As of January 2026, the economic partnership between West and East Africa is seeing a significant boost through the activities of Dr. Odera Ozoka, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur and filmmaker. Recently appointed by President Yoweri Museveni as the Special Mobilizer for Credible Investors for Uganda, Dr. Ozoka is bridging the gap between the Nigerian diaspora and East African markets.
His work focuses on the “spirit of Pan-Africanism,” moving beyond national borders to foster shared growth through gender-inclusive development.
The Mission: Empowering Northern Uganda’s Women
Working alongside Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, Dr. Ozoka is currently on the ground in Lira and Oyam (Northern Uganda). His primary objective is to direct international and Nigerian capital toward women-owned businesses.
Key Support Mechanisms:
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Seed Financing & Grants: Facilitating access to funds for female entrepreneurs through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and World Bank-backed schemes.
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Investment Mobilization: Leveraging his networks in the United States and Nigeria to attract “credible” investors to Uganda’s grassroots sectors.
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Mentorship: Partnering with local leaders like Dr. Sharon Okello Nagenjwa (who has mobilized over 70,000 women) to integrate foreign investment with community-led empowerment.
Profile: The Man Behind the Bridge
Dr. Ozoka’s trajectory reflects the “Brain Gain” trend—diaspora professionals returning to Africa to create impact across multiple regions.
| Feature | Dr. Odera Ozoka’s Background |
| Education | Harvard University; DBA from UNIZIK Business School (Nigeria). |
| Business (Renewables) | Founder of SunPawa Energy Ltd, providing off-grid solar power in rural Nigeria. |
| Arts (Filmmaking) | Founder of Black Tower Productions (California); award-winning producer. |
| Strategic Role | Appointed by the NRM (Uganda) as Special Mobilizer for Credible Investors (2025). |
| Personal Legacy | Son of the late Chief Uju Uchendu Ozoka, a prominent Nigerian political leader. |
Why the “Uganda Model” Matters for Nigeria
Analysts suggest that Dr. Ozoka’s success in Uganda offers a blueprint for Nigerian development:
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Diaspora Engagement: It demonstrates how the government can formally appoint diaspora leaders to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
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Cross-Regional Trade: It encourages Nigerian businesses to look beyond domestic borders and explore the East African Community (EAC), particularly in agribusiness and tech.
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Grassroots Financing: The structured grants and loan schemes for women in Northern Uganda could serve as a model for similar initiatives in Nigeria’s North-East or South-East regions.
“I am Nigerian, but I am also African… I will always look for opportunities to invest not only in Nigeria but across Africa.” — Dr. Odera Ozoka
