Edo State seeks EU and Botswana investment in cocoa, dairy and livestock ahead of 2027 summit

Edo State engages EU and Botswana on agricultural investment

In late October 2026, Edo State officials met with representatives from the European Union and Botswana in Abuja to discuss potential investment in the state’s agriculture and livestock sectors. These gatherings formed a component of the state's readiness efforts for a global conference on agricultural and livestock investment, which is planned for the initial three months of 2027.

Massimo De Luca, the Head of Cooperation, guided the European Union group as they met with representatives from Edo State, who were led by the Special Adviser on Livestock Development, Hon. Roland Igbadumhe. The visiting party also featured the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. alongside Emmanuel Sule and Lucky Adebudo, who serves as the Director of the Ministry of Livestock Development. The discussions occurred at the European Union's diplomatic office located in the capital, Abuja.

In a separate engagement, a group headed by Edo's Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Jerry Uwangue, and the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mr Ohimai Ehijimetor, held talks with Botswana's High Commissioner, Philada Kereng, at the Botswana High Commission in Abuja. The meeting was held on Friday, 25 October 2026.

Background

Edo State has set aside over 10,000 hectares of territory for raising livestock and intends to distribute more than 20,000 hectares to cocoa cultivators within the next three years. The state’s investment drive is aimed at attracting foreign capital, technical expertise and commercial participation for the forthcoming summit.

According to the state's Special Adviser on Livestock Development, the European Union's focus on investing in cocoa and dairy sectors matches the development objectives of Edo State. The European Union has committed to partnering with the state in its investment campaign, and a senior-level gathering is anticipated that will allow Governor Monday Okpebholo to hold discussions with the EU Ambassador.

The Botswana High Commissioner commended Edo State's initiatives to boost livestock output and encouraged the region to consider investment prospects in agro-tourism and the manufacturing of animal feed. She promised assistance from the Botswana High Commission to draw investors to the planned conference, indicating a possible path for joint agricultural growth between Edo State and Botswana.

Why it matters

The state’s investment strategy focuses on expanding cocoa cultivation and livestock production, sectors that can generate significant employment and revenue. By allocating large tracts of land to these activities, Edo State aims to increase agricultural output and attract foreign investors.

The involvement of the EU and Botswana brings potential access to capital, technology and market linkages. The EU’s focus on cocoa and dairy could help Edo State modernise its production chains, while Botswana’s recommendations on agro‑tourism and animal feed production could diversify income streams for rural communities.

The planned conference aims to offer a venue for investors to investigate prospects in Edo State's agriculture, livestock rearing, animal feed production, and associated commercial sectors. Successful engagement could lead to increased investment, job creation and improved productivity for farmers.

What happens next

Edo State officials plan to organise a high‑level meeting that will allow Governor Monday Okpebholo to meet with the EU Ambassador. The state also aims to keep engaging with diplomatic embassies to ensure global attendance and financial backing for the conference.

No specific dates have been announced for the high‑level meeting or for the summit itself, but the state’s statement indicates that the engagement with the EU and Botswana is part of ongoing efforts to build international partnerships capable of attracting capital and technical expertise.

The state’s delegation also highlighted the potential for agro‑tourism and animal feed production as areas for investment beyond conventional farming and livestock rearing, following the Botswana High Commissioner’s recommendations.