Abuja, Nigeria – The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) convened a landmark High-Level Policy Dialogue on Access to Finance and Empowering Women and Youth for Agribusiness Success, drawing together an impressive assembly of policymakers, thought leaders, and development experts in the heart of Nigeria’s capital. Held in Abuja, the event was aimed at generating actionable strategies to bridge financing gaps and encourage the participation of women and youth in agribusiness, a sector seen as critical to food security, employment, and sustainable economic development across Africa.
Among the distinguished attendees were His Excellency *Senator Atiku Bagudu*, Honourable Minister for Budget and Economic Planning; *Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha*, Minister for Livestock Development; *Comrade Ayodele Olawande*, Minister for Youth Development; *Senator Abubakar Kyari*, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security; and *Professor Attahiru Jega*, Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development.
Also present were key technical and civic leaders, including *Dr. Nurudeen Zauro*, Technical Adviser to the President on Financial Inclusion; *Dr. Lola Visser-Mabogunje*; *Prince Ade Omole*; and *Dr. Ruqayya Ahmed*, alongside other influential stakeholders from across the public and private sectors.
Organised by the AfDB, the dialogue focused on the institution’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian federal and sub-national governments in formulating innovative, inclusive, and pragmatic solutions to empower smallholder farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and underserved communities. Discussions centred on unlocking new financing mechanisms, improving policy frameworks, and scaling up gender- and youth-sensitive agribusiness initiatives.
The event concluded with substantial commitments from all parties to deepen collaboration and fast-track reforms that will catalyse economic empowerment and transform Nigeria’s agro-economy into a driver of inclusive growth.
*Hon Victor Okebunmi*,
Senior Special Assistant to the Director of Publicity
Renewed Hope United Kingdom.
Monday, August 4, 2025.
