new legislation.
The German delegation, which included representatives from Siemens Energy and the Deutsche Handels Kompetenz (DHK) chamber of industry and commerce, expressed confidence in the partnership and pledged to support Enugu’s economic transformation through investment and expertise.
This collaboration is expected to open up significant opportunities for both Enugu State and Germany, fostering economic growth and development in key sectors.
