Through the Agric/Core Portfolio, USADF has not just been investing in projects but in people — real individuals, groups and communities whose lives have been transformed. The impact of USADF’s support also shines bright in the off-grid energy sector, showcasing how renewable energy initiatives can combat energy poverty and spur community growth. The collaboration between USADF and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) since 2019 has yielded remarkable success stories in youth employability and entrepreneurship in Lagos State. The Special Project and Entrepreneurship Portfolios have nurtured innovation, supported SMEs, and advanced entrepreneurship development, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for sustainable growth and empowerment.
1. Empowering Women Farmers: WOFAN’s Journey
USADF’s grant of $207,620 empowered the Women Farmers Advancement Network, or WOFAN, to exponentially expand their rice production. From producing 80 MT, the group have scaled up production to over 660 MT of rice paddy annually. This led to revenues exceeding N60 million, and the group’s diversification into value-added products. Notably, their success has caught the attention of major entities, like the Nigerian Government, UNDP, and the MasterCard Foundation.
2. Milking Success in Kebbi
In rural Ambursa, in Kebbi State, the Gaskiya Dairy Farmers Cooperative Association faced challenges. With a grant of $115,644 from USADF, and guidance from DDI, the tide turned. Modern milk processing techniques elevated their product quality and revenue. This initiative also provided solutions for Fulani women, addressing the long journeys to markets and unsold milk losses. Moreover, the establishment of fodder farms enhanced year-round access to feed and water for both animals and the pastoral communities.
3. Rice Farmers’ Revolution
The Dankwalli Cluster Rice Farmers Cooperative Association faced numerous challenges. However, with a grant from USADF and the Kebbi State Government and the expertise of DDI, they underwent a transformation. They invested in quality and certified inputs, modern production machinery and equipment, training, and technical support, especially in good agronomic practices. Their area cultivated to rice expanded dramatically, from 12 to 150 hectares. Revenues shot up from N5.1 million to an astonishing N137 million.
Women’s Rice Cooperative Transformation
The Tondi Gada Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative Association in Kebbi State, with the support of a USADF grant and assistance from Diamond Development Initiatives, made strides. Their rice production grew from 68 to 161 hectares, translating to over 230 MT of rice paddy and a revenue surge by 300%.
Off-Grid Energy Portfolio Success Stories
The impact of USADF’s support also shines bright in the energy sector, showcasing how renewable energy initiatives can combat energy poverty and spur community growth.
1. Salpha Energy’s Rise
Salpha Energy Limited, with a USADF grant and investment from All On, has illuminated over 2,000 homes and businesses in Akwa Ibom State. Beyond this, they’ve created jobs and prepared graduates for careers in the solar industry. Their achievement also drew a significant $1 million investment to further their cause.
2. Auxano Solar’s Breakthrough
With a combined $100,000 from USADF and All On, Auxano Solar made history as the first solar panel-producing company in Nigeria. Their daily output reached 100-150 panels, training over 600 youths along the way.
3. GVE Projects’ Illumination Initiative
GVE Projects Limited, backed by a $100,000 USADF grant, brought light to the Egbeke community, Rivers State. And the impact didn’t stop there. GVE deployed 14 solar mini-grid solutions across Nigeria. Importantly, USADF’s seed funding played a vital role in GVE’s groundbreaking Wuse Market project in Abuja, aiming to provide reliable energy to 2,155 SMEs, reduce emissions, and transform the market into Nigeria’s first green, generator-free economic cluster.
4. Gwam Village Transformation
In Nigeria, millions live off the national grid. Gwam Village was once in the dark. But in 2018, Solmenz Engineering, with support from USADF and Diamond Development Initiatives, changed the narrative. They constructed a solar-powered mini-grid, which expanded its capacity, connecting numerous households and businesses.
Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Portfolio Success Stories
The collaboration between USADF and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund since 2019 has yielded remarkable success stories in youth employability and entrepreneurship in Lagos State:
1. FSD – A Beacon of Hope
FSD: Transforming Lives and Creating Jobs Through USADF-LSETF Supported Skills Training. The mission of Field of Skills and Dreams, or FSD, was clear. They aim to uplift unemployed Nigerian youth. These young minds, despite their potential, faced educational gaps and lacked the skills for sustainable employment. The demand was evident, with FSD flooded with more applications than they could manage. Yet, 2019 brought hope. Amidst the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, FSD secured a pivotal grant from both USADF and LSETF, also gaining technical support from Diamond Development Initiatives. The impact? By 2022, FSD had trained about 450 individuals.
Over 80% found internships post-training, some transitioned to full-time roles, while others turned entrepreneurs, setting up training hubs in their communities. Located in the Agege community of Lagos, the organization even expanded its horizons by launching a new training center.
2. Digital Revolution with 8thGear Hub
From Trainees to Entrepreneurs: 8thGear Hub Transforms Lives and Creates Jobs in Lagos: For 8thGear Hub, empowering youth via digital skills was the mission. They confronted the harsh reality of high unemployment rates and scant resources. But 2021 brought change. With USADF’s grant and backing from LSETF and DDI, they imparted vital digital skills to 160 young individuals.
By the end of 2022, an impressive 70% of the trained youth had moved forward – securing internships, jobs, or carving their entrepreneurial journeys. This alliance not only filled the skills void but empowered the youth to sculpt meaningful careers, thus enriching their communities.
3. NerdzFactory – Pioneering Tech Training
NerdzFactory: Empowering Lagos Youth Through Technology Training, Thanks to USADF Support: Half of Nigeria’s population is youth, yet a staggering 25.7% lack opportunities in education, employment, or training. Enter NerdzFactory. With an $83k USADF grant, they embarked on a mission to slash youth unemployment in Lagos. Their program, having trained 150 students, showed remarkable results by 2022.
The Design School Program’s accomplishments? A whopping 69% of the trained students secured employment or internships, while others chose freelance or entrepreneurship. Income levels rose significantly, marking a profound economic uplift for the participants. Their successes have garnered collaborations with global giants like the UN, Meta, Oracle, the UK Government, and the Chevron-backed PIND Foundation, all testament to the capacity enhanced by the USADF grant.
Special Project & Entrepreneurship Portfolio Success Stories
The Special Project and Entrepreneurship Portfolio has nurtured innovation, supported SMEs, and advanced entrepreneurship development, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for sustainable growth and empowerment.
1. The Smile Doctor – Technological Dental Care Solution
In Nigeria, where 90% of the population faces various dental challenges, a critical shortage of dental professionals exists. With just one for every 200,000 residents, this shortage particularly impacts the rural areas. The Smile Shop Limited launched the “Smile Doctor” project with a $50,000 USADF grant in 2019 and technical support from DDI. This initiative birthed a dental subscription App and a mobile clinic, procured vital equipment, and promoted dental health. By 2022, the project provided dental care to over 7,000 patients, saw a 93% increase in revenue, and expanded access through technology, dramatically influencing dental health, especially in rural communities.
2. Waste Museum – Toward a Sustainable Future
Nigeria grapples with serious waste management issues. In Ibadan, Oyo State, the African Creative Sustainable Synergy Hub steps in. With a $10,000 USADF grant, the Hub inaugurated the Waste Museum, an educational and awareness platform.
The museum has trained thousands, hosting over 6,000 students and guests, and expanding its customer base significantly. The display of 950 artworks showcases a commitment to a sustainable, waste-free future.
3. AutoEase Services – Empowering Women in the Auto Industry
AutoEase Services, making waves in the automotive sector, recognized challenges in Enugu State, especially the scarcity of skilled women in auto refurbishment. Aided by a $10,000 USADF grant, AutoEase trained 30 women in this niche, growing their workforce and revenue significantly. The project not only benefited thousands directly and indirectly but also garnered government and enterprise collaborations, reinforcing brand trust and pioneering a model initiative in the state.
4. Ady’s Agro-Processing – A Beacon in the Agro-Processing Sector
Starting as a simple grocery shopping business, Ady’s Agro Processing Limited pivoted towards food safety amidst widespread food adulteration concerns. However, scaling, market expansion, and compliance challenges arose. With a USADF grant, they revitalized their operations, acquiring crucial assets and emphasizing innovation. Improved systems, branding, and packaging enhanced their market presence, solidifying Ady’s Agro as a formidable player in the agro-processing industry.
Click here for more inspiring success stories from the DDI’s development services across Nigeria.