The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has announced a strategic partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to develop a transformative $200 million agro-industrial zone. This initiative forms part of the second tranche (Tranche 2) of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, aimed at accelerating agricultural value addition, infrastructure development, private sector investment, and economic growth in the state.
The collaboration follows productive engagements between Governor Otti and an AfDB pre-appraisal mission. Governor Otti expressed Abia's strong commitment to co-financing the project, underscoring the state's readiness to contribute resources and leverage the opportunity for sustainable agro-industrial development.
The $200 million AfDB facility targets eight states, with additional expected co-financing of around $150 million from other sources to maximize impact.
This agro-industrial zone will focus on enhancing processing capabilities for key crops such as cassava, oil palm, cocoa, rice, maize, and soybean commodities with strong potential in Abia. Potential sites under consideration include Owaza in Ukwa West (proposed as a central hub), alongside areas in Bende, Ikwuano, Ukwa East, and the Ulonna farm settlement.
The project aligns with the broader SAPZ framework, which promotes integrated agro-processing hubs, agricultural transformation centers, climate-smart practices, job creation, and increased private investment in agriculture value chains.
Governor Alex Otti emphasized the project's alignment with Abia's vision for industrial revival and economic diversification: "This partnership with the AfDB represents a major step forward in our efforts to build a more productive, inclusive, and export-oriented agricultural sector.
By fostering public-private collaboration, we aim to create thousands of jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, boost farmer incomes, and position Abia as a key player in Nigeria's agro-industrial landscape."
The initiative is expected to deliver significant benefits, including improved rural infrastructure, enhanced market access for smallholder farmers (with a focus on women and youth), technology adoption, and stronger linkages between producers and processors. It builds on Abia's ongoing reforms and investments in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.
The AfDB's support reflects its commitment to scaling up Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones across Nigeria, following earlier approvals and implementations in other states.
Phase II of the SAPZ Programme seeks to expand to additional states, driving food security, reduced imports, and broader economic resilience.