Nigerian Women Learn AI Skills to Boost Food Security

Rural women in Nigeria are learning to combine traditional food processing with cutting-edge technology, creating a powerful solution to hunger and economic hardship. The United Nations just recognized this groundbreaking program as a model that other developing countries should copy.

Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) launched the Digital Capacity Building and AI Integration program across underserved communities in Osun State and southwestern Nigeria. The initiative teaches women in agro-food processing how to use digital tools and artificial intelligence to expand their businesses and reach new customers.

The UN Office for South-South Cooperation added the program to its South-South Galaxy Platform, highlighting it as a scalable solution that combines technology with entrepreneurship. This recognition came after YEDIS founder Rafiu Olaore presented the initiative at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. in April 2026.

"When rural women are provided with digital skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to productive resources, they become powerful drivers of economic growth, food security, and community resilience," Olaore explained. The program demonstrates that locally designed solutions can tackle big global challenges like poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond individual women. By equipping rural processors with modern business skills, the program strengthens entire local food systems and creates jobs in communities that need them most.

The initiative directly supports seven UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, zero hunger, and gender equality. Partners like the World Bank Group, British Council, and Osun State Polytechnic have backed the program's expansion.

YEDIS is now calling on governments, development partners, and private organizations across Africa to help scale the program. Olaore believes expanding access to AI and digital skills among rural women represents one of the best opportunities to create inclusive economic growth across developing regions.

The recognition positions YEDIS among Africa's leading grassroots innovators driving digital transformation where it matters most.