At least 1,231 young people and women in Kaduna State have received free business registration, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, and other empowerment support through the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE) project, implemented by ThriveAgric in partnership with a microfinance bank.
The initiative, backed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to tackle unemployment and promote financial inclusion by engaging beneficiaries as trader agents and climate champions.
Mr. Uzoma Alika, Head of Operations at ThriveAgric, explained during the Annual Gender and Youth Advocacy Programme in Zaria that the project is part of a national effort to place young people and women at the centre of economic development.
“Today’s event demonstrates what is possible when we invest in the potential of our youth and women. Beyond training and financial support, we are building a generation of advocates who will promote inclusive growth within their communities,” Alika said.
He noted that the advocacy series, themed “From Potential to Opportunity: Driving Gender-Inclusive Youth Employment”, is being rolled out in Kaduna, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, and Plateau states.
According to Alika, the initiative combines ThriveAgric’s digital agriculture platforms with Crust Microfinance Bank’s tailored financial services, equipping entrepreneurs with credit, market access, and climate-smart agriculture skills.
Some beneficiaries shared their success stories, highlighting how the programme has helped them transition from subsistence farming to profitable agribusiness, improved their access to structured markets, and boosted their resilience against climate change.
Mr. Timitayo Adebayo, Kaduna State Supervisor for Crust Microfinance Bank, said one major challenge identified was the lack of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration among youth-led businesses. The project addressed this gap by facilitating free CAC registration for participants.
“In addition to registration, 350 beneficiaries received POS terminals and access to capital to strengthen their enterprises,” Adebayo explained.
Also speaking, Mr. Mayowa Moses, Kaduna State Lead Supervisor for the CFYE project, revealed that the initiative has already created jobs for more than 1,000 youths and women across seven local government areas.
“Some participants are now working as trader agents dealing in farm commodities and inputs like fertilizers and grains, while others serve as climate champions promoting climate-smart farming practices. The project also provides them with stipends and transport allowances,” Moses added.
He emphasized that ongoing evaluations are assessing how the support and training are improving livelihoods and strengthening community development.