In a bid to establish a Special Agro Processing Zone (SAPZ) and advance agricultural processing in Plateau State, the Plateau State Government has forged a partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). This collaboration was formalized during a bilateral meeting between Governor Caleb Mutfwang and AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, held on the sidelines of the World Food Prize Foundation Dialogue in Iowa, USA.
According to a statement released by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for the establishment of a Special Agro Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Plateau. This initiative comes after Plateau State was initially not involved in the initial phases of the AfDB’s project, which focuses on industrializing agricultural potential in African subnational entities.
Governor Mutfwang expressed the objective of the initiative, highlighting its potential to bolster the state’s economy, drive development, and provide employment opportunities for its youth population. He underscored Plateau’s fertile land and favorable climate, ideal for various agricultural ventures.
The governor emphasized the importance of enhancing agricultural products along the value chain for crops such as potatoes, maize, wheat, yam, quinoa, soybeans, fruits, vegetables, exotic flowers, and various meat productions. This, he believes, will harness the state’s agricultural potential, boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and uplift the income of local farmers.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated his commitment to creating a conducive environment for investments and ensuring sustained economic growth in the state.
