Unlocking Capital for Agri-SMEs and Youth Entrepreneurs
Anchor Deborah Ezeh sits with Ada Osakwe (Nuli Foods CEO) to dissect the exact financial models and policy changes needed to unlock patient capital for Nigerian youth entrepreneurs and build a climate-resilient food value chain.
Ada Osakwe shares her journey expanding Nuli Foods to Washington DC, proving that African food brands can thrive globally, and explains the critical need for patient capital and mentorship.
Agricultural Expert Eniola Durodola breaks down the challenges of building sustainable agri-food value chains, focusing on tackling massive post-harvest losses, improving soil health through practices like Integrated Pest Management, and leveraging Agri-Tech to make farming more resilient to climate change.
Ada Osakwe on Nuli Foods’ expansion and African food brands influencing the global system.
Why the massive financing gap persists for Agri-SMEs and youth entrepreneurs (perceived risk, lack of data).
Innovative Financing Models that work: Patient Capital and Blended Finance structures.
Government’s critical role in de-risking agriculture (infrastructure, power, land titles, fiscal incentives).
Biggest barriers for youth-led Agri-Startups and the importance of ecosystem support and discipline.
Defining and achieving a Sustainable Agri-Food Value Chain in Nigeria (Elina Durodola joins).
Improving farm productivity while maintaining Soil Health and sustainability (Agronomy tips).
Adaptive measures for Climate Change Resilience in farming (irrigation, diversification, agroforestry).
Practical steps to curb Post-Harvest Losses through value addition and better logistics.
Engaging youth and women in Agri-Tech and processing through strategic incentives.
The exciting future of the Nigerian agri-food sector, including Livestock Development.
