28/12/2025
Anambra Govt, UNIZIK Business School, Chambers of Commerce seal MoU To Drive Economic Growth
By Ebele Iyke Odili/Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Government has taken another decisive step towards deepening economic reforms and private sector development with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Industry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Business School, and the Chambers of Commerce in the state.
The MoU was signed today at the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, marking the commencement of a strategic partnership aimed at repositioning Anambra’s economy through collaboration between government, academia, and the business community.
Addressing stakeholders at the inaugural meeting, the Commissioner welcomed participants and conveyed the goodwill and support of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, describing the partnership as a “new beginning” founded on a trinity of governance, knowledge, and enterprise.
According to Mr. Udechukwu, the collaboration brings together the Anambra State Government, UNIZIK Business School, and the Chambers of Commerce comprising Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi, with a shared objective of strengthening businesses and empowering emerging entrepreneurs through data-driven insights and evidence-based strategies.
He disclosed that from 2026, all economic briefings and outlooks of the Ministry will be conducted in partnership with UNIZIK Business School, leveraging local and global data to help business leaders better understand economic trends within Anambra State, Nigeria, the African continent, and the global market.
“This partnership will enable us to support business owners with research-backed strategies that will help them grow into market leaders and build sustainable enterprises capable of transitioning successfully from one generation to the next,” the Commissioner stated.
Mr. Udechukwu emphasized that the initiative aligns fully with the economic restructuring and reform agenda of the Soludo administration, which is focused on repositioning Anambra as a competitive, investment-friendly state driven by productivity and innovation.
He expressed satisfaction that all Chambers of Commerce in the state have embraced the initiative, describing it as a strong foundation for a long-term, sustainable partnership.
Speaking on behalf of the academic sector, the Director of UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Pius Okoye, described the MoU as a visionary and solution-driven initiative by the Anambra State Government, championed by the Ministry of Industry.
He explained that the partnership will help businesses identify challenges, unlock hidden opportunities, and develop bankable business plans that can attract funding from institutions such as the Bank of Industry and other financial agencies.
“This is about helping businesses grow, expand, and reach their peak within Anambra State, not grow and relocate elsewhere.
This is how advanced economies operate.—through strong business hubs supported by academia and government,” Prof. Okoye said.
He added that the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University is fully supportive of the initiative, describing it as a strategic and deliberate move that will allow government to consistently engage with the real pulse of the business community, including grassroots entrepreneurs.
On behalf of the Chambers of Commerce, the president Onitsha chamber of commerce-,Mr. Onu expressed profound gratitude to the Anambra State Government and UNIZIK Business School for what he described as a timely and progressive intervention.
He noted that the partnership will strengthen member businesses, enhance access to research and capacity building, and improve collaboration between traders, manufacturers, and policymakers.
He assured that the Chambers are fully committed to the partnership, pledging active participation to ensure that Anambra businesses become more competitive, resilient, and capable of driving inclusive economic growth across the state.
