Ekiti Partners with Netherlands to Boost Agribusiness SMEs and Youth Employment

Ekiti State is advancing its agribusiness sector through a strategic partnership with the Netherlands, aimed at strengthening small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and creating job opportunities for youth. The collaboration was discussed when Governor Kayode Fayemi received the Consul General of the Netherlands, Michel Deelen, and his team, focusing on agricultural technology, value chain development, and capacity building.

Governor Fayemi reiterated that agriculture remains central to Ekiti’s economic strategy, highlighting initiatives like the “Bring Back Youth Into Agriculture” programme, which has empowered over 5,000 young people to pursue livelihoods in farming, food processing, and agricultural innovation. He emphasized that with targeted investment and strong partnerships, agriculture can combat unemployment, reduce poverty, and enhance food security.

The partnership with the Netherlands renowned for its agricultural innovation is expected to provide new opportunities for farmers and agripreneurs, particularly in irrigation, food processing, and export development. For MSMEs, the collaboration offers avenues to scale productivity, expand market access, and position Ekiti as a hub for sustainable agricultural growth, ensuring that youth are actively engaged in driving the state’s agribusiness transformation.