Benin City, Nigeria — A wave of entrepreneurial optimism swept through Benin City today as business leaders, government officials, and development partners gathered for a pivotal strategic session ahead of the launch of Edo Business Connect — Nigeria’s first state-backed, fully digital business platform.
The trailblazing initiative is spearheaded by the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) in partnership with GIZ and the Edo State Development and Investment Digital Access (EDODiDA). Together, they aim to digitally transform the way businesses operate, grow, and interact with government institutions across the state.
Expected to go live before August 2025, Edo Business Connect will provide a unified digital hub where entrepreneurs can register their businesses, access government-backed support services, secure funding, and receive real-time policy and regulatory updates — all in one seamless platform.
Redefining Business Engagement in Edo
Speaking at the session, Mr. Amen Odigie, Managing Director of ESIPO, underscored the significance of the project.
“Edo Business Connect represents a bold leap towards digital transformation and inclusive economic growth. It’s not just a platform; it’s a strategic enabler for every entrepreneur seeking relevance and resilience in today’s evolving business landscape,” Odigie stated.
Also addressing the gathering, Dr. (Mrs.) Ewe Rita Samuropa of EDODiDA emphasized the platform’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
“We designed this solution with every Edo entrepreneur in mind — whether formally educated or not. From digital business directories to funding access and an integrated feedback system, this platform empowers users to solve challenges quickly and stay informed,” she explained.
Public-Private Synergy for Economic Growth
The strategic session marks a milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the MSME ecosystem. The event brought together a wide array of stakeholders from government, private sector, and development agencies, showcasing a unified commitment to positioning Edo State as a hub for business innovation and investment readiness.
By digitising core aspects of business engagement, Edo Business Connect is expected to eliminate traditional bottlenecks, improve transparency, and foster a more dynamic, investor-friendly environment across all sectors.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for the platform’s official unveiling, Edo State is poised to set a new standard for digital governance and economic inclusion. The initiative is expected to spark broader interest from investors, development partners, and budding entrepreneurs alike.
With this forward-thinking move, Edo reaffirms its ambition to be not just a regional leader — but a national benchmark in smart, sustainable, and inclusive business development.
