RISE Project launches funding support for northern women, Agribusinesses

The Resilient and Inclusive Agri-food Systems Empowerment (RISE) Project has opened applications for women- and youth-led agribusinesses seeking financial and technical support to expand their operations and strengthen food systems across Northern Nigeria. The initiative, officially launched in January 2026, is a five-year programme funded by Global Affairs Canada. It is implemented by MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) in partnership with Sahel Consulting, the Development Exchange Centre (DEC), Emeraid Capital, Extension Africa, the Women in Business Forum (WIBF), and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN). As the project moves into its implementation phase, it has commenced an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify qualified micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating within the rice, maize, soybean, and groundnut value chains across Bauchi, Kaduna, and Kano states. The programme seeks to address major constraints affecting agricultural productivity while promoting inclusive economic growth, job creation, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. It primarily targets women-owned or women-led MSMEs, as well as youth-owned or youth-led enterprises. For the purpose of this initiative, youth are defined as individuals between the ages of 18 and 35. Male-owned businesses may also qualify for support if women constitute at least 30 percent of their workforce or leadership, or if their products and services directly benefit women and young people. Speaking on the initiative, the Country Project Manager of RISE Nigeria, Maxwell Olitsa, said the programme was developed to bridge the financing and capacity gaps confronting agribusinesses across 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 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.