How Southeast Nigeria Can Become the China of Africa: Prof. Ken Ife’s Vision at SEBIS 2025
At SEBIS 2025, Professor Ken Ife, Chairman of the Enugu State Technical Committee on Privatization and Commercialization at the Enugu State Government of Nigeria, shared a profound vision for the future of Southeast Nigeria. His speech resonated deeply with the audience, offering a blueprint for how this region can become a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape, much like China is to the global economy.
Thinking Global, Acting Local
One of the key takeaways from Prof. Ife’s speech was the idea of thinking global, envisioning global success, but acting local. In his view, Southeast Nigeria has the potential to mirror China’s rise by leveraging its unique local strengths while maintaining a broader global vision.
This approach focuses on integrating the region into the global economy without losing sight of its roots. By harnessing local resources, fostering innovation, and embracing technology, Southeast Nigeria could position itself as a regional economic hub, driving both local and national growth.
Southeast Nigeria’s Potential
So, what makes Southeast Nigeria poised for such a transformation? According to Prof. Ife, the region is blessed with untapped resources, a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, and a rich cultural heritage that can be leveraged for economic development. However, this transformation will require strategic actions and a mindset shift towards thinking on a global scale.
Much like China, which used its unique strengths to become an economic giant, Southeast Nigeria must focus on developing key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure. By creating a conducive environment for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the region can drive sustainable growth that benefits not only Southeast Nigeria but the entire nation.
The Path to Transformation
Prof. Ife emphasized that for this transformation to take place, Southeast Nigeria needs to build stronger partnerships, both locally and internationally. Collaboration between government, private sector, and local communities will be essential to creating the infrastructure and policies needed for growth.
Moreover, Southeast Nigeria must position itself as an attractive destination for investment. By implementing policies that promote economic development and ease of doing business, the region can attract both local and foreign investors, thus creating more jobs and opportunities for its citizens.
The Role of Innovation and Technology
In his speech, Prof. Ife also highlighted the crucial role of innovation and technology in this vision. As the world increasingly moves towards digital economies, Southeast Nigeria must embrace technology as a key enabler of its economic future. From digitizing businesses to harnessing the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy, innovation will play a central role in the region’s rise.
A Call to Action
Prof. Ife’s words at SEBIS 2025 were not just a vision—they were a call to action. For Southeast Nigeria to achieve its potential, every individual, business, and government body must contribute to creating a future where the region becomes a powerhouse not just for Nigeria, but for Africa as a whole.
The transformation of Southeast Nigeria into an economic hub is not a distant dream; it is within reach. By thinking globally, acting locally, and embracing innovation, the region can indeed become the China of Africa.
Watch the Full Video
To dive deeper into Prof. Ken Ife’s inspiring speech and discover more about his vision for Southeast Nigeria, watch the full video below:
Watch Video: Prof. Ken Ife at SEBIS 2025 – https://youtu.be/pTpkSXaNmgo
