UNGA: Nigeria, Mastercard partner to support 1 Million African farmers
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with Mastercard to support one million farmers across Africa, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and financial inclusion, according to an announcement from the presidency.
The initiative was revealed following a meeting between Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and Mastercard executives during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The partnership, which also includes support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), will focus on agricultural workers in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, improving access to financial services and digital technology.
Vice President Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the global event, emphasized the initiative’s potential to transform Africa’s food security landscape.
“This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission for comprehensive financial inclusion and agricultural empowerment. With Mastercard’s global expertise, we are poised to unlock new opportunities for farmers in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania,” Shettima said.
‘Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, explained that the initiative will provide critical digital financial tools to agricultural workers, driving productivity and economic growth.
“We’re not just introducing new technologies; we’re rethinking the entire agricultural value chain. Our goal is to ensure that every farmer, regardless of location, has access to modern financial services,” Tijani stated.
He also acknowledged the existing challenges in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem and outlined measures to improve trust and adoption of contactless payments.
Mastercard’s West Africa Country Manager, Folasade Femi-Lawal, confirmed plans to roll out contactless payment systems, including 160 training seminars starting next February, aimed at educating stakeholders and preparing the market for the technological shift.
