African Development Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria to Launch Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Phase 1

WHAT:      The SAPZ Nigeria Phase 1 Implementation Flagoff, a ceremony to commence construction of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Phase 1.

WHO:       The African Development Bank Group, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and partners including the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and private sector leader ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms

WHEN:   Tuesday, 8 April 2025 (Kaduna State) and Thursday, 10 April 2025 (Cross River State)

WHERE:

• SAPZ Phase 1 Site, Kaduna State, Nigeria (8 April 2025)
• SAPZ Phase 1 Site, Cross River State, Nigeria (10 April 2025)

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and key partners, including the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Africa Grow Together Fund, will launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Nigeria Phase 1 Implementation Flagoff, a transformative step toward agro-industrial development. Led by Nigeria’s Vice President, H.E. Kashim Shettima, and African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, this high-profile event will mark the start of construction across eight states: Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory. With a total investment of $538 million, SAPZ Phase 1 stands as the Bank’s largest program in any African country.

Scheduled for 8 April in Kaduna State and 10 April in Cross River State, this event comes at a critical moment as Nigeria grapples with food insecurity and economic diversification needs. Leaders will celebrate this flagship initiative under the Bank’s Feed Africa Strategy, spotlighting its role as a presidential priority to boost food security, create jobs, and revitalize peri-urban areas through innovative public-private partnerships.

Private sector partners like ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms will drive these zones' design, building, and operation, setting a model for sustainable growth. The flagoff will also build momentum for SAPZ Phase 2, with 28 additional states eager to join.

The discussion will highlight the economic stakes - agriculture’s potential to transform Nigeria into a global agribusiness leader and showcase how Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones leverage co-financing and private sector expertise to mobilize resources. With Nigeria losing billions annually to food insecurity, investing in agro-industrial zones is a development priority and an economic imperative. This event offers a strategic platform to assess progress, reinforce commitments, and amplify Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s agricultural revolution.

Cover photo: By AFDB