The African Development Bank (AfDB) has set its sights on creating 200,000 jobs through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in Anambra State. Dr. Chuma Ezedinma, an Agricultural Economist with the AfDB, made this announcement during the “Preparation Mission for the Development of the Second Phase of the SPAZ Program” held in Anambra State.
Keen Interest and Impressive Presentation
Representatives from various entities, including the Federal Ministries of Finance, Agriculture and Food Safety, the AfDB, and the Anambra State Government, attended the event. Dr. Ezedinma praised Anambra’s exceptional presentation on the SPAZ project, emphasizing the state’s readiness to lead the initiative effectively.
Project Details
- Land Allocation: Approximately 450 hectares of land will be dedicated to the industrial site.
- Farm Families: Each zone is expected to accommodate around 5,000 farm families. With three zones, this totals 15,000 farm families in the state.
- Secondary Jobs: Beyond direct farming, additional employment opportunities within the park will contribute to creating over 200,000 jobs over the next five years.
- Infrastructure Commitment: The state government has already committed resources to develop necessary infrastructure.
- Private Sector Involvement: Private sector interest ensures efficient program delivery within a short timeframe.
Anambra’s Readiness
Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture in Anambra, highlighted the efforts of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency and the Ministry of Industry in ensuring the SPAZ project’s readiness.
Program Overview
- Components:
- Infrastructure Development: Managing agro-industrial hubs.
- Enhancing Productivity: Boosting agricultural productivity and production.
- Policy and Institutional Development: Strengthening governance and coordination.
- Program Management: Efficiently coordinating and managing the SAPZ program.
- Eligibility: All 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory can participate.
- Launch: The program was launched in October 2022 with a fund totaling $538 million across seven states: Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, and the Abuja Federal Capital Territory.
- Support: The AfDB, Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are supporting the initiative, along with federal and state governments in Nigeria.