AfDB and TSC Support Nigeria to Implement Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones

On 11 October 2024, a high-level dialogue took place at the AfDB office in Abuja regarding the implementation of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ). AfDB Nigeria Country Manager Abdul Kamara, Nigerian Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari and Nigerian Minister of Finance Wale Edun attended the dialogue.

The SAPZ program seeks to enhance #FoodSecurity and boost agricultural productivity through the creation of special zones across Nigeria. The first phase of the the initiative, codenamed #SAPZ1, will cost an estimated USD 538 million and will cover the period from 2022 to 2026. Initially, the targeted food crops will include cassava, maize and rice.

In the same spirit, the Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with Trans Sahara Consortium (TSC) to promote soybean and sugar cane cultivation and value addition. In particular, the project has earmarked 3 million hectares for growing soybean. In addition, several sugar cane mills will be built to produce sugar for both the local and export markets.

Nigerian Finance Minister Wale Edun pointed out that the creation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones is in line with President Tinubu’s vision for industrialization and inclusive growth. The SAPZ will foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to create jobs and and alleviate poverty by making the agricultural sector as a driver of economic growth.

SAPZ1 is actually the cornerstone of Nigeria agricultural transformation strategy. The plan was elaborated in a paper drafted by Minister Edun entitled “Nigeria’s Path to Economic Growth Through Agricultural Reforms.”