Anambra economic sector budget jumps 26.7% as Governor Soludo drives industrial growth and innovation projects across the state in 2026
Awka, Anambra State – Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has announced a 26.7% year-on-year increase in the Anambra Economic Sector budget as part of the ₦757.9 billion “Changing Gears 3.0” plan for 2026.
Also read: Anambra police arrest armed robbery suspect
The surge marks a strategic shift to position the state as an industrial and innovation hub, moving beyond its traditional trading-based economy.
The expanded allocation will fund five flagship initiatives, including the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City, spanning over 5,000 hectares for heavy and light manufacturing, logistics, and agro-processing.
Ground-breaking and Phase-1 infrastructure development will commence in 2026, featuring dedicated power supply, rail spurs, and fibre connectivity.
Three new cities – Awka 2.0, Greater Niger, and the Aerotropolis/Industrial-Commercial City – are set to transition from planning to actual construction and serviced-plot allocation.
The Solution Innovation District (SID) will reach completion, with the surrounding 100-hectare district opening for private-sector plot allocation and anchor-tenant incentives, venture funds, and the Anambra Angel Investment Network.
Ease of Doing Business initiatives will receive a dedicated N10–15 billion, supporting international investment roadshows, tax incentives for pioneer industries, and the operational take-off of the upgraded Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA).
Regenerative agriculture and export value chains will scale up, focusing on oil palm, coconut, ukwa, bamboo, cashew, citrus, and aquaculture processing zones.
The state expects the new projects to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs between 2026 and 2030, while expanding the tax base through PAYE, withholding tax, property levies, and consumption taxes.
Manufacturing and innovation contributions are projected to rise from single-digit percentages to 25–30% of the state economy by 2030.
Also read: Anambra election: residents defy movement restriction
Governor Soludo’s administration views the 26.7% budget increase as a pivotal moment in Anambra’s journey toward becoming a resilient, investment-ready economy and a destination for returning diaspora and regional trade.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
