‎My Administration is Ready to Co-finance Agro-processing Zone with AFDB ~ Gov Otti

‎Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed his administration’s readiness to co-finance the establishment of an Agro-processing zone in the state with the African Development Bank (AFDB).
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‎This commitment was made on Monday, March 2nd, when a delegation from AFDB, led by Team Lead Dr. Bernard Onzima, visited the Governor’s office.
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‎Otti assured the delegation that Abia State would provide the necessary enabling environment for the project to thrive, stating, “So, you wouldn’t have any problems. We are already doing that (providing enabling environment) in a lot of locations. How much more when we have a project that we are going to be partnering with you.”
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‎He added that the government would collaborate with AFDB’s team to understand the requirements and deliver on them.
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‎The Governor expressed excitement that Abia State was included in the possible states for the second tranche of the project and highlighted other areas suitable for agricultural investments, including Ukwa West, Umuahia, Ikwuano, and Arochukwu.
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‎He appreciated AFDB’s support for the Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development (ABSID) project and looked forward to deepening the partnership with the SAPZ project.
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‎Earlier, the Team Lead, African Development Bank, Dr Bernard Onzima said that they came for a pre-appraisal mission for the Phase two of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme.
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‎The financing package for Tranche 2 includes $200 million from AFDB and $150 million from the Islamic Development Bank. He noted that the team had visited the proposed agro-industrial hub at Ukwa West and found it suitable.
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‎While noting that the team has visited the proposed agro-industrial hub at Ukwa West, Dr Onzima said that it is a good site, which is unencumbered. He expressed the hope that Abia State Government would co-finance the project.
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‎Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, thanked the Governor and AFDB for the proposed partnership, citing Ukwa West’s proximity to the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park as a key advantage.
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