Kogi State Enhances China Partnership for Agro-Industrial Growth

Kogi State is strengthening its partnership with China to accelerate the implementation of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity and attract private sector investment. The initiative, as stated by Mr.

Kingsley Fanwo, involves the development of modern agricultural science and technology industrial parks aligned with the broader SAPZ framework. The project includes the establishment of the Ajaokuta Agro-Industrial Hub and the Agricultural Transformation Centre in Anyigba, among others, which will integrate existing farmer clusters and add 150,000 hectares of farmland per zone.

The SAPZ will prioritize value chains including rice, maize, cassava, livestock, and poultry. Kogi State has entered a strategic cooperation agreement with Hezheng Hold Group, Hezheng Digit Technology, and Hezheng Innov Valley Co.

Ltd to implement this vision. The delegation, led by Alhaji Yakubu Okala, included various state officials and toured Hezheng facilities to gain insights into their enterprise support systems.

The project aims to enhance food security, create jobs, and strengthen market linkages to support export growth.