BATN FOUNDATION OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR FARMERS FOR THE FUTURE GRANT COHORT 7 TO EMPOWER YOUNG AGRIPRENEURS

LAGOS, NIGERIA, June 9, 2026 – The BATN Foundation has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 edition of the Farmers for the Future (F4F), Cohort 7, reaffirming its commitment to empowering young Nigerians to build sustainable agribusinesses and contribute to the country’s food security and economic development goals.

At a critical moment when Nigeria faces rising food insecurity, youth unemployment, and mounting pressure to diversify its economy, the Foundation’s intervention is positioning agriculture as a viable pathway for economic empowerment and long-term growth.

The Farmers for the Future programme target one of the country’s most vital demographic groups, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, providing them with equity-free funding, intensive training, mentorship, and access to market to scale their agribusiness enterprises.

Launched in partnership with the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneur Department (SAED) of NYSC in 2019, the F4F initiative has evolved into a national platform for youth agribusiness development, leveraging the NYSC’s nationwide infrastructure to reach corp members across all 36 states including the FCT.

Participants in the programme undergo a structured development journey, beginning with business ideation and virtual bootcamps, followed by pitch sessions before industry experts. The top six finalists share in the ₦10 million equity-free grants, with a structured support system that includes a year-long mentorship, technical assistance, and access to social networks

Over the last six years, the Farmers for the Future initiative has delivered tangible outcomes across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain including successfully transitioning of 40 beneficiaries from small-scale operations to structured agribusinesses

Speaking on the launch of Cohort 7, Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, emphasized the transformative potential of youth-led agriculture:

“Young people have a critical role to play in shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria. Through the Farmers for the Future grant, we are not just providing funding, we are building a generation of resilient agripreneurs equipped to drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen food security.

The Farmers for the Future Grant aligns with the BATN Foundation’s broader mission of improving livelihoods and driving sustainable development through strategic interventions in agriculture and enterprise development.

 By investing in young Agripreneurs, the Foundation continues to support the development of a more productive, competitive and resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting Nigeria’s growing food needs.

Applications are now open to eligible NYSC corps members across Nigeria. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and take advantage of the opportunity to build sustainable, profitable and impactful agribusiness ventures.

To apply and gain more information, visit: https://www.batnf.net/wealthishere/