Nigeria has launched a crucial driver in Africa’s industrialization process with the groundbreaking of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Cross River State. This initiative, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, is more than just an agricultural boost—it is a replicable model of structural transformation poised to accelerate rural industrialization across the continent.
With an initial investment exceeding $500 million and a strategic infrastructure network including ports, power grids, and research centers, the Cross River SAPZ serves as a living laboratory for developing agro-industrial value chains in Africa. From cocoa processing to cassava transformation, the 130-hectare hub in Adiabo will turn raw materials into high-value products, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global export markets.
These special zones are a vital lever for Africa, where over 60% of the population depends on agriculture, yet much of the production remains informal and of low market value. SAPZs offer a modern, sustainable alternative: linking primary production to industrial hubs, creating ecosystems for private investment, and revitalizing rural economies. “These zones are a direct path to industrialization without leaving rural communities behind,” said Adesina, noting that the model has already attracted $2.2 billion in investment interest for expansion across 28 Nigerian states.
The vision extends beyond Nigeria. The African Development Bank has committed over $900 million to develop SAPZs in 11 African countries. The approach combines public-private investment with technical training, market access, and environmental sustainability. In Cross River, the SAPZ is backed by the Nigerian Cocoa Research Institute, the University of Calabar, and IFAD’s LIFE-ND program, which has already empowered 26,000 young people and women entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta.
If scaled coherently, this agro-industrial model could reshape Africa’s economic future. As Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari stated, “Investing in agro-industry is investing in the future of our communities.” The Cross River SAPZ is not merely a national milestone—it is a launching point for an Africa that transforms its natural resources into industrial prosperity and global economic leadership.
