Young Africa Works-IITA commences multilocation training for 40,000 youth

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The Young Africa Works-IITA project commenced the first cohort of its training program in Lagos, Kaduna, and Kano states in Nigeria. This capacity-building activity began on 1 February and focuses on training 40,000 young Nigerian women and men between 18 and 35 years to become self-employed or gain employment in agri-food systems.

The training is running concurrently in the three states for six weeks and participants will gain practical and theoretical knowledge by engaging with reputable agribusiness firms and mentors who will expose them to the reality of operating a successful agribusiness enterprise. Agricultural value chains will include maize, soybean, rice, horticulture, sweet potato, groundnut, aquaculture, and poultry.

“Capacity building is a crucial step in creating the next generation of agripreneurs,” said Project Training Coordinator Evelyn Ohanwusi. “The mix of theoretical and practical exercises will position trainees to secure fulfilling jobs or establish their enterprises. E-learning is a focus for the project to achieve a wider reach and adapt to the global pandemic. It will also promote digitization in the agricultural sector,” she added

“Because of limited funds and training, young people are hampered by a lack of opportunities and access to the skills and resources they need,” said Chidinma Lawanson, Nigeria Country Head, Mastercard Foundation. “Through the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works in Nigeria partnership with IITA, we are empowering Nigerian youth and women while boosting agriculture across the country.”

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