The Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency has expressed interest in mobilizing investors for direct investments in Yobe State’s agriculture and green energy sectors.
The Head of Emerging Industries at the agency, Yassine El Ahyani, made this known on Tuesday during a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, with a Yobe State delegation led by Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali.
El Ahyani highlighted Yobe’s rich agricultural resources, particularly sesame seeds and gum Arabic, which have high global demand and significant market value. He noted that investment in these commodities could yield substantial returns while benefiting local farmers and international investors alike.
He also emphasized the potential for developing green energy in the state, stating that renewable energy could serve both local needs and international markets.
Wali assured the Moroccan agency that Yobe State offers favorable conditions for investors, including incentives and business-friendly policies. He pointed out that the government has taken steps to ease business operations, particularly in agriculture, where crops like beans, groundnuts, and onions thrive due to the state’s unique soil and climate.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mustapha Goniri, emphasized the superior quality of onions grown in Geidam and other parts of Yobe, attributing it to the region’s natural growing conditions. He added that collaboration between local farmers, the state government, and foreign investors would further enhance agricultural development.
Wali also highlighted the role of the Yobe State cargo airport in facilitating the swift export of agricultural products to global markets.
During the visit, the Yobe delegation explored tourism investment opportunities with the Moroccan agency. The agency expressed interest in investing in the Dufana Canoe, the world’s second-oldest canoe, to boost tourism in Yobe State.
El Ahyani noted that the canoe’s historical significance could attract tourists, create jobs, and drive infrastructure development in the region.
Wali reassured investors that the Yobe State government is committed to providing a conducive environment for tourism development, aligning with policies aimed at creating employment in hospitality, transportation, and tour services.
CEO of the African Network, Ahmed Gombe, pledged to facilitate the timely completion of investment documentation and commended the Yobe government’s dedication to expanding revenue sources, generating employment, and fostering economic growth.
