Awka Selected as First Nigerian City for AfDB Program

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has selected Awka as the first Nigerian city to benefit from its African Cities Program, which aims to transform urban infrastructure across Africa. A contract was signed with the Spanish construction firm Acciona on May 4, 2026, to support the development of Awka.

The project will begin with preliminary engagements led by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) and urban development expert Mohammad Yari. The program is designed to help participating cities assess development challenges and prioritize critical infrastructure needs to attract financing.

The technical committee has already been established to carry out stakeholder engagement and data collection necessary for preparing an action plan. The project aims to identify high-impact development projects, including urban renewal and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Egbuna Onyinyechi, an urban development expert, emphasized the importance of inclusive planning. The project is expected to significantly transform Awka, with Governor Charl Chukwuma Soludo expressing commitment to making the city a livable and prosperous urban center.