Afrinvest West Africa Limited has officially opened its new branch in Enugu State, expanding its 30-year legacy in investment banking, asset management, and securities trading into the South-East.
The move marks a major milestone for the firm — and a fresh opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors in Enugu to access world-class financial expertise locally.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by the state Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, who hailed Afrinvest’s entry as a big win for Enugu’s fast-growing investment landscape.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Dr. Ike Chioke, Group Managing Director of Afrinvest, said the firm was “excited to bring 30 years of investment banking, asset management, securities trading expertise, trusteeship, consulting, research, fintech, and microfinance experience to the people of Enugu State.”
He explained that the decision to open in Enugu was taken about three years ago but was delayed until the current administration under Governor Peter Mbah created a more business-friendly environment.
“Now, the time is right,” he said confidently.
Reviving Business Continuity Culture
Dr. Chioke said one of Afrinvest’s missions is to help Enugu entrepreneurs build businesses that can stand the test of time — and survive beyond their founders.
“All too often, we see that Enugu has very successful entrepreneurs who build big businesses and even go beyond Nigeria, but once the founder dies, the business collapses,” he lamented.
He cited the example of Ekene Dili Chukwu Transport, once a thriving enterprise that faded after its founder’s death.
According to him, many such failures stem from weak corporate governance and poor succession planning — problems Afrinvest intends to tackle through its advisory services.
“What we are saying is that there are standardised ways of ensuring business continuity and of raising capital for your business. There are standardised ways of hiring the right people. That wealth of expertise, which we provide daily in the Western and Northern regions, is what we are now gladly bringing to Enugu,” he said.
Dr. Chioke emphasized that the board’s decision to establish an Enugu branch reflects confidence in the state’s economic future.
“Our clients here will not just invest in the stock market or put their money in the bank. They will learn what it takes to build a business that lasts,” he added.
Government’s Warm Welcome
Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Mbah, expressed delight over Afrinvest’s expansion to Enugu.
He said the firm’s wide-ranging services — from capital mobilization to corporate structuring — would help local businesses evolve from personality-driven ventures into enduring institutions.
“Aside from the businesses you do, you will play a critical role in helping our people to see business beyond personal identity — to create structures that will survive generations,” Ossai said.
He encouraged Afrinvest to engage with students and young entrepreneurs across the state’s tertiary institutions.
“With the number of universities we have in Enugu, we should be leading in a knowledge-based economy. I implore you to visit our campuses, talk to our young people, and help lay the foundation for sustainable enterprise,” he added.
A New Dawn for Enugu Entrepreneurs
Afrinvest’s arrival conforms with Governor Mbah’s vision of transforming Enugu into Nigeria’s investment capital and a hub for sustainable business growth in the South-East.
The firm’s presence could deepen financial literacy, improve access to capital markets, and promote a culture of business succession planning — an area that many Nigerian entrepreneurs have long neglected.
If executed well, Afrinvest’s expansion could help unlock the South-East’s next wave of wealth creators and solidify Enugu’s place as a rising financial centre in Nigeria.
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