The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the Oyo State Government, is set to launch the construction of the Oyo State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) on Saturday, 2 August 2025. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the SAPZ Phase 1 site in Atan, Ijaiye, Akinyele Local Government Area, approximately 29 kilometers from Ibadan, the state capital.
This event marks the third SAPZ launch under Phase I of the national program, following earlier groundbreakings in Kaduna and Cross River States in April 2025. The Oyo SAPZ expands the initiative into south-western Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s commitment to agro-industrial development.
The 300-hectare processing zone is strategically located near the Lagos-Ibadan Railway Line, providing efficient access to markets and enhancing transport connectivity. The zone aims to unlock high-potential agricultural value chains, including cassava, maize, poultry, and horticulture. It is expected to generate employment and boost incomes in rural communities.
The SAPZ initiative is part of the African Development Bank’s broader Feed Africa High 5 strategy and represents its largest agriculture investment across the continent. With total financing of $538 million, the program is co-funded by the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Africa Grow Together Fund.
The Oyo SAPZ will showcase the use of innovative public-private partnerships to drive agricultural transformation. The initiative highlights the African Development Bank’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria, which includes nearly $11 billion in commitments since 1971. It also sets the stage for broader regional expansion of agro-industrial processing zones across Africa.
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