FG and Heifer International Boost Youth Agritech in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, has partnered with Heifer International to promote youth-led agricultural innovation and strengthen food security in Nigeria. During the grand final of the fifth edition of the Agritech Youth Challenge in Abuja, Abdullahi stressed that the government alone cannot transform the agricultural sector and called for partnerships with organizations like Heifer International to nurture young entrepreneurs.

He highlighted the importance of providing platforms for funding and mentorship to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready solutions. The Agritech Youth Challenge received 2,000 submissions this year, with the top five finalists recognized as new faces in Nigerian agriculture.

The winners received a total of $43,000 in grants, with the overall winner taking home $20,000. Heifer International's Nigeria Director, Dr. Lekan Tobe, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to attracting young Nigerians to agricultural technology innovations.