Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a technology-driven and business-friendly environment as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its status as a leading destination for investment in Nigeria.
The resolve was reiterated during the maiden State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) technical session and statewide town hall meeting, held at the International Conference Center, Awka.
The event was part of a nationwide tour by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), aimed at engaging state governments, private sector leaders, and business communities on reform implementation.
Representing Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Ibezim welcomed the PEBEC delegation and stakeholders, describing the engagement as both timely and strategic. He emphasized that Anambra’s approach to reforms is deliberate, data-driven, and rooted in measurable outcomes.
“In line with Governor Soludo’s philosophy that ‘if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it,’ we are embedding accountability, planning, and technology at every level of governance,” Dr. Ibezim said.
Anambra currently ranks 7th nationally and holds the top spot in the South East region in the Ease of Doing Business index. Despite this achievement, the state government says it views reforms as a continuous process.
In a goodwill message delivered via video, PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, described the SABER programme, a $750 million World Bank-supported initiative, as a transformational platform designed to help states adopt global standards and create transparent, business-friendly environments.
“While designing reforms is important, real impact lies in their effective implementation. States are the engines of economic growth,” she stated.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, reinforced this message, noting that with over 98% of Anambra’s wealth held by the private sector, the government’s reform agenda must be both responsive and intentional.
“Under Governor Soludo’s leadership, we are committed to removing obstacles for businesses and creating an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish,” she said.
During the technical session, PEBEC reform leaders Ohiemi Gabriel, Ifeanyi Icheke, and Oluwatofunmi Odunladi applauded Anambra’s consistent reporting and reform efforts, which earned it its current ranking in both 2021 and 2023. They encouraged the state to sustain its momentum ahead of the next PEBEC assessment scheduled for December 2025.
A key highlight of the day was a town hall session featuring a panel of top state officials, including Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency; Commissioners for Industry, Lands, Power, and Water Resources; as well as the heads of ANSIPPA and ASBA.
The panel emphasized the pivotal role of technology in Anambra’s reform drive, citing flagship initiatives such as:
ANAMGIS (Anambra Geographic Information System) digitizing land administration processes;
Grievance Redress Mechanism promptly addressing investor concerns;
State-wide Digital Domain (.anambrastate.gov.ng) enhancing trust and standardizing official communication;
Fiber Optic Expansion supporting future 5G infrastructure under the “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” agenda;
Solution Lens is a civic tech platform enabling citizens to monitor and report on government projects, fostering transparency and inclusion.
Panelists also highlighted Governor Soludo’s push to interconnect the state through strategic road infrastructure, aimed at improving business mobility and logistics.
They noted that with strategic planning, technological integration, and strong governance, Anambra is steadily evolving into a modern, responsive state where businesses can thrive, scale, and contribute to long-term economic growth.
As Anambra prepares for the next PEBEC evaluation, the government and stakeholders have reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining digital-led, measurable, and investor-centric reforms.
