By The Whistler On Aug 2, 2025
Stakeholders and professionals from across Nigeria and beyond have identified investment in the bamboo value chain as a key driver for industrial growth and economic development.
The consensus came during a one-day investors forum on Bamboo Value Chain Development held at the Unizik Business School, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
The forum was organized by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Anambra State Coordinating Office in collaboration with the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED), with support from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Themed “Strengthening Investment Opportunities Along The Bamboo Value Chain For Sustainable Economic And Industrial Development,” the event brought together government officials, researchers, and potential investors.
Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, who was represented by Prof. Philomena Igbokwe, described the forum as critical for awakening government and investor interest in this valuable resource. She emphasized that bamboo investment has become increasingly important in the current economic climate.
The Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, represented by Permanent Secretary Toochukwu Obodougha, highlighted the importance of unlocking bamboo’s vast potential to drive economic growth. He called for stronger partnerships to develop plantations and processing hubs across the state.
RMRDC Director General/CEO Martin Muonso, represented by State Coordinator Uche Arinze-Nwosu, explained that the forum aimed to enhance investor participation in the bamboo sector.
“The Raw Materials Research and Development Council has been actively involved in promoting the Bamboo sector in Nigeria through research, policy advocacy, capacity building and industrial partnerships.
“Bamboo versatility supports over 100 products, including construction materials, furniture, handicrafts, textiles and bioenergy,” he said.
In his keynote lecture on “Bamboo Value Chain Development in Africa’s Green Economy,” Prof. Muyisa Kazimoto, Vice Chancellor of Open Learning University in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), presented bamboo as a renewable, fast-growing resource ideal for sustainable development.
Kazimoto identified bamboo as a key enabler of climate action and green industrialization in both Nigeria and the DRC. While acknowledging the plant’s industrial versatility across over 10,000 applications, he emphasized that Africa could benefit significantly with appropriate investments and enabling policies.
Co-founder of Agroforestry Impact and Regeneration USA, Mrs. Diana Doherty, delivered a lead paper titled “Bamboo-Based Value Chains For Sustainable Development: Identifying Investment Opportunities And Accessing Grants.” Speaking online, she highlighted Nigeria’s abundant plant species that could be incorporated into multiple production processes and stressed the need for innovative technologies and partnerships.
Several Anambra State government representatives affirmed their commitment to creating an enabling environment for bamboo investments. Commissioner for Agriculture Forster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Industry Christian Udechukwu, and Information Commissioner Law Mefor all expressed strong government support for the initiative.
“We are ready in Anambra State to support investors and encourage our communities to collaborate with those who want to invest in bamboo production and processing,” Ihejiofor stated.
The event concluded with exhibition tours and goodwill messages from the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), and heads of federal establishments in the state.
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