By Nigeria is making significant strides in its quest for agricultural industrialization with the groundbreaking of two major agro-processing zones in Kaduna and Cross River States. These zones are part of the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program, a $538 million collaboration between the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Nigerian government, and state governments.
The initiative, which covers Kaduna and Cross River States, is the first phase of the SAPZ program, with plans to extend to 24 additional states in the second phase. The African Development Bank’s Board of Directors is set to review Phase II in June. In Kaduna, the focus will be on maize, ginger, soybeans, and tomatoes, while Cross River’s zones will prioritize cocoa, cassava, and rice.
The SAPZ program is part of a broader push by the African Development Bank, under President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, to turn rural areas into thriving economic hubs. Dr. Adesina has long advocated for transforming African agriculture into a sustainable, profitable business. His efforts include the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), which uses climate-smart technology to boost food production and improve food security across the continent.
This project has drawn support from various regional and global institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and Arise IIP. The initiative has already attracted over $2 billion in investor interest, with future plans to mobilize even more funding for agriculture-focused ventures in Africa.
The SAPZ program forms part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural output, focusing on increasing local food production and processing for both domestic and international markets. The initiative includes the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, which aims to significantly increase domestic production of staples like wheat and maize.
With the SAPZ program gaining momentum in Nigeria, these groundbreaking ceremonies in Kaduna and Cross River mark the beginning of a new chapter in agricultural transformation. As the AfDB’s support continues to grow, Nigeria is poised to emerge as a key player in Africa’s agricultural revolution, fostering innovation and economic growth across the region.
