The Delta State Government’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment gained momentum on Wednesday as investors from Brazil, Malaysia and the United States indicated interest in partnering with the state across agriculture, energy and industrial sectors.

The investors expressed their willingness to collaborate with Delta State after touring key investment locations as part of activities marking the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Festus Ahon, the delegation visited the Kwale Special Economic Zone, where they inspected the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub and facilities operated by Phoenix Company.

The team also toured Skyward Resources Group in Oleh and Uzezi Farms in Oyede, where they praised the state’s investment climate and signalled plans to pursue strategic partnerships aimed at driving economic growth.

The leader of the Brazilian agribusiness delegation, Roberto Fonseca, praised the Kwale Special Economic Zone as a strategically designed project with the potential to attract international investors and stimulate industrial development.

“We have been studying the Kwale Special Economic Zone with great interest because we believe it is a very wise decision by the Delta State Government,” Fonseca said.

“We are planning investments in natural gas power generation and cassava processing, and I believe the Brazilian flag will soon stand alongside the Nigerian flag here in a fruitful partnership.”

Fonseca further stated that Brazil was prepared to support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation through technology transfer, innovation and investment, particularly in areas including ranching and beef processing.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, said Malaysia was exploring investment opportunities in Delta State, with a focus on oil palm development and other agricultural ventures.

Omar stated that Malaysian agribusiness companies with expertise in managing large-scale plantations were interested in partnering with the state to unlock its agricultural potential.

Similarly, the founder of Agrinexus, Dr Shermal Perera, revealed that his organisation was already collaborating with Nigerian partners while assessing further investment opportunities in Delta State.

Speaking during the inspection tour, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, explained that the state intentionally combined investment discussions with visits to operational businesses to showcase its preparedness and commitment to attracting foreign partnerships.

“What we are looking for is partnership, technology and expertise. We want investors to see that Delta means business,” Onyeme said.