Diaspora Engagement Drives Cross River’s Push for Global Investment at London Summit

Cross River State has intensified its bid to attract global capital and diaspora-led development, unveiling a broad investment agenda at a high-level summit in London that ran from November 17 to 19. The three-day forum brought together international financiers, development institutions, and professionals of Cross River origin across Europe, positioning the state as a rising economic contender in West Africa.

At the summit, government officials outlined a coordinated strategy anchored on policy stability, infrastructure expansion and a renewed commitment to investor-friendly reforms. Delegates highlighted priority sectors, including agriculture, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, infrastructure and the creative economy, describing them as immediate growth corridors capable of delivering strong returns for private investors.

A major talking point was the full return of the Tinapa business and leisure resort to state control. Officials confirmed that Tinapa has been reopened to investors and placed at the heart of the administration’s economic revival plan. The resort, once dormant, is now earmarked for redevelopment into a regional hub for trade, entertainment and manufacturing.

Presentations by senior policymakers provided clarity on new regulatory measures and bankable projects. Speakers underscored the administration’s emphasis on transparency, efficient approvals and streamlined processes designed to rebuild investor confidence. Development partners in attendance noted the clarity of Cross River’s economic roadmap, describing the government’s proposals as pragmatic and investment-ready.

Diaspora participation formed a critical pillar of the summit. Cross River professionals based across the UK and Europe engaged in strategy sessions on technology transfer, entrepreneurship, skills development and public–private partnerships. According to delegates, the forum was the first in years to create structured engagement between the state and its global talent base, signalling a renewed commitment to harnessing diaspora expertise for development.

The summit produced several tangible outcomes. Investors expressed renewed interest in tourism belts, transport infrastructure and renewable-energy corridors. Early discussions also began on revitalising key state-owned assets, including pharmaceutical facilities, air and seaport infrastructure and agro-processing centres. In a notable sign of confidence, buyers placed commercial orders for large consignments of frozen chicken from Calachika, boosting prospects for the state’s agro-industrial sector.

The state is also preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with an international migration-focused organisation in early December. The agreement, once ratified, will support diaspora mapping, build capacity for border and immigration agencies, and strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Officials confirmed that multiple investor missions to Cross River are scheduled for early 2026 as the government works to translate summit commitments into active projects.

By concluding the London summit with renewed investor interest and strengthened diaspora partnerships, Cross River has set a clear trajectory for economic expansion. The state now seeks to consolidate the momentum by turning pledges into investments capable of transforming its economy and elevating its profile as a competitive investment destination in the sub-region.