Following the launch of Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security on March 6, 2025, the Canadian government has revealed plans to use 20.2 billion naira to create 8,000 jobs in Nigeria, specifically in the states of Bauchi, Kano, and Kaduna. 

The new program is part of the Resilient and Inclusive Agri-food Systems Empowering Women and Youth (RISE) project, which was introduced by Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen.

According to a statement provided to Daily Sun by the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, the plan’s objective was to assist young and female entrepreneurs in the states of Kaduna, Kano, and Bauchi.

“Canada and Africa share a rich history of collaboration and partnership, built on decades of mutual respect and shared goals. Following the introduction of Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security on March 6, 2025, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada, announced a new initiative to empower women and youth in northern Nigeria.

“The Resilient and Inclusive Agri-food Systems Empowering Women and Youth (RISE) project will directly support approximately 450 women and youth-owned or led agribusinesses and 250 smallholder farmer cooperatives. The project will foster inclusive economic growth and resilience and result in the creation of 8,000 jobs. With a budget of more than 20.2 billion naira (Can$19.2 million), this initiative seeks to economically empower women and youth and enhance food security in Nigeria’s Bauchi, Kano and Kaduna states. It will improve smallholder farmers’ productivity and climate resilience in key agriculture value chains and raise the business performance of women and youth-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The 5-year project will be implemented by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) of Canada, a non-governmental organisation, along with Nigerian partners,” the Canadian Government said.

The Canadian Government added that the strategy represented a robust new foreign policy designed to mutually benefit Canadian and African partners mutually, contributing to Canada and Africa’s collective economic prosperity and global health, peace, and security.

The Canadian Government also said the Africa strategy will guide Canada’s work with African partners by increasing mutually beneficial economic opportunities through job creation, infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth.

Also speaking, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, said: “Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, providing most of the population—especially in the rural areas—livelihoods. Despite that, women and youth—who form the bulk of the workforce—are more often marginalised in accessing resources and markets. As designed, the RISE project aims to address the barriers they face. By investing in women- and youth-led businesses and cooperatives, this project is not only providing technical support but also empowering women and youth to lead their communities toward economic recovery and resilience. This builds on the successes achieved by the Nigeria WAY project, implemented by MEDA and Global Affairs Canada, which worked to support 294 women and youth-run small-scale businesses to create wealth by promoting value chain development in rice, peanut and soybean processing as well as the establishment of 590 savings groups across seven Local Government Areas in Bauchi State, Nigeria.”

On his part, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, said: “In Northern Nigeria, women are at the frontline of food production. In a time of economic uncertainty, this project offers a unique opportunity to address inequalities that have hindered the advancement of women and youth. By equipping them with the resources and knowledge to thrive, the RISE project is fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that women and youth’s contributions to the economy are fully recognised and supported.”

Also commenting on the development, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said: “Nigeria has bursting potential in its agricultural sector, but faces big challenges, including the severe effects of climate change, like flooding and desertification. Supporting the empowerment of women and youth and arming them with climate-smart technology will help Kano advance its development and economic goals. I look forward to seeing the RISE project help do this.”

Source: The Sun Newspaper