In a major effort to bridge the gap between youth unemployment and the fast-evolving digital economy, philanthropist and politician Abdulkareem Abdussalam Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, has sponsored 90 Kano indigenes for a groundbreaking training program in digital entrepreneurship in agriculture.
The initiative, a collaboration between the AA Zaura Foundation, the London Academy Business School, and the University of Sunderland, aims to equip young people—both graduates and undergraduates—with the skills to harness artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools in modern agricultural practices.
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Speaking at the program’s official launch in Kano, Zaura emphasized the transformative goal of the project.
“The purpose of us sitting here today is to introduce a project that empowers the teeming youth of Kano State through digital agriculture. It’s not just training; it’s about building self-reliance and creating small-scale agribusinesses,” he said.
Originally designed for 50 participants, overwhelming interest from over 750 applicants prompted Zaura to expand the number of beneficiaries to 90, with a commitment to maintain transparency and fairness throughout the selection process.
“Every single person who went through the screening will be treated equally and without bias. This is about giving our youth a chance to feel seen, valued, and equipped for the future,” Zaura added.
As part of the package, 20 outstanding participants will travel to the UK for further training at the London Academy Business School and the University of Sunderland. Each trainee will also receive digital kits, including iPads, and a certificate upon completion of the program.
Zaura stressed the significance of AI in agriculture, saying, “The world is moving towards artificial intelligence. This project is about teaching youth how to use their fresh knowledge from university and polytechnics to build something of their own.”
Joining the event was Anton Scheepers, Chief Economist at the London Academy Business School, who praised both the hospitality of Kano and Zaura’s visionary leadership.
“People told me how dangerous Kano is, but what I’ve found is a city full of industrious and friendly people. I’ve not seen such a passionate and outcome-focused leader like AA Zaura in my 41 years of development work,” Scheepers stated.
He further highlighted Kano’s unique potential in agriculture, pointing to its arable land, water resources, and strategic location for cross-border trade.
“But the biggest asset here is the people. We are here not just to train, but to return and see actual businesses run by these youth. Our model is outcomes-based,” he said.
Dr. Larry Jones-Esan, a senior academic from the London Academy Business School, echoed the same optimism, recalling the enthusiasm of the young participants.
“They arrived at 8:30am for a session scheduled to start at 10. By 7pm, they were still engaged. That shows hunger for change,” Jones said.
He also underscored the importance of Africans solving African problems.
“Tony Blair once said, ‘No one will help Africans except Africans themselves.’ What Zaura is doing here is proof of that truth. This is not just training—this is transformation.”
Jones noted that over 621 youths applied, and the decision to expand the cohort from 50 to 90 was a personal commitment by Zaura to accommodate more eager learners.
“One man deciding to shift the goalpost to accommodate more youth—this is rare. It’s inspiring,” Jones said.
The event also witnessed strong support from the local team of the AA Zaura Foundation, which screened candidates over two days. Zaura praised their dedication and affirmed the Foundation’s readiness to deliver more impactful projects aimed at taking youth “off the streets and into productivity.”
This initiative marks a significant step in redefining the role of digital technology in agriculture in Northern Nigeria, with Kano leading as a hub of innovation.
Zaura concluded, “This project is a changing stage in the lives of our youth. It gives them confidence, skills, and the belief that they are not redundant—they are essential to the future we’re building.”
