Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State inaugurated the Enugu Haier Factory on Saturday, marking a significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the Chinese Haier Global Business in partnership with the state government. The investment, valued at $20 million, will facilitate the production of smartphones, tablets, computers, smart boards, Android televisions, education and health technologies, alongside renewable energy solutions aimed at enhancing electricity, agriculture, and transportation.
The Enugu administration has played a crucial role by providing the land and constructing the factory’s expansive structures and has also committed to offtake orders surpassing 25,000 all-in-one desktops and 300,000 tablets to support its 260 Smart Green Schools, a strategic move to bolster this investment. This initiative aligns with other foreign investments in the state, including the ongoing electric car assembly plant by the Stallion Group and the Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre, backed by the Danish ODK Group, which is about to be launched.
During the inauguration held in the heart of Enugu city, Governor Mbah emphasized that this investment directly correlates with his administration's focus on making the state a leading hub for investment and knowledge-driven industrial growth. He revealed a vision to enhance the state’s economy, aiming for a leap from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
"This partnership symbolizes the union of vision, innovation, and opportunity, enabling us to produce technologies made in Enugu that compete on a global scale while simultaneously supporting key local sectors,” Governor Mbah stated.
He underscored that the locally manufactured devices, which empower students and serve crucial industries, will reduce reliance on imports, ultimately leading to cost savings, sustainability, and the development of domestic capabilities.
The governor further explained that the factory will provide practical training avenues for local vocational and technical institutions, generate employment, foster technology transfer, stimulate the growth of related small and medium-sized enterprises, and create a thriving technology ecosystem in the state.
Governor Mbah commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, noting their effectiveness in attracting continuous inflows of FDIs. “This consistent inflow signifies that previous macroeconomic pressures are easing, as we observe improvements in the naira's value, a significant increase in our foreign reserves, and a downtrend in inflation rates,” he pointed out.
He invited both local and international investors to consider the model set by Haier, assuring them that Enugu is prepared and eager for business collaborations.
Haier Group's Vice President, Sun Yongle, shared that the factory aims to manufacture 200,000 units of various products annually and will initially provide about 100 jobs. He highlighted plans for an additional $30 million investment in sectors such as agriculture and mining.
"Haier is the world leader in appliance manufacturing, with a global revenue that surpassed $60 billion in 2025. Our portfolio includes notable brands such as GE Appliances, Mabe, Candy, Sanyo Aqua, Hoover, and Fisher & Paykel," he declared.
The planned production capacity of the Enugu Haier Factory will focus on ICT products, medical devices, and new energy technologies. Upon reaching full capacity, it will create over 200 job opportunities, employing both local workers and operational teams.
Yongle also emphasized that this initiative is merely the first phase of their investments in Enugu, with discussions underway for ventures in agriculture, mining, and transportation networks.
He stated, "Our objective extends beyond manufacturing; we want our products to also be designed in Enugu, with management and technical staff largely sourced from local talent." He also plans to establish a local Research and Development Center and a training facility to offer free educational and internship opportunities for students in the state, praising Governor Mbah for his leadership.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, recognized Governor Peter Mbah's efforts in actualizing the 'Made in Enugu' dream, attributing the rapid completion of the factory to his commitment to skill-based education.
Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, reaffirmed the Federal Government's backing of innovation, industrial growth, and technical education through the partnership between the state and Haier.
"The President fully backs this initiative as it aligns with our Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to transform Nigeria's economy and elevate it to a $1 trillion market," he added.
Miss Precious Anih, a student from TVET College GTC, Enugu, expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for inspiring hope for the futures of the region's youth, stating, "You have instilled in us a vision for a brighter future."
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