The Anambra State Government is collaborating with the African Development Bank (AFDB) to carry out major projects worth $100 million. These projects are aimed at supporting the agricultural and industrial sectors throughout Anambra State.
The projects will include the creation of Agricultural Transformation Centres and a Special Agro-Processing Zone. The goal of these projects is to unlock Anambra’s potential in agriculture, especially in the production of crops such as rice, sorghum, maize, and yam.
The announcement was made by Mr. Mark Okoye, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA). Mr. Okoye shared this update during a meeting with a delegation from the African Development Bank held in his office.
He explained that the Anambra State Government has chosen to work in a coordinated manner with the AFDB and with leading private sector companies, including Arise and Coscharis Groups. The purpose of this partnership is to implement these projects effectively and efficiently.
During the meeting, Mr. Okoye highlighted the main parts of the project plan, which also includes the Anambra Mixed Use Industrial City (AMIC). He expressed hope that the partnership with the AFDB and other committed organizations would not only address existing issues but also open up new opportunities to help Anambra’s economy grow and thrive.
Mr. Okoye also invited the African Development Bank to attend the 2nd Anambra Investment Summit. This event is planned for November 14, 2024, and will be held at the International Conference Centre in Awka, the capital of Anambra State. The ANSIPPA Managing Director noted that this summit would provide an opportunity for potential investors to show their interest in the industrial infrastructure that will be developed. He pointed out that more than 800 investors have already signed up online to participate in this significant event.
At the meeting, Mr. Chukwuma Ezedinma, the Chief Agro-Industry Officer of the African Development Bank, provided insight into why Anambra State was selected for this project. According to him, the state was chosen because of a strong interest from the private sector and the positive findings from a detailed feasibility study. He said that the Special Agro Processing Zone will include facilities like the Agro-Industrial Hub, Agricultural Transformation Centres, and Aggregation Centres. The bank is especially interested in supporting the Agro-Industrial Hub and the Agricultural Transformation Centres within the state.
Mr. Ezedinma also mentioned that the purpose of the AFDB team’s visit to Anambra was to review the details of the project as outlined in the feasibility study. They wanted to confirm specific information, including plans for the project’s implementation unit, the steering committee, and the technical committee that will oversee the project. Additionally, he said they wanted to gather information on essential plans like the Resettlement Action Plan, Stakeholders Engagement Plan, and Livelihood Restoration Plan.
A key member of the African Development Bank’s team, Mr. Bashir Ibrahim Gaya, who serves as the Senior Rural Infrastructural Engineer, also attended the meeting. Mr. Gaya emphasized the vital role that the African Development Bank plays in promoting sustainable growth. He assured everyone that the bank is committed to providing not only financial assistance but also technical support to ensure that these projects are successful and beneficial to the people of Anambra State.
Representatives of the Anambra State Government at the meeting included Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture, and Mr. Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Industry. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, was also present. Additionally, Mr. Chinedu Obieri represented the Coscharis Group, one of the private sector partners involved in these projects.
The collaborative effort between the Anambra State Government, the African Development Bank, and the private sector is seen as a positive step toward improving the economic landscape of Anambra. These projects are expected to provide job opportunities, increase agricultural productivity, and encourage industrial development across the state. With this support from the AFDB and the involvement of both local and international investors, Anambra State is positioning itself as an important center for agricultural and industrial growth within Nigeria.
The projects aim to address critical needs in Anambra’s agricultural sector by establishing dedicated centers where agricultural products can be processed and transformed. This will add value to the products, making them more marketable and increasing profits for farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
The Special Agro-Processing Zone is expected to bring about substantial improvements in Anambra’s agricultural industry. The zone will feature an Agro-Industrial Hub, which will serve as a center for processing various agricultural products. It will also include Agricultural Transformation Centres that are dedicated to transforming raw crops into finished goods, making them ready for market.
The inclusion of Aggregation Centres within the Special Agro Processing Zone is also a crucial element. These centres will act as collection points for crops and other agricultural products before they are sent to the processing facilities. This system is designed to streamline the supply chain, making it more efficient and reducing post-harvest losses.
One of the key features of the project is the focus on sustainable growth. The African Development Bank’s involvement ensures that these projects are developed with a long-term vision in mind. This includes the creation of plans to address any potential impact on local communities, such as the Resettlement Action Plan, Stakeholders Engagement Plan, and Livelihood Restoration Plan.
These plans are essential for ensuring that the projects do not negatively affect the lives of local residents. The Resettlement Action Plan, for instance, will outline steps to be taken if any residents need to be relocated to make way for the new facilities. Similarly, the Stakeholders Engagement Plan and Livelihood Restoration Plan are aimed at maintaining positive relationships with the community and providing support to those who might be affected by the projects.
The participation of private sector leaders, such as the Arise and Coscharis Groups, is a significant aspect of these projects. By working alongside the African Development Bank and the Anambra State Government, these companies bring additional resources, expertise, and investment into the projects. This partnership will help ensure that the projects are not only successful but also sustainable in the long term.
The planned 2nd Anambra Investment Summit is expected to be an important event for the state. Scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre in Awka, it will provide a platform for potential investors to learn more about the opportunities available in Anambra’s agricultural and industrial sectors. With over 800 investors already registered to attend, this summit could play a key role in attracting additional investment to the state.
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