Akwa, city in southern Nigeria, located in Anambra state. Geologically, the city is part of the scarplands of Nigeria, which are highlands that have been carved out by the Benue and Niger rivers. The city is underlain by rich deposits of coal. Ironworking is an important industry in Akwa and is a traditional regional craft. Before the 20th century ironworkers from Akwa traveled to different towns to offer their services. Today truck parts and gun barrels are important manufactures. Akwa also serves as an agricultural trade center specializing in palm oil and kola nuts. A teachers training college was established in the city in 1904. Akwa lies in the Igbo cultural region. The oldest part of the town was surrounded by earthen fortifications for defense from the Yoruba kingdom to the west and the Hausa kingdom to the north. Population (1995) 108,400.
