Three Northern States Get Canada’s Support For Youth, Women Empowerment.

By Ferdinand Olise

The Honourable Minister of International
Development of Canada, Ahmed Hussen, has announced a new initiative aimed at empowering
women and youth in Northern Nigeria.

This is sequel to the introduction of Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security, on March 6, 2025.

According to a statement by the Global Affairs Canada, the Resilient and Inclusive Agri-food Systems Empowering Women and
Youth,(RISE), project will directly support approximately 450 women and youth owned agribusinesses, as well as 250 small holder farmer cooperatives.

The project will also foster inclusive economic growth and resilience, and is expected to create 8,000 jobs.
Meanwhile, with a budget of more than 20.2 billion Naira, (Can$19.2 million), this initiative seeks to economically empower women and youth, and enhance food security in Bauchi, Kano, and Kaduna
States of Nigeria.

The 5-year project will be implemented by the Mennonite Economic Development
Associates, (MEDA), of Canada, a non-governmental organization, along with it’s Nigerian partners.

The RISE initiative which is part of the Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for
Shared Prosperity and Security, represents a robust new foreign policy designed to mutually benefit Canadian and African partners contributing to Canada and Africa’s collective economic prosperity.
This will also contribute to global health, peace and security.

Benefits of this strategy will include increased mutually-beneficial economic opportunities
through job creation, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth, preventing and
responding to conflict; preventing and countering terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime, and strengthened democracy.

Other benefits include the protection of human rights, investing in skills training for African youth, as well as their health; strengthening trade and development, and to address the root causes of conflicts in the African region.

Canada, and Africa share a rich history of collaboration and partnership, built on decades of mutual respect and shared goals.