The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), working alongside the Mastercard Foundation, has initiated over 90,000 job and entrepreneurial opportunities aimed at Nigerian women, youths, and individuals with disabilities through the Innovative Youth in Agriculture (I-Youth) program.
Initiated in 2020, I-Youth is designed to equip individuals aged 15–35 with essential technical, business, and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to either launch their own agribusinesses or find respectable employment in the agri-food sector.
This initiative was rolled out in Nigeria's Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Jigawa, and Adamawa states, emphasizing inclusivity.
During the Phase I closeout ceremony, Dr. Simeon Ehui, the Director-General of IITA and CGIAR's Regional Director for Continental Africa, highlighted the vital role of youth investment for the future of Africa.
"The I-Youth program showcases the potential unlocked when vision, collaboration, and opportunity align. When young individuals receive skills training, mentorship, and access to markets, they not only seek employment but also generate it," he remarked.
Dr. Ehui credited the initiative's accomplishments to the robust partnerships formed with the Mastercard Foundation, various state governments, private sector stakeholders, educational institutions, and community leaders. He pointed out that these collaborations have resulted in the formation of 36,053 youth-led agribusinesses, while also establishing agribusiness parks, innovation hubs, and cooperative clusters.
Ms. Rosy Fynn, the Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation in Nigeria, also spoke on the I-Youth program's significance, indicating its alignment with the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy.
"I-Youth significantly contributes to our mission of helping 10 million Nigerians attain rewarding and fulfilling work. The achievements reflect genuine transformations in lives and communities," Fynn noted.
Additionally, she praised the Start Them Early Program (STEP), which has allowed over 5,900 families and secondary students to start agribusinesses.
Participants from the project have shared their success stories. Olumide Garuba from Lagos mentioned that I-Youth facilitated the formalization of his agribusiness and enabled him to hire other youths, while Mariam Abass from Kaduna explained how the program allowed her to break free from gender constraints, revive her poultry venture, and uplift other women in her locality.
Panel discussions focused on inclusive agribusiness and expanding youth enterprises, stressing the importance of enhanced financial access, stronger market connections, and continued support post-training, especially for women and individuals with disabilities.
Meanwhile, insights gained from the project implemented across five Nigerian states are shaping similar initiatives in Sierra Leone and Liberia, highlighting the I-Youth program's expanding regional impact.
As this initial phase comes to a close, stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining and growing the influential aspects of the I-Youth model.
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