The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming agriculture into a tech-enabled, youth-led sector to boost food security and drive inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Youth and Women in Agribusiness in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said the new National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy is designed to modernise agriculture and attract young entrepreneurs.
"The goal is smarter, younger, and more inclusive agriculture," Kyari stated, highlighting priorities such as digital agriculture, mechanisation, and better access to modern inputs.
Supporting this agenda, the government is collaborating on key programmes including the $618m iDICE initiative and the $100m Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank Fund (YEIB-Fund), which aim to equip over 175,000 youths and fund MSMEs led by youth and women.
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The AfDB also spotlighted major investments like the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, aimed at unlocking rural jobs and positioning Nigeria as a tech innovation hub.
Stakeholders called for stronger financing frameworks and coordinated reforms to empower youth-led agribusinesses—positioning SMEs at the heart of Nigeria's agricultural transformation.
Theme: "Bridging the Gap – Access to Finance & Empowering Youth and Women for Agribusiness Success"
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