The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Nigerian Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) have granted ₦20 million to four agribusiness startups tackling malnutrition in Nigeria. The winners of the Agribusiness Innovation Challenge 3.0—Jet Farms and Agro Solutions, Favrobotics, Let-it-Cold, and Energy Assured—received ₦5 million each for innovative solutions aimed at improving food systems and nutrition.
The awarded ideas include a digital marketplace, battery-powered agricultural robots, solar-powered cold storage, and solar pumps, all designed to address supply chain inefficiencies and boost agricultural productivity. Speaking at the Demo Day in Lagos, GAIN Deputy Country Director Abass Yusuf highlighted the transformative potential of these innovations in creating resilient food systems while addressing malnutrition.
Yusuf explained that the challenge targets critical value chains for crops such as vitamin A cassava, vitamin A maize, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and rice, which are key to improving nutrition and economic resilience. More than 4,000 applications were received nationwide, with 10 startups shortlisted for mentorship, technical support, and capacity-building sessions.
The program included workshops, pitch boot camps, and technical assistance, helping the finalists refine their ideas into scalable and impactful businesses. Godwin Ehiabhi, GAIN Senior Project Manager, emphasized the importance of biofortified crops in addressing food security and nutrition challenges, noting that the initiative also supports over 10,000 farmers with training and financial access.
One of the winners, Fatima Kabir, founder of Energy Assured, expressed gratitude for the grant, which she plans to use to expand operations in Bauchi and Kaduna states. Her business provides solar-powered irrigation systems to empower women farmers, enabling year-round cultivation and improved productivity.
