The Nigerian government is targeting a significant expansion of the country’s livestock industry, aiming to boost its value from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035. This ambitious goal was revealed by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, during his speech at the grand finale of the AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria 2025, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The newly unveiled National Livestock Growth Strategy is at the heart of this transformation, designed to modernize the industry and unlock opportunities for young Nigerians. Maiha emphasized that youths will play a central role in the strategy’s implementation, with the ministry prepared to support innovations aimed at advancing agriculture.
He also lauded Heifer International, the organization behind the AYuTe Africa Challenge, for fostering a platform where young agricultural entrepreneurs can present innovative business ideas to transform farming practices in Nigeria. The challenge, which serves as an agribusiness innovation initiative, provides smallholder farmers with cutting-edge solutions using technology.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International, highlighted the increasing participation in the challenge, with over 1,000 applications this year. This was narrowed down to 50 participants, with five finalists presenting their innovative ideas. Beyond financial rewards, the winners gain access to mentorship, funding, and business networks to further develop their projects.
Tobe also assured the youth that Heifer International would continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Livestock Development to help them leverage the new opportunities promised by the government.
In his address, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, underscored the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and development partners in achieving food security. He commended Heifer International’s efforts to engage the youth through technology-driven agriculture, noting that farming is no longer limited to local farmers but increasingly involves tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
The competition ended with Seyi Alabi of Crop2Cash taking home the grand prize of $20,000, while Aisha Rilwanu Sidi of Grabb 247 secured the first runner-up position with $12,000, and Deborah Oigocho of Erido Agro was awarded second runner-up with $8,000.
This initiative signals Nigeria’s continued push for agricultural innovation, particularly in the livestock sector, with an emphasis on sustainable growth and youth empowerment in the industry.