Agrisiti, UNIPORT Empower 3,500 Youths in Agribusiness

Empowering Nigeria’s Youth: A 12-Week Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Initiative Launched

A significant initiative aimed at transforming the prospects of young Nigerians in the agricultural sector has been unveiled. Agrisiti Nigeria, in a collaborative effort with Tagdev 2.0 and the University of Port Harcourt, has launched a comprehensive 12-week programme focused on Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills. This ambitious project is set to train a substantial 3,500 young individuals across seven key states in Nigeria.

The programme, designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical experience, targets youths aged between 18 and 35. The selected states for this impactful initiative include Ogun, Enugu, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kano, and Niger. This broad geographical reach underscores the commitment to fostering agricultural development and youth empowerment nationwide.

Key Features of the Programme:

• Target Audience: Out-of-school youths and learners engaged in technical and vocational education and training.
• Duration: 12 weeks of intensive training.
• Delivery Method: A blended learning approach combining mobile-first access via Telegram and the Agrisiti Digital Learning Platform with crucial hands-on practical sessions.
• Focus Areas: Modern agribusiness practices, with a specialized emphasis on the rice and aquaculture value chains.

The initiative is further bolstered by the support of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This collaboration highlights the programme’s robust backing and its alignment with broader developmental goals.

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Challenges in Nigerian Agriculture

The launch of this programme comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Despite agriculture contributing approximately 15.4 per cent to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product, the nation continues to face significant challenges, including high rates of hunger and malnutrition. Globally, the statistics are stark, with an estimated 828 million people experiencing undernourishment in 2021 and over 3.1 billion unable to afford a healthy diet.

Furthermore, studies indicate a concerning trend of increasing disengagement among African youth from the agricultural sector, even with its considerable economic potential. This disconnect presents a threat to the future sustainability and growth of agriculture.

Eneyi Ante, the Chief Operating Officer of Agrisiti, articulated the programme’s core objective: to address the critical gaps that hinder youth participation in Nigerian agriculture. “Nigeria’s rice and aquaculture sectors hold immense potential, but many young people lack the training, mentorship, and access needed to participate meaningfully,” Ante stated. He further elaborated that the programme is designed to provide participants with “practical, climate-smart skills to build sustainable agribusinesses or pursue career opportunities across these value chains.”

Comprehensive Support for Aspiring Agri-preneurs

The Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Programme goes beyond basic training. Participants will benefit from a holistic support system designed to foster their growth and success. This includes:

• Industry Expert Mentorship: Guidance and advice from seasoned professionals in the agribusiness sector.
• Startup Network Access: Opportunities to connect with and join networks that can support new ventures.
• Career Readiness Support: Assistance in preparing for the job market, including internships and pathways to employment.
• Digital Certification: Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a digital certificate, validating their newly acquired skills.

The Agrisiti–UNIPORT initiative aims to actively reverse the trend of youth disengagement by strengthening entrepreneurial and employment pathways. It champions inclusive and climate-smart agribusiness practices while enhancing youth employability through structured mentorship, incubation, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Agrisiti Nigeria: Pioneering Tech-Enabled Agriculture

Agrisiti Nigeria Ltd is at the forefront of digital agritech solutions. The company is dedicated to providing integrated urban farming, education, and hardware solutions that enable sustainable food production for both livelihood and subsistence. Their innovative approach includes the development of compact, high-yield farming systems such as aquaponics, hydroponics, and recirculating aquaculture systems, specifically tailored for urban environments.

Through its AI-powered, mobile-first learning platforms and practical, hands-on training methodologies, Agrisiti is committed to equipping young individuals and smallholder farmers with the vital agribusiness, climate-smart, and employability skills needed to thrive. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a new generation of tech-enabled urban farmers across the African continent, driving innovation and sustainability in food production.