Edo urges investors to leverage decentralised power reforms

Edo State in Nigeria is actively seeking local and foreign investment by promoting its decentralized electricity market reforms. Officials describe these reforms as a key driver for industrialization and sustainable economic growth within the state.

Paul Usenbo, the Commissioner for Power, represented Governor Monday Okpebholo at a high-level African Union energy meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Usenbo's participation aimed to showcase Edo's energy initiatives to development partners, investors, and policymakers. The state seeks to establish itself as a leading destination for energy investments across Africa.

Usenbo stated that Edo's energy agenda aligns with continental goals such as the African Union's Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 7. The meeting provided an opportunity to forge strategic partnerships, attract development financing, and strengthen collaborations with multilateral institutions focused on expanding reliable and sustainable electricity access in Africa.

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Good governance is about creating opportunities, and that begins with reliable electricity. In Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, we are implementing bold reforms that attract investment, expand access to power and empower businesses to grow.

The commissioner attributed Edo's invitation to the meeting to the progress made under Governor Okpebholo's administration. This includes implementing the Edo State Electricity Law, planning a 100-megawatt Ologbo Independent Power Project, expanding renewable energy initiatives, promoting rural electrification, and fostering an investor-friendly regulatory environment. Discussions at the AU meeting centered on innovative financing for energy infrastructure, accelerating renewable energy deployment, and supporting SMEs.

"Good governance is about creating opportunities, and that begins with reliable electricity," Usenbo said. "In Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, we are implementing bold reforms that attract investment, expand access to power and empower businesses to grow. Our message at the African Union is clear: decentralised energy is the key to industrialisation, job creation and inclusive prosperity."

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Our message at the African Union is clear: decentralised energy is the key to industrialisation, job creation and inclusive prosperity. Edo State is demonstrating that with visionary leadership and strong partnerships, Africa’s energy future is not only possible, it is already unfolding.