The Anambra State Government, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AFDB), is set to roll out intervention projects valued at $100 million aimed at transforming the state’s agricultural and industrial sectors. These projects, which include Agricultural Transformation Centres and a Special Agro Processing Zone, are designed to harness the region’s significant agricultural potential, especially in the cultivation of rice, sorghum, maize, and yam.
Mr. Mark Okoye, Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), revealed this plan during a meeting with an AFDB delegation. He noted that the state is adopting a coordinated approach by collaborating with the bank and private sector players, including Arise and Coscharis Groups, to ensure the effective implementation of the project.
Okoye highlighted key components of the project’s master plan, such as the Anambra Mixed Use Industrial City (AMIC), which he believes will foster economic growth through strategic partnerships and dedication to solving challenges. He also invited the AFDB team to the 2nd Anambra Investment Summit scheduled for November 14, 2024, at the International Conference Centre, Awka. This event is expected to attract over 800 investors and will include opportunities for interested parties to explore industrial infrastructure investments in the state.
AFDB’s Chief Agro-Industry Officer, Mr. Chukwuma Ezedinma, stated that Anambra was selected for this initiative due to strong private sector interest and favorable feasibility studies. He outlined the project’s scope, which includes an Agro Industrial Hub, Agricultural Transformation Centres, and Aggregation Centres, and noted the bank’s focus on supporting both the hub and the transformation centers.
During the engagement, discussions covered the feasibility study details and key plans related to the project, such as the Resettlement Action Plan, Stakeholders Engagement Plan, and Livelihood Restoration Plan. Mr. Bashir Ibrahim Gaya, AFDB’s Senior Rural Infrastructure Engineer, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to providing both funding and technical support to drive sustainable development in the state.
Representatives from the state government included Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture; Mr. Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Industry; and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. Chinedu Obieri attended on behalf of Coscharis Group.
