Nigerian business leader Ozoka promotes pan-African investment, others in Uganda

A Nigerian entrepreneur based in the United States, Dr. Odera Ozoka, has stepped up efforts to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and East Africa, championing Pan-African investment and women-focused development initiatives in Uganda.

Dr. Ozoka recently joined Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, on the campaign trail in Northern Uganda, a move seen as reinforcing growing Nigerian–East African economic cooperation.

He has been appointed by Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to help attract international investors to the country.

His engagement centres on directing investment opportunities toward women-owned businesses, in line with broader Pan-African development goals and Nigeria’s long-standing advocacy for African economic integration.

Speaking from Oyam in Northern Uganda, Dr. Ozoka highlighted the impact of women-focused initiatives in the region.

“The world is watching and taking note of the superb work being delivered for women in Uganda,” he said.

“I’ve been to several businesses owned by women here in Lira, and the enthusiasm is very commendable and exciting.”

Through his collaboration with Minister Amongi, access has been facilitated to programmes supported by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the World Bank, providing seed financing, grants, and loan schemes for women entrepreneurs across Northern Uganda.

Minister Amongi, who is campaigning for the Lira City Woman Parliamentary seat, commended Dr. Ozoka’s role and Pan-African outlook.

“I have been impressed by him,” she said. “He has represented Nigeria and the United States well and is living in the spirit and mantra of Pan-Africanism.

“He has brought investment commitment to Uganda, and many of our women will benefit greatly from it.”

Experts noted that Dr. Ozoka’s activities reflect a growing trend of Nigerian diaspora professionals leveraging global networks to unlock development opportunities across Africa.

His work in Uganda is already yielding tangible results through women-focused financing programmes, which analysts say could serve as models for similar initiatives in Nigeria.

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For Nigerian investors, the development highlights emerging opportunities in East African markets, particularly in women-led enterprises, and underscores the potential of Pan-African business partnerships supported by institutions such as the NSSF and the World Bank.

Dr. Ozoka’s recognition by Ugandan leaders as “a true African son” further underscores Nigeria’s influence on the continent, as African nations increasingly pursue intra-African collaboration to drive sustainable development.