Abuja, Nigeria – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has convened a landmark High-Level Policy Dialogue in Abuja aimed at advancing access to finance for women and youth in agribusiness, a sector pivotal to food security, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.
Held under the theme “Access to Finance and Empowering Women and Youth for Agribusiness Success”, the event brought together senior government officials, policy architects, and development experts to chart new strategies to close financing gaps and scale inclusive agribusiness models.
Distinguished participants included Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister for Livestock Development; Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Minister for Youth Development; Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security; and Professor Attahiru Jega, Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development.
A press statement released by Hon. Victor Okebunmi, Senior Special Assistant to the Director of Publicity, Renewed Hope United Kingdom, underscored the Bank’s commitment to partnering with both federal and sub-national authorities to drive innovation in financing, foster inclusion, and empower smallholder farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
Gates Foundation Commits $2.5 Billion to Global Women-Centered Health Innovations
Other notable attendees included Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Financial Inclusion; Dr. Lola Visser-Mabogunje; Prince Ade Omole; and Dr. Ruqayya Ahmed, alongside several stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
The dialogue emphasized the need for targeted reforms, improved policy frameworks, and scalable gender- and youth-sensitive financial mechanisms. It ended with renewed commitments to deepen collaboration and implement strategic reforms that will position Nigeria’s agro-economy as a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable development.
About the Author
