The broad objective of this study is to undertake research on development perspectives of an integrated agro-industrial ecosystem in Africa that the African Development Bank (AfDB) has developed and termed Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs). The SAPZ model is conceptualised by the Bank as its brand for a spatial development solution in the rural landscape aimed at the achievement of agricultural transformation across the continent. The study is conceived as a ‘knowledge product’ which is intended to provide relevant information and policy guidance that can be useful to the Bank for the design and programming of the SAPZ model. As a knowledge product relevant to the planning and implementation of SAPZs, the study: (i) defines and explains important conceptual and strategic questions; analyses key policy issues and institutional factors; and (ii) presents and interprets empirical evidence from a selection of abridged case studies drawn from existing agro- industrial experiences covering farming, intermediate agriculture, fisheries and forestry activities.