The Taraba International Investment Summit (Taravest 2025) marked a defining moment in the state's economic transformation agenda, bringing together leading business executives, development partners, financial institutions, policymakers, and international investors to explore investment opportunities across key sectors of the Taraba economy.
Held in Jalingo, the summit highlighted Taraba State's vast potential in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, mining, manufacturing, and financial services, while reinforcing the state's commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment and inclusive economic growth.
Global Business Leaders Endorse Taraba
Africa's foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic investment as the foundation for attracting international capital.
He noted that thriving local businesses inspire investor confidence and identified Taraba's strengths in agriculture and energy as key drivers of future industrial growth. Dangote also reaffirmed his interest in expanding investments in agro-processing, particularly in rice, sugar, and dairy production.
Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, described investment as a catalyst for employment, economic inclusion, and social stability. He reiterated his commitment to entrepreneurship development and announced plans to strengthen financial inclusion through the expansion of UBA's services and increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Taraba State.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended Taraba's strategic economic advantages, particularly its vast agricultural resources and hydroelectric potential. He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project and emphasized the importance of infrastructure, energy security, and industrialization in driving long-term economic prosperity.
Governor Kefas Reaffirms Taraba's Investment Agenda
Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas reaffirmed his administration's commitment to building a competitive and investor-friendly economy through improved infrastructure, enhanced security, regulatory reforms, and strategic partnerships.
He emphasized that Taraba State remains open for business and is implementing policies that encourage private sector participation, simplify investment processes, and unlock opportunities across critical sectors of the economy.
The Governor also received commendation from traditional institutions and community leaders for promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion, and creating an environment conducive to investment and development.
Traditional Institutions Support Economic Development
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, underscored the importance of collaboration between government, investors, and traditional institutions in promoting sustainable development.
He encouraged responsible investment that not only generates economic returns but also creates lasting social benefits, empowers local communities, and strengthens national unity.
Strategic Investment Commitments
The summit featured a number of investment commitments and partnership discussions aimed at accelerating Taraba's economic development across priority sectors.
In agriculture, investors expressed strong interest in expanding commercial farming, agro-processing, and value-chain development to leverage the state's fertile land and abundant natural resources.
The energy sector also received significant attention, with renewed commitments to advancing renewable energy initiatives and supporting the development of the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project to improve electricity access and stimulate industrial growth.
Financial institutions announced new initiatives to expand access to finance for entrepreneurs, farmers, and small and medium-sized enterprises, reinforcing efforts to drive enterprise development, innovation, and job creation.
A New Chapter for Taraba State
Taravest 2025 successfully positioned Taraba State as one of Nigeria's emerging investment destinations, demonstrating the state's readiness to partner with domestic and international investors in delivering sustainable economic transformation.
The summit reflects the vision of Governor Agbu Kefas' administration to diversify the state's economy, attract long-term investments, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for the people of Taraba through strategic public-private partnerships and inclusive development.