Economic growth in South-East region requires collective effort, according to Onitsha business group

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Map of South-East

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….. Organisers target agricultural value chain, unveil N20m grant challenge for entrepreneurs

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By Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Nnewi

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The organisers of the Onitsha Business Hangout have said the South-East economy can only achieve sustainable growth through collective progress and collaboration, rather than isolated business competition.

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Speaking during a pre-event media briefing, the Convener of the Onitsha Business Hangout, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Ogbaji, said the fifth edition of the annual entrepreneurship symposium is designed to unlock the region’s agricultural potential by promoting value chain development.

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The one-day event, themed “Agriculture Beyond Farming: Unlocking the Value Chain in the South-East,” will focus on expanding opportunities in agro-processing, packaging, logistics, technology-driven distribution and exports.

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According to Ogbaji, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development and Founder of Masters Energy Group, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, will deliver the keynote address.

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He added that the panel session will feature Dr. Sulaiman Dikwa of Green Sahara Farms, Mrs. Chidimma Ewuzie, Director at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Mr. Akinwale Alabi, Founder of Corporate Farmers.

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Ogbaji said the symposium aims to reposition the South-East as a modern economic hub by encouraging stronger partnerships among entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions and technology innovators.

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“For the South-East economy to truly thrive in the modern era, the region must move toward a philosophy of collective progress and collaborative growth,” he said.

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He noted that although Onitsha has long been recognised as a commercial centre in West Africa, evolving global business realities require a shift from traditional trading models to more integrated and value-driven enterprises.

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According to him, the greatest opportunities in agriculture lie beyond primary production, with significant economic potential in processing, packaging, cold-chain logistics, technology-enabled distribution and export infrastructure.

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“By bringing agro-processors, investors, financial institutions and technology innovators together, we are helping micro, small and medium enterprises transition from traditional trading into key players in a modern, multi-billion-dollar agricultural value chain,” he said.

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Ogbaji described this year’s edition, tagged the “Redefine Edition,” as a strategic effort to change business mindsets and promote shared prosperity.

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He said the event seeks to replace fragmented business practices with collaborative networks, innovative funding models and stronger regional partnerships.

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As part of the initiative, the organisers have launched a N20 million Open Pitch Grant Challenge to support promising entrepreneurs across the five South-East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

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He explained that participating businesses would be assessed based on commercial viability, sustainability, funding requirements and their potential to create jobs and expand operations.

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According to Ogbaji, the grant scheme is intended to strengthen small businesses and contribute to building a more competitive and unified South-East economy.

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