Olam Agri Launches Empowerment Project for Kwara Youth

Olam Agri and the Sustainable Collective Advocacy for Africa Development Initiative have expanded their Community Resilience Opportunities for Women and Youth Project to Kwara State, following successful outcomes in Nasarawa and Benue states. This initiative aims to empower women and young people in vulnerable farming communities by providing practical skills, business knowledge, and livelihood opportunities.

The Kwara phase will support beneficiaries during off-farm seasons when economic challenges are heightened. The first phase, completed between December 2025 and March 2026, trained 100 vulnerable women and youths in trades such as soap making, hairdressing, shoemaking, carpentry, tailoring, and welding.

Participants received certified training and starter kits, leading to early economic impacts, including some beneficiaries transitioning to independent producers. Anil Nair, Olam Agri Nigeria Country Head, emphasized the project's success in fostering economic independence.

The program will also address gender equality and responses to gender-based violence, as stated by Frances Okeke, Executive Director of SCAAD Initiative.