Ogun State Secures Major Economic Boost through Partnership with Manufacturing Africa and Hinckley E-Waste Recycling

Ogun State Secures Major Economic Boost through Partnership with Manufacturing Africa and Hinckley E-Waste Recycling

The Ogun State government, through its State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest), has announced a transformative partnership with the Manufacturing Africa Programme, an initiative of the UK government, and Hinckley E-Waste Recycling Ltd. This collaboration is set to deliver a significant economic boost to Ogun State by enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and driving sustainable industrial growth.

According to Ms. Sola Arobieke, Special Adviser and Deputy Director General of OgunInvest, the partnership aims to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and introduce cutting-edge technologies to the state. Manufacturing Africa, supported by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), will provide critical market studies and corporate finance support to help Ogun State achieve its goal of becoming an industrial powerhouse in West Africa. 

One of the standout elements of the collaboration is the involvement of Hinckley E-Waste Recycling Ltd, a trailblazer in the electronic waste management sector. Hinckley is expanding its operations into Ogun State with plans to establish Africa’s first lithium-ion and lead-acid battery recycling and treatment plant, backed by a $5 million investment in the first year. This facility will not only create 100 direct jobs but will also introduce advanced recycling technology developed in collaboration with Imperial College London, positioning Ogun State as a leader in e-waste management across Africa.

Ms. Arobieke noted that the project goes beyond immediate job creation, as it is also focused on long-term environmental sustainability. By promoting safe and efficient e-waste recycling, the initiative will protect public health, reduce environmental pollution, and support sustainable practices. The introduction of UK-patented technology will further reinforce Ogun State’s reputation as a hub for innovation and industrial excellence.

The economic benefits of this partnership are vast. By attracting foreign direct investment and fostering technological advancements, Ogun State will strengthen its position as a preferred destination for both domestic and international investors. Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s leadership of OgunInvest has been instrumental in creating a business-friendly environment that supports long-term industrial growth, making Ogun State a critical player in Nigeria’s economic future.

To formally unveil this groundbreaking partnership, a joint press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, at 4 p.m. Key officials, including Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, Chief Economic Adviser and Finance Commissioner of Ogun State, Mr. Richard Montgomery CMG, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, and the UK’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, will be in attendance to address the media and outline the impact of this collaboration.

This development marks a pivotal moment in Ogun State's industrial journey, as it continues to attract global expertise and investments that will drive its economic transformation. The partnership with Manufacturing Africa and Hinckley E-Waste Recycling Ltd reinforces Ogun State's commitment to economic growth, sustainability, and innovation, positioning it as a beacon of industrial development in Africa.

*Tayo Mabeweje*  

*Media Consultant to the Executive Governor of Ogun State*