Awka’s Transformation Journey Begins as AfDB, Acciona Launch African Cities Programme Implementation

Dr. Ossy Onuko

The implementation phase of the African Development Bank (AfDB)-supported African Cities Programme in Anambra State has officially commenced with the arrival of officials from Acciona, the Spanish consulting firm appointed by the bank as the programme’s technical partner.
The delegation, led by Deputy Project Leader, Elisa Maceratini, and Environmental Specialist, Carolina Ferrandi, arrived in Awka on Sunday alongside Tpl. Kabi Yari, City Coordinator and Urban Development Specialist, and Onyinye Egbuna.
Their visit marks the beginning of stakeholder engagements, technical assessments, and strategic planning activities aimed at preparing the Awka Capital Territory for large-scale infrastructure investments and sustainable urban transformation.
The visit follows Awka’s admission into the prestigious African Cities Programme, an AfDB initiative designed to strengthen urban planning systems, enhance institutional capacity, and improve investment readiness in rapidly expanding African cities.
During a briefing session with the visiting team, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko, outlined the critical development needs of the Awka Capital Territory and highlighted key areas requiring immediate intervention.
According to Dr. Onuko, housing remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting the city.
He therefore appealed to the development partners to support the construction of approximately 10,000 affordable housing units to address the growing accommodation needs of residents and accommodate the city’s expanding population.
He also identified several other priority sectors requiring investment, including the development of a modern mass transit system, sustainable energy solutions, waste-to-wealth initiatives, improved water supply infrastructure, and other strategic urban development projects necessary for the city’s long-term growth and competitiveness.
Providing historical context, Dr. Onuko took the delegation through the evolution of Awka, describing the city as the traditional home of blacksmithing in southeastern Nigeria and a community renowned for its rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and skilled craftsmanship. He noted that these attributes have continued to shape Awka’s identity and contribute to its economic potential.
As part of their engagement programme, the Acciona team paid courtesy visits to the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo. Both officials reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the African Cities Programme and expressed strong support for the priority projects identified by ACTDA.
The delegation also met with the President-General of Awka, Chief Fred Chinwuba, as part of efforts to deepen community participation, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and secure grassroots support for the successful implementation of the initiative.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Dr. Onuko recalled that ACTDA applied for inclusion in the African Cities Programme in 2024. Following a rigorous assessment of Awka’s development potential and the institutional framework of Anambra State, the Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), acting on behalf of the AfDB, formally admitted the city into the programme in September 2025.
He further explained that Acciona emerged as the programme’s technical consulting partner after a competitive procurement process conducted by the AfDB. The firm is expected to work closely with ACTDA and other relevant stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive city diagnostic study, identify development gaps and opportunities, and prepare a detailed City Action Plan.
According to him, the City Action Plan will serve as a strategic roadmap for the development of bankable infrastructure projects capable of attracting substantial local and international investment. It is also expected to provide a framework for coordinated urban growth, improved service delivery, and enhanced economic development across the Awka Capital Territory.
The implementation process will involve extensive data collection, stakeholder consultations, institutional assessments, and technical evaluations aimed at positioning Awka as a modern, resilient, sustainable, and investment-ready capital city.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly accelerate Awka’s urban transformation agenda, strengthen institutional capacity, improve infrastructure planning, and enhance Anambra State’s ability to attract financing for critical development projects. The programme is also expected to create a strong foundation for inclusive growth and improve the overall quality of life for residents of the state capital.