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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue Agro-Startup Enhancement Program (BASEP), an initiative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency implemented in partnership with the Benue State Government, has successfully concluded its acceleration programme with a Demo Day held in Makurdi, Benue State.
The programme was designed to support growth-stage agribusiness startups in Benue State by providing targeted capacity building, mentorship, and strategic exposure to investors and ecosystem stakeholders.
The Demo Day marked the culmination of an intensive hybrid acceleration programme which included online training sessions, mentorship engagements, and in-person training focused on strengthening business models, operational systems, investment readiness, and market expansion strategies for agribusiness startups.
In her opening remarks, the Private Sector Support (PSS) Coordinator at the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Dr Elizabeth Onogwu, highlighted the objectives of the BASEP initiative, emphasising the importance of supporting innovative entrepreneurs who are building solutions across agricultural value chains in Benue State and Nigeria more broadly.
She said that JICA remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through programmes that promote innovation, private sector development, and sustainable economic growth.
She further highlighted additional opportunities available through JICA for startups and entrepreneurs in Nigeria, including capacity-building programmes and potential partnerships with Japanese and international stakeholders.
Providing an overview of the programme, the Lead Consultant for BASEP, Samson Igoche, outlined the structure and objectives of the initiative, explaining that the programme was specifically designed to identify and support growth-stage agribusiness startups in Benue State that demonstrate strong potential for scale and impact across the agricultural value chain.
Igoche also highlighted the post-programme support opportunities available to participating startups, including a structured ecosystem study tour to Abuja, where selected startups will engage with national innovation institutions, development partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.
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According to him, the tour is expected to provide strategic exposure, partnership opportunities, and pathways to funding and market expansion.
The event attracted strong participation from key stakeholders across government, academia, and the agribusiness ecosystem.
The Benue State Government delegation was led by Awav Adum, representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, alongside the Director-General of Livestock, senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, and other government stakeholders.
Also present at the event were the Director-General, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, experts from the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), representatives from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, agribusiness experts, and ecosystem leaders from Benue State whose participation underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship within the state.
At the end of the training programme, participating startups presented their solutions before a selection panel led by Dr Halilu Umar, Agricultural Expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Each startup delivered a pitch outlining the agricultural challenge they are addressing, their innovation and business model, market traction and growth strategy, and potential impact of their solutions on agricultural productivity and value chains.
Following the evaluation process, three startups were selected for further support and exposure through the BASEP programme. They include NAN Organic, a beekeeping enterprise that develops and manages beehives while producing packaged honey products; Vet Konect, a digital platform that connects livestock farmers with verified veterinary professionals and livestock inputs; and Bidvans, a food innovation startup that produces Vitamin A-fortified ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare staple foods designed to improve nutrition and food security, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Following the Demo Day, the selected startups will participate in a structured ecosystem study tour in Abuja, where they will engage with national innovation institutions, development partners, and industry leaders.
The tour will provide opportunities for the startups to expand networks, explore partnerships, and gain insights into scaling agribusiness solutions within Nigeria and international markets.
