Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s agricultural landscape is on the cusp of a major transformation, with the African Development Bank (AfDB) spearheading a $2.2 billion initiative to expand Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) across 24 states.

Outgoing AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina announced the significant funding at the 2025 Standard Chartered Africa Summit, framing the project as a critical driver for food security and economic diversification. The expansion aims to build on the success of the first phase, which established processing zones in eight states, including Ogun, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The SAPZ program is designed to attract private sector investment by providing essential infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, and water, directly in rural farming communities. This infrastructure is intended to transform these areas into vibrant industrial hubs, creating jobs and adding value to agricultural products at the source.

Adesina stated that the AfDB has already secured $938 million from partners, including the Islamic Development Bank, to kickstart the ambitious project. The initiative is a cornerstone of the bank’s strategy to move Africa from being a net food importer to a global food powerhouse by industrializing its agricultural sector. The move is expected to not only boost Nigeria’s economy but also create a more resilient and integrated agricultural value chain.