Awka, the Capital City of Anambra State, has emerged as the first city in Nigeria to benefit from the African Cities Programme of the African Development Bank, aimed at transforming urban infrastructure and city development across Africa.
The development followed the signing of a contract with Acciona Construction Firm of Spain on May 4, 2026, as representatives of the company visited the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority in Awka to commence preliminary engagements on the project.
Speaking during the meeting, Urban Development and Coordinating City Expert, Mohammad Yari Mni, said the African Cities Programme was designed to help participating cities assess their development challenges, prioritise critical infrastructure needs and develop bankable projects capable of attracting financing from the African Development Bank and other international financial institutions.
According to him, Awka’s selection places the city in a strategic position for major infrastructural transformation.
“Awka is the first city in Nigeria to benefit from the African Development Bank African Cities Program. The initiative will help the city develop evidence-based and people-oriented projects capable of transforming the urban landscape,” he said.
Yari explained that a technical committee had already been constituted to carry out city profiling, stakeholder engagements and data collection necessary for the preparation of an action plan.
He noted that Acciona, an international construction company with operations across several continents, was engaged to support the technical implementation process.
The expert added that the programme would focus on identifying projects with high developmental impact, including roads, urban renewal and climate resilient infrastructure.
Also speaking, Acciona’s Urban Development Expert and Gender Specialist, Dr Egbuna Onyinyechi, said the project would adopt an inclusive planning model that considers the needs of women, youths, children and persons living with disabilities.
She explained that the program would encourage the development of pedestrian-friendly roads, safer transportation systems and public infrastructure designed for all categories of residents.
Receiving the delegation, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Dr Ossy Onuko, described the project as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Awka.
Onuko noted that the process for the project began in 2024 and finally became successful in 2026, with Awka emerging as the first beneficiary city in Nigeria under the African Cities Program.
He said the state government under Charles Chukwuma Soludo remained committed to building a livable and prosperous homeland through strategic partnerships and sustainable urban development projects.
The ACTDA boss, however assured the team of his agency’s readiness to provide the necessary support and collaboration required for the successful implementation of the programme.
Speaking also, the Commissioner designate for the Ministry of Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (SAN), described Awka’s selection as a significant achievement for Anambra State, noting that the government was determined to transform the capital city into a modern urban centre in line with the Awka 2.0 initiative.
The technical team also visited the President General of Awka, Chief Fredrick Chinwuba, as part of stakeholder engagements on the project.
Speaking during the visit, Chinwuba welcomed the initiative and highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure, flood control systems, inner city roads and urban beautification projects in the state capital.
He expressed optimism that the African Development Bank-backed program would accelerate the development of Awka and improve the quality of life for residents.
