The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the Nasarawa State Government, has trained 10 agribusiness startups to enhance agricultural innovation, productivity, and enterprise development in the state.
The initiative was implemented through the Nasarawa Agricultural Startup Acceleration Programme (NASAP), which concluded Thursday in Lafia with a Demo Day where entrepreneurs presented their innovations and business models.
Speaking at the event, Mr Ishigame Keiji, Chief Country Representative of JICA, said agriculture remained central to Nigeria’s economy and the livelihoods of millions.
Keiji identified access to markets, finance, technology, and reliable information as major challenges confronting farmers and agricultural businesses.
He noted these challenges also create opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop solutions that improve productivity, increase incomes, and generate employment.
He explained that JICA supports such initiatives through training, partnerships, infrastructure development, and access to finance.
Keiji added that the agency is working with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to establish a $50 million startup investment fund, with agriculture as a priority sector.
He also stated that JICA is supporting the development of a startup hub in Agbada through GroundAid, providing entrepreneurs with facilities and equipment to develop and test their ideas.
He encouraged participating startups to remain innovative, embrace feedback, and build strong partnerships, emphasising that Demo Day marks the beginning of greater opportunities for their businesses.
Earlier, Dr Elizabeth Onogwu, JICA’s Programme Coordinator for Private Sector Development, described NASAP as a pilot initiative to extend the agency’s support to grassroots entrepreneurs beyond major cities.
Onogwu noted that JICA previously implemented similar interventions in Benue before expanding the initiative to Nasarawa, recognising the state’s agricultural potential. She said the 10 startups were selected based on the uniqueness of their business ideas, economic relevance and commitment to their enterprises.
According to her, the three-week programme is designed to help participants refine and standardise their products, improve competitiveness, and prepare their businesses for investment and potential export opportunities.
Mr Sam Attah, Programme Coordinator of NASAP, stated that the programme aims to strengthen emerging agribusinesses through capacity building, mentorship, business advisory services, and access to strategic partnerships.
He said the training covered identifying business costs, sustainability, profitability, market projections, team development, financial management, and business structuring.
Attah said participants would present their business proposals to a panel of judges, and that three of the most promising startups would receive immediate additional support from JICA and the state government.
He explained that the remaining participants will continue to benefit from mentorship and other opportunities within JICA’s network.is remarks, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, Managing Director, Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), represented by Dr Louis Azige, Vice President, Ease of Doing Business, said the state government had introduced reforms to improve the business environment and attract investment.
Azige said the government has established a One Stop Investment Centre and a Grievance Redress Mechanism to provide investors and business owners with platforms to address operational challenges.
He alHe also disclosed that the state, with support from AGRA Nigeria, has developed an agricultural policy to guide investment, support local farmers, and harness opportunities in the sector.o speaking, Amb. Isaac Kigbu, Nasarawa State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended JICA for exposing agribusiness startups to innovations that could enhance their productivity.
Kigbu pledged AFAN’s support for the participating entrepreneurs and commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for prioritising agricultural development in the state.
The NAN reportsNAN reports that NASAP is expected to strengthen the state’s agribusiness ecosystem, encourage private-sector participation, create employment, and improve agricultural productivity.
