Abuja, 3^rd July 2025: In a bold step toward accelerating inclusive growth and regional transformation, the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a high-level roundtable to engage key stakeholders on the Commission’s Strategic Roadmap. The roundtable served as a critical platform to align national and international development actors behind a shared vision for the socio-economic revitalization of the South-East, a region rich in potential. Held in Abuja, the session brought together government leaders, development finance institutions, private sector and multilateral agencies to explore opportunities for strategic partnerships and co-investment. 

Organized under the theme “Rebuilding Legacy: Co-Creating a New Era of Growth in the South-East,” the roundtable provided a timely platform to present the South-East Development Commission’s (SEDC) vision, mission, and operational roadmap to Nigeria’s development community. The engagement spotlighted key areas of intervention, including infrastructure development, innovation, youth empowerment, agriculture, and regional integration. Aligned with the Commission’s overarching vision to drive sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and regional unity, the event reinforced SEDC’s ambition to position the South-East as Africa’s preferred investment destination by 2035 through strategic investments and transformative empowerment initiatives.

Opening the Roundtable, H.E Honorable Engineer Abubakar Momoh, Federal Minister of Regional Development stated that, “The SEDC is answering that call with commendable energy and clarity of purpose. This roundtable is not just a conversation, it is a launchpad for action. It offers us a valuable opportunity to deepen our shared understanding and forge stronger collaboration between the Regional Development Commissions and our esteemed development partners. H.E Honorable Minister further appreciated the consistent and transformative contributions of the development partners across Nigeria.

The South East of Nigeria holds a unique position as a dynamic hub for enterprise and investment, anchored by a longstanding culture of innovation, mentorship, and wealth creation. At the heart of this is the region’s indigenous apprenticeship system widely regarded as one of the world’s largest informal venture incubation models, which has fueled a vibrant entrepreneurial class and produced a high concentration of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs). This deeply rooted system of community-driven reinvestment and business acumen presents an opportunity to reimagine development financing by integrating traditional models with modern capital markets and impact investment tools.

During the event, Mr. Mark Okoye, Managing Director and CEO of the South-East Development Commission unveiled the commission’s priorities, which include launching the South-East Regional Development Plan by December. Mr. Okoye stated the goal of the commission by stating, “Why are we doing this? Because we want to secure buy-in from MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies), from the organized private sector, and from the public to create shared successes. We cannot do it alone.” He further added that the SEDC is conducting feasibility studies and crafting projects in power, roads and industrial infrastructure that appeal to both government and private investors. 

Each of the region’s five states contributes distinct competitive advantages. Abia, with Aba as its industrial nerve center, leads in indigenous manufacturing across garments, leatherworks, and metal fabrication. Enugu, known for its educational institutions and administrative heritage, draws intellectual capital and diaspora investment. Anambra powers industrial output through Nnewi’s factories and Onitsha’s commercial ecosystem, sustained by a strong global diaspora. Imo, with Owerri at its core, is emerging as a services and hospitality hub, while Ebonyi is rapidly positioning itself as an agribusiness and solid minerals frontier, benefiting from improved infrastructure and regional connectivity.

Spotligting the promise and potentials that lies in the South-East region and the need to support them to harness these potentials through strategic partnership and support, the UNDP Nigeria Resident Reprresentative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said “The South-East region is a strategic hub for enterprise development and investment.  This is a region where enterprise is cultural, where innovation is instinctive, and where the spirit of reinvention runs deep. But to fully unleash this potential, we must move beyond admiring resilience, we must invest in it”. She further added that, “At UNDP, we are committed to working with the South-East Development Commission and partners to unlock smart development finance, mobilize private capital, and build catalytic partnerships that turn opportunity into lasting transformation. Our role goes beyond technical advice, we bring together public policy, private sector co-investment, and de-risking mechanisms to attract capital that is invested with purpose and impact. “

At the heart of the roundtable engagement was a shared commitment to unlock inclusive economic growth, enhance critical infrastructure, and build sustainable livelihoods across the South-East. But more than that, the event signaled a new era of coordinated action, anchored in innovation, empowered by local enterprise, and driven by strategic and transformative partnerships.  Guided by the Strategic Roadmap and strengthened through collaboration between SEDC, UNDP, and development partners, the region is well-positioned to emerge as a model of locally driven growth, resilience, and shared prosperity. The outcomes of the roundtable underscore a key truth: sustainable development is not achieved in isolation - it is a shared journey. One that requires visionary thinking, sustained investment, and an enduring commitment to people, purpose, and long-term progress.

For more Information

Christabel Chanda - Ginsberg                                                                        

Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships Lead      

Email: christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org 

Tel: +234 904 935 4441    

Augusta Nnadi

Email: augusta.nnadi@sedc.gov.ng

Tel: +234 081 6060 2690

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Note to Editors: 

About South-East Development Commission

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) is a body created to foster sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development across Nigeria's South East region. The comission serve as a catalyst for investment, working closely with public and private stakeholders to create an enabling environment for business, innovation, and community empowerment. Our mission is to drive transformative projects that uplift livelihoods, strengthen regional integration, and position the South East as a hub of opportunity and progress.

Established under the authority granted by the SEDC Bill and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the commission is uniquely empowered to unlock the vast potential of the region. The mission is not only to spur economic development but also to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the South East, ensuring lasting impact for generations to come. For more information visit: sedc.gov.ng/

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, working in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the promise to leave no one behind, UNDP partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to help nations build integrated, people-centered, and future-ready solutions to today’s complex development challenges.

In Nigeria, UNDP is driving a new era of development through its Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), a bold, system-wide approach that delivers high-impact solutions across Nigeria’s diverse regions. At its core are five flagship portfolios focused on innovation, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy; trade, investment and financing for development; integrated, clean and decentralized energy systems; accelerated community development; and the Made in Nigeria initiative. Together, they enable inclusive, locally led growth, while deepening institutional capacity and unlocking scalable, future-ready development pathways.

For more information visit: https://www.undp.org/nigeria