The African Development Bank (AfDB) has onboarded 21 additional states for the second phase of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, announced this after the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.
With the pilot phase in states like Kano, Kaduna, and Oyo nearing completion, the $540 million-funded programme aims to boost food security and rural development. Uzodinma urged all states to participate, highlighting its potential as a “game-changer.”
The SAPZ initiative, supported by AfDB, is set to create agro-industrial hubs, transform rural areas, and provide infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads and irrigation systems. Private-sector partnerships will drive the project, while state governments are required to meet eligibility criteria, including environmental impact assessments and counterpart funding.
The council also encouraged partnerships with NASENI to maintain agricultural equipment and promote solar-powered machinery.
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