Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has invited African investors, development finance institutions and private sector players to explore the state’s vast economic potential, describing Cross River as a strategic destination for investments that can accelerate economic growth across the continent.
Otu made the call while welcoming delegates to the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference (AfSNET 2026), hosted by Cross River State in Calabar.
He described the conference as a significant opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation, attract investments and establish strategic business relationships among African countries. The governor said Cross River’s decision to host the continental investment gathering was driven by the need to showcase its resource base, economic opportunities and investment-friendly environment to potential investors.
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According to him, “the conference provides an important platform for governments, manufacturers, investors and development partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and advance sustainable economic development.”
Otu emphasised the importance of African countries developing stronger economic relationships and reducing dependence on external markets by investing in local production, technology, industrialisation and value addition. He argued that Africa must begin to harness its natural and human resources through partnerships that promote indigenous industries, technological advancement and shared prosperity.
The governor further stressed that meaningful economic transformation would require African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and develop the capacity to process their raw materials rather than continue exporting them in unprocessed forms.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations and investment engagements at the conference would produce tangible outcomes, attract strategic partnerships and position Cross River as a major player in Africa’s emerging economic landscape.
Otu thanked the federal government, participating in African countries, financial institutions and private sector organisations for supporting the conference, while welcoming delegates to what he described as “the home of future economic opportunities.”
