Canada has officially launched an innovative project aimed at empowering women and youth in northern Nigeria, marking a major step towards fostering economic growth and resilience in the region. The new initiative, known as the Resilient and Inclusive Agri-Food Systems Empowering Women and Youth (RISE) project, will provide vital support to agribusinesses and smallholder farmer cooperatives in Bauchi, Kano, and Kaduna states.
Announced by Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, the project promises to directly assist approximately 450 women- and youth-led agribusinesses and 250 farmer cooperatives. With a budget exceeding 20.2 billion naira (roughly CAD 19.2 million), the RISE initiative aims to create 8,000 jobs while boosting food security and strengthening the local agricultural economy.
“This project will drive inclusive economic growth, enhance resilience, and increase the productivity of smallholder farmers through improved business performance in key agricultural sectors,” said Minister Hussen. The project, which will unfold over five years, is being implemented by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in partnership with Nigerian organizations.
The initiative is a key part of Canada’s broader Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security, which focuses on advancing economic cooperation, sustainable development, and shared priorities like climate change. This strategy has already committed over $869.5 million to international development and humanitarian projects across Africa.
The project is seen as a transformative opportunity for women and youth, who are often marginalized in agricultural markets. It builds on the successes of the earlier Nigeria WAY (Women and Youth) project, which helped hundreds of small businesses thrive in agricultural value chains like rice, peanut, and soybean processing. By tackling barriers to resources and markets, the RISE project ensures that the most vulnerable groups in northern Nigeria have access to the tools and support they need for long-term success.
Governors of the affected states have voiced strong support for the project. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed highlighted the project’s focus on empowering local communities, noting that women and youth form the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce yet often face obstacles in accessing necessary resources. Governor Mohammed emphasized that the project will enable them to lead efforts in economic recovery and resilience.
Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, pointed out that the RISE initiative addresses longstanding inequalities and provides essential support for women and youth to thrive in the agricultural sector. Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of climate-smart technology to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, such as flooding and desertification.
The RISE project is also a cornerstone of Canada’s enduring partnership with Nigeria, underscoring Canada’s commitment to supporting health, education, and economic growth in the country. Over the past five years, Canada has invested over CAD 345 million in Nigeria to enhance health systems, increase women’s economic participation, and provide humanitarian aid.
By empowering women and youth to lead the way in agricultural innovation, the RISE project is setting the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future for northern Nigeria—one where economic growth, job creation, and food security go hand in hand.
