Favour Ishember, Abuja
The Resilient and Inclusive Agri-Food Systems Empowering Women and Youth in Nigeria (RISE) project has kicked off a new round of business support for women and young agripreneurs operating in Bauchi, Kaduna and Kano.
The programme is now moving into full implementation after being formally launched in January 2026. Its goal is to make the region’s food systems stronger by tackling bottlenecks along the rice, maize, soybean and groundnut value chains, while driving job creation and inclusive growth in the three states.
RISE is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada. It is being delivered 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.
RISE has opened an Expression of Interest window, calling on micro, small and medium enterprises led by women and youth to apply for tailored financial backing and technical guidance. The aim is to help businesses expand, create employment, and adopt climate-smart farming methods.
Speaking on the rollout, RISE Project Manager Maxwell Olitsa said the scheme was built to close the financing gap holding back entrepreneurs 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. 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 said.
Eligible ventures can access non-repayable, cost-shared funding plus technical support through a mix of financial and non-financial benefits.
Priority goes to: Women-owned or women-led enterprises, Youth-owned or youth-led businesses for applicants aged 18 to 35
Male-led businesses may also be considered if at least 30% of their staff or management are women, or if the business primarily serves women and youth.
To qualify, applicants must be registered businesses or cooperatives with at least two years of operation, a minimum of two employees, and a clear commitment to climate-smart practices and gender inclusion.
The support package includes: Matching Award, which covers up to 50% of an investment, with the business funding the balance. Circular Economy Award, Performance-based backing for ventures that cut emissions, recycle waste, and adopt other sustainable practices.
Registration is free and applications are being assessed on a rolling basis. Interested MSMEs can submit through the project’s online portal.
RISE is targeting women, young people aged 18-35, and agribusinesses across Bauchi, Kaduna and Kano, with a long-term focus on building food systems that are inclusive, climate-resilient, and growth-oriented in Nigeria.
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