In a bold move to reposition Nigeria as a powerhouse in agricultural production and food processing, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is leading efforts to mobilize a staggering $2.2 billion to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) across 28 states in the country.

AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina made the announcement on Tuesday in Kaduna State, where he officially launched the first phase of the initiative. The program aims to significantly boost food security, cut down on Nigeria’s soaring food import bill, and create thousands of jobs across rural communities.

“We have been able, I would like to say, to mobilize $2.2 billion of investment interest to support the second phase across Nigeria,” Adesina said at the launch event. The second phase of the project is expected to be presented to the AfDB board for approval soon.

The first phase, which is already in motion in five states, is backed by over $500 million in funding announced in 2022. Key partners in the funding drive for the next phase include the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Africa Import-Export Bank, and agri-fintech firm Sahara Farms.

The SAPZs will focus on building world-class agro-processing facilities closer to farms, enabling efficient value addition, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving market access for smallholder farmers. 

By bringing processing plants to the doorstep of agricultural hubs, the project is expected to stimulate rural economies, empower local farmers, and curb the country’s dependence on imported food.

Last year alone, Nigeria spent a staggering $4.7 billion on food imports a trend the government and AfDB are determined to reverse through strategic investments in home-grown agricultural value chains.

With this landmark initiative, Nigeria is not just planting seeds it is cultivating a future of self-sufficiency, prosperity, and resilience in its agriculture sector.