A new business support programme targeting women and young agripreneurs has been launched in Bauchi, Kaduna and Kano states as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agri-food systems and promote inclusive economic growth.
The initiative, under the Resilient and Inclusive Agri-Food Systems Empowering Women and Youth in Nigeria (RISE) project, is expected to provide financial and technical support to women- and youth-led businesses operating across key agricultural value chains.
The five-year programme, supported by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) alongside Sahel Consulting, Development Exchange Centre, Emeraid Capital, Extension Africa, Women in Business Forum and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, officially entered its operational phase following its launch in January 2026.
The programme focuses on addressing challenges across the rice, maize, soybean and groundnut value chains while supporting businesses to become more inclusive, resilient and climate-smart.
As part of the latest intervention, RISE has opened an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for women- and youth-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seeking support to expand their operations, create jobs and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices.
RISE Project Manager, Maxwell Olitsa, said the initiative was designed to address the persistent funding challenges confronting agripreneurs, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
“Northern Nigeria has no shortage of hardworking agripreneurs; what has been missing is a funding model that meets them where they are,” Olitsa said.
“RISE is not offering a conventional loan with conditions attached; it is offering a genuine partnership, and we are looking for women and youth agribusinesses that are ready to grow,” he added.
Under the programme, eligible businesses will have access to non-repayable, cost-shared financial support and technical assistance through a combination of financial and non-financial incentives.
Priority will be given to businesses owned or led by women and young people between the ages of 18 and 35.
Male-owned businesses may also qualify where women constitute at least 30 per cent of their workforce or leadership, or where the enterprise directly provides products or services to women and young people.
Applicants must be registered businesses or cooperatives that have operated for at least two years, employ a minimum of two workers and demonstrate commitment to climate-smart practices and gender inclusion.
One of the key components of the intervention is the Matching Award, which will cover up to 50 per cent of eligible investment costs, with beneficiaries providing the balance.
The programme will also offer a Circular Economy Award, providing performance-based support to businesses adopting environmentally sustainable practices, including waste recycling and measures aimed at reducing emissions.
RISE said applications would be assessed on a rolling basis, while registration for the programme is free.
The project is targeting women, young people and agribusinesses across Bauchi, Kaduna and Kano, with emphasis on strengthening inclusive and climate-resilient agri-food systems and expanding economic opportunities for women and youth in the three states.
