GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS

🎉 Exciting Milestone: Launch of the Women in Rice Platform in Nigeria! 🌾  The Women in Rice platform officially launched in Nigeria with the support of the Market Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project and the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (FMITI Nigeria). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to tackle challenges and inequalities women face in the rice sector. It serves as a platform where women can advocate for their rights and access capacity building programmes and opportunities for their economic empowerment.     The launch event brought together representatives from key organisations, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Food Security, FMITI, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, UN Women, the Bank of Agriculture and Africa Rice Center. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening the network of women in the rice sector. A vibrant panel discussion and success stories’ sharing sessions emphasized on fostering partnerships, raising visibility, and supporting the economic growth of women in agriculture. Participants provided valuable feedback to shape the growth of the Women in Rice platform, ensuring it addresses the real needs of women in the sector. The insights will inform gender-transformative national and regional policy recommendations for sustainable growth. This platform marks a significant step towards fostering empowerment in agriculture, with the potential to drive change and create new opportunities for women in the rice value chain. 🌱 The MOVE project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) with co-funding from the European Union (in Ghana only).  #WomenInRice #EmpoweringWomen #Agriculture #GermanNigerianCooperationAt50 

🌰 Strengthening Nigeria's Cashew Industry: Highlights from the Cashew Research Validation Workshop 🌟    The Market Oriented Value chains for Jobs and Growth in ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project in collaboration with Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) organised a cashew research validation workshop bringing together key players in Nigeria's cashew value chain.     The workshop welcomed diverse stakeholders in the sector, including farmers, researchers, processors, exporters, extension agents, government and non-governmental organisation representatives. This workshop aimed to refine and strengthen Nigeria's cashew research framework by addressing gaps and devising actionable strategies to overcome industry challenges.    💡Through dynamic presentations, group discussions, and panel sessions, participants shared experiences and recommendations to shape a more impactful research agenda for Nigeria’s cashew sector.    Key Workshop Addresses:  Dr. Sunday, representing CRIN's Executive Director highlighted CRIN's commitment to advancing cashew research.   Mr. Andrea Tangelipon, Executive Secretary at CICC stressed collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s global presence in the cashew market.   Dr. Paul Gyamfi, CICC Scientific Committee President shared insights on global trends and innovative research and   Mr. Narcisse KINDOHOUNDE, MOVE Project Coordinator reaffirmed GIZ’s support for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.    Together, we’re building a resilient and innovative future for cashew production in Nigeria. 🌍 Let’s keep the momentum going!    The MOVE-ComCashew project is co-funded by the European Union under the Samoa Agreement with the Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ).    #GermanNigeriaCooperationAt50 

🎧💫New ECOWhat? Podcast Episode!  Women on the Frontlines: Climate, Conflict, and Migration in West Africa 🎙️   Climate change is reshaping migration patterns in West Africa, with women and marginalized groups at the heart of the challenge — and the solution. In this thought-provoking episode of the ECOWhat? Podcast, host Chijioke Osuji, sits down with two expert guests:  🔹 Chitra Nagarajan – Researcher specializing in conflict analysis, gender, and social inclusion  🔹 Lilian Seffer – Head of the ECOWAS component of the global program, Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC)   Together in this Episode, they explore how the GP HMCCC’s ECOWAS component is enhancing the capacity of regional, national, and local actors to implement climate-resilient, gender-responsive, and conflict-sensitive approaches. Insights from the first phase (2017-2023), implemented in Fiji, the Philippines, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region, now guide efforts in West Africa.  Discover how gender, climate change, and migration intersect — and why it matters.  🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!  - https://lnkd.in/dqV3dgAy   The Global Program on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ).  #ClimateChange #HumanMobility #GenderEquity #ConflictPrevention #ECOWhatPodcast #GermanNigerianCooperationAt50 

🤝 📈 The Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria – SEDIN Programme in collaboration with the Plateau State Government through the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company (PIPC), Plateau State One Stop Investment Centre (PS-OSIC) and Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) successfully organised a Business Enabling Environment (#BEE) dialogue with the executive Governor of the state and the business community.    The high-level event had in attendance the Executive Governor of Plateau state, his excellency, Barr. Caleb Muftwang alongside his team, different businesses cutting across over 20 big businesses, potential investors as well as representatives of 50 business management organisations (BMOs).    The key objective of the dialogue was for the State Governor and his team to appreciate the business community for their resilience, despite the very challenging economic conditions and to interact directly with them by listening to their BEE challenges and jointly developing sustainable solutions.     Relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the BEE engaged in a panel discussion where they shared insights on existing reforms as well as plans for favourable reforms to be developed and implemented in 2025.    The business community also presented key challenges, such as:  🔹 access to finance, infrastructure, market access, 🔹 low patronage of locally made products, multiple taxation, and 🔹 inadequate shared facilities for clusters, along with proposed sustainable solutions for further development and implementation.    The Governor in his closing remarks outlined strategic initiatives that are being implemented to harness the state’s economic potentials and improve the business environment. He further emphasised the government’s readiness for a continuous dialogue with stakeholders as this is more likely to bring sustainable change in the business environment.     The SEDIN programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) GmbH.    Akinropo Omoware Esq. Hauwa Garba - Mankilik Adamu Fun Bala Stella Yusuf  #GermanNigerianCooperationAt50 

📣 The German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office (H2-diplo) H2-diplo - Decarbonization Diplomacy participated in the just concluded 1st Nigerian Hydrogen conference in Abuja, Nigeria.  🌐 This event was organized by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA). Representatives from government, industries, academia, and international organizations gathered to explore hydrogen technologies and policy frameworks.   ♨️ Key Highlights:   Hon. Minister of Gas, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo highlighted Nigeria’s progress in hydrogen governance, especially at the national and sub-national levels.     In his remark the Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Johannes Lehne reinstated Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria with its energy transition.     Hon. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, spoke on recent strides towards developing the hydrogen sector in Nigeria. He mentioned that the Energy Commission of Nigeria is working on a national hydrogen policy and a pilot project.    During the panel discussions, the coordinator of “Just Transition and Inclusion” Cluster at GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, Duke Benjamin, highlighted Germany’s support to Nigeria’s green hydrogen sector, including funding for research, development, and pilot projects.    🎉 Special thanks to our partners Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria, and the Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA) for a successful conference.    ⚡ H2-diplo is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) on behalf of the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany and is financed by the International Climate Initiative.  #SustainableEnergy #GermanNigerianCooperationAt50     Photo credit: FOSSREA media unit  Daniel Onweagba Idiongoabasi Udoh   Bassey Obeten Ifeoma Obiasogu Joshua Yari Garba Hillary Iruka Elegeonye (B.Sc, M.Sc) Kristina (Tina) Fürst Fabiyi Oluwayemi, CEA® Sani Muazu, PhD 

Exciting News for Cashew Value Chain Actors! 🌱✨      The MOVE-ComCashew project is thrilled to announce the launch of eLearning courses on cashew, hosted within e-MOVE on atingi.org      These interactive self-paced courses will cover key areas of the cashew value chain on production, processing techniques, development of viable businesses among many other agribusiness skills!      Whether you’re an aspiring agripreneur, a farmer, a student or a professional in the cashew industry, these courses are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the cashew agribusiness sector. 💼🌰      All you need is a smartphone, tablet or a computer. Join us in building a more sustainable and profitable future for the cashew industry. Start your e-learning journey today! 📚💻      Enrol now for our maiden courses, “The Cashew Processing Process” and “Opportunities and Challenges in Cashew Processing”. Courses will be available in French from January 2025.     👉 Access course on e-MOVE here: https://lnkd.in/dgup2gYK   👉 Discover other courses in agribusiness on the Agribusiness e-Academy     The MOVE-ComCashew project is co-funded by the European Union under the Samoa Agreement with the Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH.      #eMOVE #atingi #Cashew #Agribusiness #elearning #CapacityBuilding #Sustainability #Growth #GermanNigerianCooperationAt50 

Transforming Investment in Edo: The Launch of the Edo State One-Stop Investment Center (ESOSIC)!      The Edo State Government is taking a transformative leap with the launch of the Edo State One-Stop Investment Center (#ESOSIC), a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business and attracting investments.     Supported by the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development in Nigeria Program (#SEDIN), this center is designed to streamline processes for investors, providing them with a single point of access to essential services and information. It is a major step toward enhancing the ease of doing business, fostering transparency, and boosting investor confidence in Edo State.        The center brings together critical government agencies and stakeholders under one roof, ensuring a seamless experience for investors while showcasing Edo State as a competitive and business-friendly destination.        This initiative marks a significant step towards economic transformation in Edo State, with its potential to drive investment, stimulate economic growth, and create opportunities for local businesses and communities.       The SEDIN program is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ).    #EdoStateInvestments #EaseOfDoingBusiness #EconomicTransformation #ESOSIC #GermanNigerianCooperationAt50   Osahon Okoh MPM Akinropo Omoware Esq. Elizabeth O.

💪 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV)! 🌍   ‘As we conclude activities in the framework of the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV), listen to the powerful voices of our heads of agencies, indicating their firm commitment to tackling GBV in all ramifications.   We hope this message resonates, reverberates, and causes the necessary change to promote gender equality and ensure the protection of the rights of women and girls. UNWomen Wwk Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH Kate Okoh-Kpina #16DaysOfActivism #EndViolence #EndGBV #OrangeTheWorld  #EndViolenceAgainstWomen 

To promote youth employment, the Federal Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Nigeria (FMYD), in collaboration with Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) programme, hosted a Private Sector Summit to advance the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP 2021–2024).    The event convened private sector leaders, government MDAs, development partners, and youth organisations to review the progress of the NIYEAP implementation, identify solutions to challenges, share insights, and develop the Private Sector Strategy on Youth Employment (#PSSYE).      Key Outcomes:    ✅ Launch of the Private Sector Technical Working Group (TWG) by Hon. Minister of Federal Minister of Youth Development – Hon. Com. Ayodele Olawande to guide youth employment efforts.    ✅ Commitments from key private sector actors and NESG to support NIYEAP implementation.    ✅ Actionable recommendations to stimulate job creation and improve youth employment opportunities.      This collaborative effort highlights the critical role of the private sector and partnerships in equipping Nigeria’s youth to drive sustainable economic growth.    Thank you to all participants for making this a milestone event. Together, we are building pathways for Nigeria’s future!    SKYE II is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Swiss Agency Direction du développement et de la coopération (SDC).    #YouthEmpowerment #NiYEAP #PrivateSectorLeadership #SustainableGrowth #GreenEconomy #GermanNigerianCooperationAt50 

Last week, the Job Fair 3.0: "Empowering Nigeria’s Workforce with Green and Digital Skills" brought together 500 job seekers and 43 employers and institutions at the M&M Event Center, Abuja.    This event was made possible through the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and support from the Skills Development for Youth Employment (#SKYE) and the Centre for Migration and Development (#ZME) programmes.    We are grateful to all job seekers, employers, and institutions who made this event a success. Special thanks to Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, for highlighting the importance of equipping Nigeria’s workforce with green and digital skills to meet the challenges of tomorrow.    This milestone represents a shared commitment to building a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready workforce for Nigeria. Together, we’re shaping a sustainable future.  The SKYE and ZME programmes are implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), alongside the Swiss Agency Direction du développement et de la coopération (SDC).    #GreenSkills #DigitalSkills #WorkforceDevelopment #employment #Jobfair #Gratitude #GermanNigerianCooperationAt50