Zilex Agro Hub represents a transformative step forward in Nigeria's agricultural landscape, bringing modern, large scale cocoa production and processing to the heart of Ondo State—a region renowned as one of Africa's premier cocoa producing areas.
Modern Infrastructure
Spanning 15,000 hectares (with ambitious plans to grow further), Zilex Agro Hub combines
large-scale cocoa cultivation with advanced processing under one integrated operation.
Located in Ondo State, it is designed to deliver premium quality from farm to finished product.
From nurseries and precision harvesting to wet processing and sustainability-focused systems,
every stage is built to strengthen traceability, consistency, and long-term agricultural impact.
Government-Backed
The project operates under a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. This collaboration aligns with the state's vision to position Ondo as a leading hub for agribusiness, value addition, and sustainable economic growth.
It is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Ondo State Government, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The initiative has received approval and support from the Federal Government of Nigeria, reflecting national priorities for agricultural diversification, export promotion, and economic resilience.
This multi-level government backing underscores the project's strategic importance, leveraging Ondo's fertile lands, favorable climate, and established agricultural heritage while aligning with federal efforts to enhance agro-industrial development and non-oil exports.
Community & Economy
Zilex Agro Hub is poised to generate significant direct and indirect jobs across the value chain from plantation workers and agronomists to processing staff, logistics personnel, and support services. This includes opportunities for local communities, youth empowerment programs, and skill development in modern farming and agro processing.
The initiative contributes to rural development by creating stable income sources, stimulating related industries (such as transportation, equipment supply, and services), and fostering economic multipliers throughout Ondo State and beyond.
CURRENT WEST AFRICA CHALLENGES
Price decline from 2024 peaks
Global supply share (Ivory Coast + Ghana)
Ghana farmgate price cut 2025/26
Market Opportunity
West Africa’s cocoa sector led by Ivory Coast and Ghana, which together supply over 60% of global production has faced recent challenges. These include sharp declines in international cocoa prices (down nearly 70% from late 2024 peaks due to improved harvest outlooks and lower demand), leading to unsold stocks, delayed payments to farmers, and significant farmgate price reductions.
These disruptions have strained smallholder farmers who must continue producing despite uncertainty. Zilex Agro Hub positions Nigeria as a stable, high-quality alternative supplier, scaling an integrated production model that can meet global demand more consistently, especially as market volatility persists in traditional regions.
National Growth Strategy
The hub is designed to produce and export finished, value-added cocoa products (such as processed cocoa beans, cocoa butter, powder, and other derivatives) to markets worldwide. By shifting from raw commodity exports to higher value processed goods, the project captures more economic value within Nigeria.
This export orientation directly supports national efforts to boost non-oil earnings, increase foreign exchange inflows, and help strengthen the Naira through diversified, sustainable revenue streams.
An Invitation to Visionaries
Zilex Agro Hub is actively seeking international investors and strategic partners who want to be among the first to invest in this groundbreaking, large-scale cocoa project. With federal and state approval, MoU-backed foundation, prime location in Nigeria’s top cocoa region, and focus on sustainable, high-quality production and processing, early investors stand to gain priority access to premium cocoa supply chains.
This is a prime chance to participate in a high-potential venture that combines scale, innovation, and strong multi-governmental support—positioning investors at the forefront of Nigeria’s rising role in the international cocoa trade.
The Horizon
Zilex Agro Hub is more than a plantation, it's a model for sustainable agribusiness in Nigeria. By combining state-of-the-art technology, strategic partnerships, and a focus on quality and efficiency, it aims to elevate Nigeria's role in the global cocoa market while delivering lasting benefits to communities, the economy, and the environment.
Export impacted
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Testimonials
Entrepreneur
“They turned our vision into reality. The team was incredibly helpful, communicative, and creative.”
Entrepreneur
“They turned our vision into reality. The team was incredibly helpful, communicative, and creative.”
Entrepreneur
“They turned our vision into reality. The team was incredibly helpful, communicative, and creative.”
FAQ
Government-Backed
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