The Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), in partnership with the Nigerian Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), has launched the second phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program.
SAPZ Phase II is expected to make farming more productive, climate-resilient, and attractive to investors with a total investment of USD 975 million, including USD 600 million in funding from the AfDB.
It will help build better farming infrastructure, promote inclusive growth, and support farmers and agribusinesses across Nigeria.
One of SAPZ Phase II’s major goals is to help farmers adapt to climate change, and this is where the GCA steps in.
The GCA will work with state governments in Oyo, Niger, and Anambra, using modern tools such as remote sensing and GIS to create digital maps of soil health and fertility. This means farmers will get better advice on using their land efficiently and growing more food.
In addition, the GCA will collaborate with seed companies and farmers to launch a digital platform. This tool will help ensure that the climate-resilient seeds that can survive droughts and floods are properly tracked, shared, and planted.
To ensure their effectiveness, extension officers and farmers will be trained to grow and use these improved seeds.
The second phase of the program will be rolled out first in eight states: Niger, Anambra, Delta, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Gombe, Enugu, and Ekiti.
Over time, it will expand to 27 states.
The economic impact is expected to create 1.35 million jobs, 60% for young people, at least 50% for women and USD 2 billion is expected from private investors.
Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, President and CEO of the Global Centre on Adaptation, stated, “This is adaptation in action. Through the SAPZ program, Nigeria is not only investing in infrastructure and food systems, but it is also building resilience acre by acre, community by community. We are proud to bring our climate expertise to this transformative partnership with the African Development Bank and the Government of Nigeria, to ensure these investments thrive in the face of climate shocks and serve generations to come.”
The SAPZ project significantly aligns with Nigeria’s national plans, including the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Nigeria Agenda 2050.
It also supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on eradicating poverty, enhancing food security, and developing robust infrastructure.
With this effort, Nigeria is not just improving farming. It’s transforming how agriculture is conducted, making it more innovative, more modern, and better equipped for the future.
GCA’s support comes under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, a joint venture with the AfDB that works across the continent to turn global climate funding into local action.
This could mean more tools, better seeds, stronger yields, and a safer future for Nigerian farmers.
