Shettima Seals Deal To Uplift 1Million Farmers As UNGA Ends

As the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) wraps up today, September 28, 2024, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has secured a groundbreaking deal that could transform the agricultural sector across Africa.

During a series of high-level meetings in New York, Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to discussions with Mastercard Corporation, resulting in a partnership that aims to uplift one million farmers in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Announcing the partnership, Shettima described the deal as a significant leap toward boosting agricultural productivity across the continent. “For us, this initiative has transformative potential for Africa’s food security drive. It will not only boost yields but also grant farmers access to vital financial services,” he said, highlighting how the partnership is poised to drive agricultural development.

The project, which will be rolled out with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), is designed to enhance financial inclusion for farmers and improve their access to digital resources and services.

According to Shettima, this focus is crucial to improving the livelihoods of agricultural workers. “We are ensuring that our farmers are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital world,” he explained. “Financial inclusion and digital access are essential for creating resilient farming communities.”

At the core of the project is the plan to provide technical support, financial solutions, and digital innovations to farmers, a move expected to increase their agricultural output and link them to markets. “This isn’t just about giving farmers more tools; it’s about transforming how they farm and sell their produce,” Shettima noted. “We’re looking at real, measurable improvements in productivity and income.”

In particular, the partnership targets marginalized groups, with a focus on women and youth, who often face the greatest barriers in agriculture. “We need to ensure that women and young people have equal access to opportunities in agriculture,” Shettima emphasized. “This project is about inclusivity and empowerment.”

Mastercard’s involvement is also aimed at integrating digital solutions into agricultural practices, helping farmers adopt modern methods that will increase efficiency and profitability.

The Vice President pointed out that such partnerships are crucial to solving Africa’s food insecurity challenges. “Our continent has the potential to be a global food hub, but we need to empower our farmers with the right technology and financial support to make that a reality,” he said.

The partnership is in line with broader African Union development goals, particularly those outlined in Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and food-secure Africa.

Shettima’s success in brokering this deal highlights Nigeria’s proactive role on the global stage, securing partnerships that not only benefit the country but also uplift the entire region.

As the UNGA concludes, Shettima left no doubt about the potential impact of the deal. “This is a game-changer for African agriculture. We are investing in our people, our land, and our future,” he declared. With the partnership set to roll out soon, the project promises to be a catalyst for growth, not just for the one million farmers it directly supports, but for the continent as a whole.