The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced the assessments of practical financing models that can lower entry barriers for young agripreneurs.
This move was highlighted as NADF featured at the National Youth Agribusiness Strategy Domestication Dialogue held in Abuja and organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
Discussions at the forum focused on finance, climate resilience, and the role of young people and women in Nigeria’s agrifood economy. Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Senator Abba Kyari, described young Nigerians as active drivers of change. He said agriculture’s future depends on their access to finance, skills and technology. According to him, there is ongoing collaboration with NADF and other financial institutions to expand credit, manage risk and support youth-led enterprises.
The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, attended the dialogue, while the Fund was represented on a panel discussion on blended finance by Mr Ernest Ihedigbo, General Manager, Technical Services. The panel examined practical financing models that can lower entry barriers for young agripreneurs, especially those without traditional collateral.
Speakers at the event agreed that agriculture remains central to achieving sustainable prosperity, noting that structured finance is a key link between policy goals and viable agribusiness opportunities.
