According to reports, the AfDB’s flagship program, the SAPZ initiative, was introduced in 2022 in collaboration with the Federal Government, state governments, and development partners.
A $300 million AfDB facility supported its initial phase, which was implemented in the Federal Capital Territory and seven states: Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo.
Agro-industrial centers were created during that time with the goals of luring private sector investment, lowering post-harvest losses, and enhancing smallholder farmers’ access to markets.
Additionally, it improved food security, fortified value chains in essential commodities, and generated thousands of jobs for rural communities, especially for women and young people.
The Federal Government claims that the program will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, encourage export diversification, and establish the nation as a major player in regional and international food supply chains. The second phase of the program is scheduled to expand to 24 additional states.
Shettima emphasized that the government’s goal is to establish agro-industrial zones that are investment-ready and climate-smart, which will help millions of Nigerians escape poverty and create long-term jobs.
