The Benue Agro-Startup Enhancement Program (BASEP), supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Benue State Government, has trained and mentored agribusiness startups in Benue State, helping them strengthen their businesses, attract investors, and prepare for growth across the agricultural value chain.
The programme brought together growth-stage agribusiness startups and provided them with targeted training, mentorship, and strategic exposure designed to improve their operational capacity and long-term sustainability. Through a structured acceleration process, participating startups were equipped with the tools needed to refine their business models, strengthen internal systems, and position themselves for investment and expansion.
BASEP combined online training sessions, mentorship engagements, and in-person workshops that focused on strengthening business foundations for agribusiness entrepreneurs. The training addressed key areas such as operational management, investment readiness, market expansion strategies, and value chain development.
Speaking during the programme’s Demo Day in Makurdi, the Private Sector Support (PSS) Coordinator at JICA, Dr Elizabeth Onogwu, said the initiative was designed to support innovative entrepreneurs who are building practical solutions within the agricultural sector.
She explained that strengthening the capacity of local agribusiness founders is essential for improving agricultural productivity and building a resilient agricultural economy.
“Supporting entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions across agricultural value chains is critical to improving productivity and strengthening Nigeria’s broader agricultural ecosystem,” Onogwu said.
She further noted that JICA remains committed to supporting programmes that promote innovation, private sector development, and sustainable economic growth within Nigeria.
According to her, initiatives like BASEP provide a platform for emerging businesses to access knowledge, mentorship, and connections that can help them grow beyond the early stages of development.
Onogwu also highlighted additional opportunities available through JICA for entrepreneurs in Nigeria, including capacity-building initiatives and possible partnerships with Japanese and international stakeholders interested in supporting innovative startups.
Providing an overview of the programme, the Lead Consultant for BASEP, Samson Igoche, explained that the initiative was carefully structured to identify and support agribusiness startups that demonstrate strong potential for growth and measurable impact.
“The programme was designed to identify growth-stage agribusiness startups with the potential to scale their operations and create impact across the agricultural value chain,” Igoche said.
He added that the mentorship and training components were designed to help founders strengthen their internal systems and prepare their businesses for investment opportunities.
According to Igoche, one of the key benefits of the programme is the continued support available to participating startups even after the training phase.
He revealed that selected startups will participate in a structured ecosystem study tour in Abuja, where they will interact with national innovation institutions, development partners, and key ecosystem stakeholders.
“The study tour is expected to provide startups with strategic exposure, new partnership opportunities, and pathways to funding and market expansion,” he said.
The Demo Day event attracted participation from government representatives, academic experts, agribusiness stakeholders, and ecosystem leaders, highlighting the collaborative effort required to strengthen agricultural innovation in Benue State.
The Benue State Government delegation was led by Awav Adum, representing the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security. The delegation also included the Director-General of Livestock and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Other participants included the Director-General of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, experts from the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), representatives from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and several agribusiness professionals from across the state.
At the end of the programme, participating startups presented their solutions before a selection panel led by Dr Halilu Umar, Agricultural Expert at JICA.
Each startup delivered a pitch outlining the agricultural problem they are addressing, the innovation behind their solutions, their market traction, and their plans for scaling their businesses.
Following the evaluation process, three startups were selected for additional support under the BASEP initiative.
The selected startups include NAN Organic, a beekeeping enterprise focused on developing and managing beehives while producing packaged honey products; Vet Konect, a digital platform connecting livestock farmers with verified veterinary professionals and livestock inputs; and Bidvans, a food innovation startup producing Vitamin A-fortified ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare staple foods designed to improve nutrition and food security among vulnerable populations.
