SUSTAIN Agribusiness Training Programme 2026
Job Description
Applications Open for the Free SUSTAIN Agribusiness Training Programme 2026 in Nigeria
Applications are now open for the Strengthening Underlying Systems and TVETs for Agribusiness Innovation in Nigeria (SUSTAIN) Agribusiness Training Programme, a skills-development initiative designed to equip Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills for careers and entrepreneurship in the agribusiness sector.
The programme offers structured training across agribusiness management, digital agribusiness, data analytics, value-chain development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Depending on the training level, participants can also benefit from certification, job placement support and access to a start-up grant pathway.
The first cohort begins in October 2026.
About the SUSTAIN Project
SUSTAIN — Strengthening Underlying Systems and TVETs for Agribusiness Innovation in Nigeria — is an Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) project focused on addressing skills and employment challenges within Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
The project is led by Sydani under the Team Europe Initiative’s Opportunity-driven Skills and Vocational Education and Training in Africa (TEI OP-VET) programme.
Through SUSTAIN, Continuous Professional Development courses are being developed to strengthen industry-relevant agribusiness skills and help connect trained participants with employment opportunities.
The initiative is co-funded by the European Union and German Cooperation, with the programme materials also identifying GIZ and other implementation partners.
Training Areas
Participants can develop skills across several important areas of modern agribusiness, including:
- Agribusiness Management Principles
- Digital Agribusiness
- Gender and Social Inclusion in Agribusiness
- Value Chain Analysis and Development
- Agribusiness Digital Systems and Data Analytics
- Agribusiness Innovation and Investments
Programme Structure
The SUSTAIN training pathway is structured into three progressive levels, allowing participants to move from foundational agribusiness knowledge to specialised employment skills and, ultimately, entrepreneurship.
Level 1: Become an Agribusiness Generalist
Level 1 provides the foundational knowledge required to understand the agribusiness sector and its value chains.
Participants are introduced to areas including Agribusiness Management Principles, Value Chain Analysis and Development, Gender and Social Inclusion, and Digital Agribusiness Tools and E-Commerce.
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: Self-paced
- Eligibility: Open to all interested participants
- Certification: Certificate upon completion
- Additional Support: Job placement support
This level provides the foundation participants need before progressing into more specialised training opportunities.
Level 2: Specialised Agribusiness Skills and Job Placement Support
Level 2 is designed for participants who have completed Level 1 or already possess an equivalent level of agribusiness knowledge.
Participants develop deeper expertise in specific occupations and career tracks through practical, specialised training. Agribusiness Digital Systems and Data Analytics is identified as an initial focus, while other courses are designed around actual skills and employment gaps in the sector.
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: Hybrid
- Eligibility: Level 1 graduates or applicants with equivalent knowledge
- Certification: Certificate upon completion
- Additional Support: Job placement support
The goal is to strengthen participants’ employability and prepare them for higher-value opportunities within the agribusiness sector.
Level 3: Agribusiness Entrepreneurship and Grant Pathway
Level 3 focuses on helping participants translate their skills and ideas into viable agribusiness ventures.
Training includes Agribusiness Innovation and Investment Pitching and Practice of Entrepreneurship. Participants work on practical business-development activities such as business planning, costing and pricing, negotiations with suppliers and buyers, and setting up or improving their own micro-enterprises.
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: Fully in-person
- Focus: Entrepreneurship and venture development
- Eligibility: Level 2 graduates or applicants with equivalent knowledge
- Certification: Certificate upon completion
- Funding Opportunity: Soft grant upon certification
- Availability: Limited spaces
This level provides a pathway for participants who want to establish or strengthen their own agribusiness ventures.
Who Can Benefit?
The training is relevant to a broad range of Nigerians interested in building skills, careers or businesses within agriculture and agribusiness, including:
- Agribusiness entrepreneurs
- University and polytechnic graduates
- NYSC corps members
- Early-career professionals
- Individuals seeking careers in the agribusiness sector
- Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in agriculture and related value chains
What Participants Can Gain
Depending on the training level completed, participants can benefit from:
- Practical and industry-relevant agribusiness training
- Digital and data skills applicable to modern agribusiness
- Professional certification upon successful completion
- Job placement support
- Specialised career development
- Entrepreneurship training
- Practical business-development experience
- Access to a soft-grant pathway for eligible Level 3 participants
Cohort 1 Training
The programme flyer also advertises the first cohort as a free, introductory online training opportunity.
- Start Date: October 2026
- Training Duration: 12 hours
- Mode of Delivery: 100% online and self-paced
- Cost: Free
- Availability: Limited slots
This introductory training covers the programme’s major agribusiness subject areas and is particularly suitable for people looking to begin developing professional skills in the sector.