ADVERTISEMENT
TechEconomy
Friday, June 6, 2025
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tech
    • DisruptiveTECH
    • ConsumerTech
      • Accessories
      • Phones
      • Laptop
      • Gadgets and Appliances
      • Apps
    • How To
    • TechTAINMENT
  • Business
    • Telecoms
      • Broadband
    • Mobility
    • Environment
    • Travel
    • Commerce
    • StartUPs
    • TE Insights
    • Security
  • Partners
  • Economy
    • Finance
    • Fintech
    • Digital Assets
    • Personal Finance
    • Insurance
  • Features
    • IndustryINFLUENCERS
    • Guest Writer
    • Appointment
    • EventDIARY
    • Editorial
  • Apply
  • TecheconomyTV
  • Techeconomy Events
  • BusinesSENSE For SMEs
  • TBS
  • News
  • Tech
    • DisruptiveTECH
    • ConsumerTech
      • Accessories
      • Phones
      • Laptop
      • Gadgets and Appliances
      • Apps
    • How To
    • TechTAINMENT
  • Business
    • Telecoms
      • Broadband
    • Mobility
    • Environment
    • Travel
    • Commerce
    • StartUPs
    • TE Insights
    • Security
  • Partners
  • Economy
    • Finance
    • Fintech
    • Digital Assets
    • Personal Finance
    • Insurance
  • Features
    • IndustryINFLUENCERS
    • Guest Writer
    • Appointment
    • EventDIARY
    • Editorial
  • Apply
  • TecheconomyTV
  • Techeconomy Events
  • BusinesSENSE For SMEs
  • TBS
No Result
View All Result
Tech | Business | Economy
No Result
View All Result
Podcast

Home » WACOT Rice Completes Transformational Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme

WACOT Rice Completes Transformational Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme

Techeconomy by Techeconomy
February 21, 2024
in Commerce
0
WACOT Rice Argungu Outgrower
L-R: Director, Corporate Affairs, TGI Group, Sadiq Kassim; Chief of Staff, Kebbi State representing the Governor, Attahiru Maccido; Chairman, WACOT Rice Limited & Vice Chairman (Africa), TGI Group, Farouk Gumel; Chief of Party, Trade Hub, Robin Wheeler; Deputy Mission Director, USAID, Sara Werth; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, during the conclusion of the WACOT Rice Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme (AOEP), a collaborative initiative with the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub in Abuja on Tuesday.

L-R: Director, Corporate Affairs, TGI Group, Sadiq Kassim; Chief of Staff, Kebbi State representing the Governor, Attahiru Maccido; Chairman, WACOT Rice Limited & Vice Chairman (Africa), TGI Group, Farouk Gumel; Chief of Party, Trade Hub, Robin Wheeler; Deputy Mission Director, USAID, Sara Werth; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, during the conclusion of the WACOT Rice Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme (AOEP), a collaborative initiative with the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub in Abuja on Tuesday.

RelatedPosts

QNET direct selling model

Understanding QNET Direct Selling Business Model  

June 4, 2025

How You Can Get Up to 50% Discount on Konga

June 3, 2025

WACOT Rice Limited, a member of the Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has successfully concluded the Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme (AOEP), a collaborative initiative with the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub aimed at enhancing rice production in Nigeria.

The outgrower expansion programme, initiated in 2020, was designed to leverage the company’s existing outgrower programme to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by providing access to essential agricultural inputs, financing, and training on Yield Enhancement Techniques (YET), and Good Agronomic Practices (GAP).

Aside from the provision of support to over 5,000 farmers, notable achievements of the programme include job creation, increased inclusion of youth and women, improved food security, enhanced agricultural yield, sustainable land management, and expanded access to financing, all contributing to the sustainable growth of rice production in Nigeria.

The Program’s closing ceremony, held on Tuesday, February 13, at Fraser Suites, Abuja, featured speeches from dignitaries, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, and the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera.

The speakers commended the transformative impact of the outgrower programme on the local agricultural landscape.

Having overseen the launch of the Outgrower Expansion Programme during his tenure as Kebbi Governor, Senator Bagudu emphasized the positive outcomes achieved through the collaboration between TGI Group and the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, underscoring the potential of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development.

He said, “this programme is laudable as it showcases the potential of Kebbi state. We have a history of rice farming but live in an ever-changing environment where you have to respond to issues relating to climate change and environmental challenges with sustainable, inclusive models that can work. This project by WACOT and USAID in Kebbi State has created a successful model that connects effort and opportunity.”

Dr Nasir Idris, the Kebbi State Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Attahiru Maccido, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significant contribution of the outgrower programme to the development of Kebbi State.

He said,

“The presence of WACOT and USAID in Kebbi has helped answer various questions and address certain challenges regarding agriculture, and today, we can see over 80% success rate of the initiative. The partnership ending today is one that the state is missing already, and work is ongoing to replicate it in other parts of the state. This emphasizes the partnership between the private and the public sectors in nation-building. Kebbi state is always ready to provide an enabling environment for companies like WACOT Rice, and you would always find a decent Return on Investment.”

Farouk Gumel, Chairman of WACOT Rice and Executive Vice Chairman (Africa) of TGI Group, expressed gratitude to the Minister, Governor, Emir, farmers, and all stakeholders for their support.

He reaffirmed TGI’s unwavering commitment to promoting food security and economic growth in Nigeria through substantial investments across various sectors.

“I will start by appreciating our partners on this successful project. This Program started at a challenging time in Nigeria, in 2020, when COVID-19 was manifesting its impact. Despite the odds, this $10 million initiative was aimed at transforming the lives of 5,000 people over four years, and today we can see the impacts it has made.

“I want to assure our partners from the United States that we will continue to push this initiative and ensure that the successes recorded are spread around all other value chains. Together, let’s keep driving positive change and prosperity for all.”

Speaking on the Program’s impact on the Argungu people and community, the Emir highlighted the positive changes to the community, including employment generation and improved living standards for farmers.

He stated,

“The Programme has been a beacon of hope for the Argungu people, ushering in a new era of prosperity and empowerment. Through its initiatives, we have witnessed tangible improvements in employment opportunities, uplifting the livelihoods of our farmers and enhancing the overall quality of life in our community. We appreciate WACOT and USAID for transforming our society, economy and the people’s well-being in the Argungun community. This is indeed a collective success.”

Melissa Jones, Mission Director for USAID Nigeria, underscored the significance of the partnership between WACOT Rice and the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, emphasizing the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development and fostering economic growth in the region.

She said, “With $1.48 million from USAID West Africa Trade Hub, WACOT Rice successfully leveraged $8.6m of their funds, demonstrating their commitment to address the challenges faced. As a direct result of this partnership, WACOT Rice engaged over 7,600 outgrower farmers – far above the original target of 5,000. It provided them with extension services and high-quality inputs to ensure improved rice yields and a quality product.

“We are very proud of your achievements and determination to deliver results under this partnership. We look forward to even greater results for your company. Our collaboration has proven that transformation is possible.”

The Chief of the Party at Trade Hub, Robin Wheeler, also provided insights into the Program’s achievements and contribution to the local economy.

He stated,

“The USAID’s Trade Hub is one of the largest blended finance initiatives in the region, partnering with visionary private sector companies like WACOT Rice Limited to foster market-driven solutions, enhancing food security through sustainable advancements in local rice production. We are proud of the remarkable outcomes achieved thus far with WACOT Rice, and I look forward to witnessing their continued excellence in the food sector space in Nigeria.”

Habiba Suleiman, head of strategic partnerships at TGI Group, also highlighted some of the achievements of the outgrower programme.

She said,

“During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread floods devastating rice farms, our $10 million Argungu Outgrower Expansion Project emerged as a lifeline for distressed smallholders. We surpassed our goals through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, including leveraging the Wacot Rice Outgrower Program. With a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and job creation, we exceeded expectations, witnessing a remarkable increase in women’s participation, triggering over $19 million in paddy sales, achieving significant yield increases, and generating over 7500 new jobs. Our deliberate efforts in empowering young women as agronomists and field officers have further enriched our community impact.”

Some beneficiaries of the initiative expressed profound gratitude for its multifaceted impact. A male beneficiary, Ibrahim Alhassan, said,” throughout the programme, we got financial advice, which has been instrumental to our business and life. Also, the programme improved our wellbeing and personal hygiene, and we learned new ways to address preventable diseases. And most importantly, my output tripled. I appreciate the organizers of the programme.”

One of the female beneficiaries, Rabiu Umaru, said, “before, women weren’t farming a lot, but now, thanks to WACOT Rice and Trade Hub, we are farming more land than ever before, from half a hectare to 2 hectares. They helped us to manage water better with canals, and they gave us machines to make our work easy. They also helped us to open bank accounts and get money, making it easier to save and spend,”

WACOT Rice cemented its commitment to the expansion of rice production by signing a co-investment partnership worth $10.5 million with the West African Trade and Investment Hub to support the Argungu Rice Outgrower Expansion Project in Kebbi State in December 2020.

WACOT Rice Limited – a member of the TGI Group, operates an integrated state-of-the-art rice mill in Argungu, Kebbi State.

The 120,000a-ton rice mill, whose capacity has been increased to 240,000, is one of the largest rice mills in Sub-Saharan Africa and sources paddy from various paddy-producing states across Nigeria. It produces premium household brands of parboiled rice, Big Bull and Patriot.

Loading

Advertisements
MTN ADS

Author

  • Techeconomy
    Techeconomy

    View all posts
0Shares
Tags: Argungu OutgrowerWacot RiceWACOT Rice Argungu OutgrowerWACOT Rice Limited
Previous Post

Zarttalent Foundation Collaborates with Universities to Empower Students with Tech Skills

Next Post

Salesforce Introduces Clean Energy Programme Management for Energy & Utilities Cloud

Techeconomy

Techeconomy

Related Posts

QNET direct selling model
Commerce

Understanding QNET Direct Selling Business Model  

by Techeconomy
June 4, 2025
0

As individuals, we can all relate to recommending products we have used, liked and enjoyed to our family, friends and...

Read more
50% Discount on kOnga

How You Can Get Up to 50% Discount on Konga

June 3, 2025
Jumia Transforms Customer Experience with Sprinklr’s AI-Powered Platform | 13 Years

Jumia Marks 13 Years of e-Commerce Innovation in Nigeria

June 3, 2025
Nigeria NATEP

Nigeria Relaunches National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) to Unlock $1 Trillion Global Outsourcing Market

June 2, 2025
U.S., China Slash Tariffs in Surprise 90-Day Truce, Resetting Trade Divide

Why U.S. Tariffs Won’t Derail China’s Global Strategy

June 1, 2025
td africa Black Friday

Every Friday is Black Friday: TD Africa Turns Up the Heat on Tech Accessibility

May 27, 2025
Next Post
Salesforce Energy & Utilities Cloud

Salesforce Introduces Clean Energy Programme Management for Energy & Utilities Cloud

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Techeconomy Podcast

Techeconomy Podcast
Techeconomy Podcast

Infowave is brought to you by TechEconomy. Every week we will bring new stories from startups and influencers who are shaping and changing the world we live in. We’ll also bring you reports on topics you should know.

Follow us @techeconomyng for more.

TECH TALK EPISODE 2
byTecheconomy

PRODUCTIVITY AND WORK-Life Balance

TECH TALK EPISODE 2
TECH TALK EPISODE 2
May 22, 2025
Techeconomy
CYBERSECURITY ESSENTIALS
April 24, 2025
Techeconomy
Digital Marketing Trends and strategies for 2025 and beyond
February 27, 2025
Techeconomy
Major Lesson for Techies in 2024 and Projections for 2025
December 6, 2024
Techeconomy
Major Lessons for Techies in an AI-Driven World | Techeconomy Business Series Highlights
November 26, 2024
Techeconomy
Maximizing Profitability Through Seasonal Sales: Strategies For Success
November 8, 2024
Techeconomy
Techeconomy Business Series
October 15, 2024
Techeconomy
PRIVACY IN THE ERA OF AI: GETTING YOUR BUSINESS READY
May 30, 2024
Techeconomy
Unravel the Secrets of Marketing Everywhere All At Once with Isaac Akanni from Infobip | Infowave Podcast Episode 1
February 9, 2024
Techeconomy
The Role of Ed-tech in Life Long Learning and Continuous Education
October 19, 2023
Techeconomy
Search Results placeholder

WHAT IS TRENDING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_MCUwS2woc&list=PL6bbK-xx1KbIgX-IzYdqISXq1pUsuA4dz

Follow Us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy

© 2025 Techeconomy - Designed by Opimedia.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tech
    • DisruptiveTECH
    • ConsumerTech
      • Accessories
      • Phones
      • Laptop
      • Gadgets and Appliances
      • Apps
    • How To
    • TechTAINMENT
  • Business
    • Telecoms
      • Broadband
    • Mobility
    • Environment
    • Travel
    • Commerce
    • StartUPs
    • TE Insights
    • Security
  • Partners
  • Economy
    • Finance
    • Fintech
    • Digital Assets
    • Personal Finance
    • Insurance
  • Features
    • IndustryINFLUENCERS
    • Guest Writer
    • Appointment
    • EventDIARY
    • Editorial
  • Apply
  • TecheconomyTV
  • Techeconomy Events
  • BusinesSENSE For SMEs
  • TBS

© 2025 Techeconomy - Designed by Opimedia.

Translate »
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.