The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission, Mark Okoye II, has reaffirmed the importance of diaspora engagement, institutional reform, and innovation in driving sustainable development across Africa.
Speaking after a series of engagements in London, Okoye said discussions with students, researchers, policy experts, diaspora leaders, and development stakeholders at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the African Society of Cambridge University focused on Africa’s future in areas including infrastructure financing, institutional strengthening, diaspora capital, and innovation ecosystems.
According to him, one of the most impactful aspects of the engagements was the active participation of young Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora, who contributed thoughtful perspectives and challenging conversations around the continent’s development priorities.
Okoye noted that the discussions reinforced the need for stronger institutions, credible development platforms, and locally driven solutions tailored to Africa’s realities.
He added that the conversations align with the commission’s vision of promoting regional development through long-term capital mobilisation, innovation, and strategic partnerships capable of driving economic transformation in Nigeria’s South East region.
The SEDC boss also announced ongoing preparations for the grand finale and investment ceremony of the South East Venture Capital Programme in Enugu, an initiative expected to support entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation within the region.
“Step by step, we continue to build,” he said, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to sustainable growth and regional impact.