Babatunji Wusu –
- The Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency plans to attract investors to Yobe State, focusing on agriculture and green energy.
- Yobe’s agricultural resources, such as sesame seeds and gum Arabic, present significant investment opportunities due to global demand.
- The agency also sees potential in developing green energy for local use and export.
- Yobe State offers attractive investment incentives and favorable conditions for investors.
- The Yobe delegation explored tourism investment, particularly in the Dufana Canoe, a significant cultural asset.
On Tuesday, the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency expressed its commitment to mobilizing investors for direct investments in agriculture and green energy within Yobe State. The announcement was made by Yassine El Ahyani, Head of Emerging Industries at the agency, during a meeting with the Yobe State delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, in Rabat, Morocco.
El Ahyani emphasized Yobe’s abundant agricultural resources, notably sesame seeds and gum Arabic, which have considerable potential in the international market. “Sesame seeds are in high demand globally and could provide substantial returns for investors,” he noted, highlighting the win-win nature of agricultural investments in the state.
In addition to agriculture, El Ahyani pointed out opportunities in green energy, emphasizing that this sector could also yield mutual benefits for both Yobe and potential investors.
Secretary Wali assured the Moroccan agency that Yobe State offers favorable investment conditions, including incentives for agricultural ventures, particularly in sesame seeds, gum Arabic, beans, groundnuts, and other crops. He also mentioned the state’s policies aimed at attracting direct investment and facilitating business operations. Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mustapha Goniri, highlighted the exceptional quality of onions produced in Geidam and other parts of the state, noting their unique agricultural environment.
Furthermore, Wali emphasized the importance of collaboration between farmers, the Yobe State government, and foreign investors to create significant opportunities. He also mentioned the Yobe State cargo airport, which would support the quick delivery of agricultural products to global markets.
In addition to agriculture and energy, the Yobe delegation also explored tourism investment opportunities in Morocco. The agency expressed interest in the Dufana Canoe, one of the world’s oldest canoes, recognizing its historical and tourism potential. El Ahyani noted that the canoe could generate substantial economic returns, create jobs, and drive infrastructure development in Yobe.
Wali assured that the Yobe State government would foster a supportive environment for tourism, particularly around the Dufana Canoe and local cultural festivals. The initiative aligns with the Buni administration’s goal to create employment opportunities for youth in areas like hospitality, transportation, and tour guide services.
Ahmed Gombe, CEO of the African Network, assured that the necessary documentation for the investment process would be completed promptly and praised the Yobe State government for its commitment to expanding its revenue base and creating wealth and employment opportunities.
