AfDB set to launched $538 million Agriculture Processing Zones

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), The $538 million Agriculture Processing Zones would launch in seven states of Nigeria: Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

This information was presented on Tuesday by Mr. Lamin Barrow, Director General of AfDB Nigeria, at a Strategic Partners and Investors Meeting of the SAPZ in Abuja.

Additionally, the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agriculture Development are funding the project.

What AfDB said: 

According to Mr. Barrow, the SAPZs would develop 2,300 hectares of irrigated land, 8 agro-industrial processing hubs, and 15 agricultural transformation centers. Additionally, it will offer extension services including training and skill development as well as approved agricultural inputs.

The head of the AfDB observed that Nigeria has the greatest operational size among the 18 African nations with SAPZs. He said that the Federal Capital Territory, Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo would all see the start of the first phase.

READ MORE: How Agriculture Contribute To The Nigerian Economy. Top Things You Should Know

The five-year program would also aid in the establishment of institutions and policies for SAPZs.

“The private sector has a critical role to play in the SAPZs, and we are pleased that several private sector firms, domestic and foreign, have expressed keen interest to be located in these zones.

“The implementation of the SAPZs through a public-private partnership framework is therefore anchored on a clear division of labour among the actors,” Barrow said.

With over 88% of its land being arable, Nigeria is well situated to be a powerhouse for agro-industrialization across the continent, according to Ms. Katherine Meighan, who is the associate Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

What you need to know regarding SAPZs

$538 million Agriculture Processing Zones

An integrated development initiative known as Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) aims to concentrate agro-processing activities in regions with significant agricultural potential in order to increase productivity and integrate the production, processing, and marketing of particular commodities.

The initiative will focus on agro-processing activities in designated areas to increase productivity and combine the production, processing, and marketing of particular commodities in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other partners.