Ekiti selected for AfDB-backed agro-industrial processing programme

Ekiti State has been selected to participate in Phase Two of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, a flagship initiative supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to boost agricultural industrialisation, food security and job creation.

The selection, announced on January 22, 2026, is widely seen as a recognition of the state’s efforts toward agricultural transformation and economic diversification.

Under the SAPZ programme, Ekiti is expected to benefit from increased investment in agro-processing, improved agricultural productivity and expanded access to domestic and international markets. The initiative is projected to generate thousands of jobs, particularly for youths, across agro-processing and allied value-chain sectors.

The programme also aims to promote value addition to agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate sustainable economic growth within the state.

The Ekiti State Government has expressed readiness to work closely with the Federal Government, development partners and the private sector to ensure the successful implementation of the programme. Officials said the SAPZ initiative is expected to attract private sector investment, improve livelihoods and drive inclusive growth.

With its inclusion in the SAPZ Phase Two Programme, Ekiti State is positioning itself as an emerging hub for agro-industrial development, with long-term prospects for economic expansion and prosperity.