Kaduna State, Nigeria has become the first in the country to formally launch its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) — a nascent initiative poised to turbocharge local food production, cut down imports, and generate thousands of jobs.
The $538 million first phase of the SAPZ programme, launched in 2022, spans eight states: Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It is spearheaded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with co-funding from the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony in Kaduna on Tuesday, framed the event as more than a ceremonial start.
“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation,” he said. “This is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone.”
The SAPZ is designed to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges food insecurity. With the country spending $4.7 billion on food imports in 2023 alone, the program aims to reverse this dependence by unlocking domestic production potential and improving agro-industrial value chains.
Kaduna will focus its hub around four key crops: maize, soybeans, ginger, and tomatoes, harnessing its fertile land and industrial potential. Agro-Industrial Hubs, Agricultural Transformation Centers, and Aggregation Centers will serve as operational backbones, while proximity to Ahmadu Bello University promises access to research and innovation.
In Cross River, the zone will tap into cocoa, cassava, and rice, with a similar model surrounding the University of Calabar. These hubs are not only strategically placed near academic centers but also located in areas with strong infrastructure and agro-potential, making them catalysts for local economic transformation.
President of the AFDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina hailed Kaduna’s leadership in the initiative, noting that agricultural industrialization offers a clear pathway to sustainable development.
“Your passion for agriculture is impressive,” he said. “It has taken us eleven years to get here, and I am delighted that we are finally here.”
Dr. Adesina revealed that AfDB has already committed $934 million to SAPZ programs across Africa, with an additional $938 million leveraged from partners. The initiative, now active in 27 locations across 11 countries, has become a model for agricultural-driven economic growth.
Beyond crop yields, the SAPZ promises real socio-economic impact. With projections of 60,000 jobs per state, the zones will help reduce youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and turn Nigeria’s rural communities into engines of prosperity.
