World Bank Backs Katsina Women Empowerment Drive with $8 Million Support

Thousands of women across Katsina State are expected to benefit from expanded economic opportunities following an $8 million support package from the World Bank to scale up the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) across all 34 local government areas.

The initiative is designed to strengthen livelihoods, reduce poverty, and improve household resilience, particularly in rural communities that have been affected by insecurity, economic hardship, and limited access to financial services.

Unlike conventional cash transfer programmes, the project encourages women to organize themselves into community-based Affinity Groups, where members build trust through regular meetings, savings, and financial discipline. After demonstrating accountability and effective group management, the women become eligible to access grants and business capital through the Community Investment Fund (CIF), enabling them to establish or expand small businesses and agricultural ventures.

Most grassroots women, especially farmers, traders, artisans and rural entrepreneurs, the programme offers more than financial assistance. It creates opportunities for financial inclusion, entrepreneurship development, and stronger community networks that can improve long-term economic security for families.

The project is expected to generate wider social benefits, including increased homefront incomes, improved agricultural productivity, better maternal health outcomes, and higher school enrolment rates as families become more financially stable. By helping women grow sustainable sources of income, the initiative is also expected to stimulate local economies and create employment opportunities within communities.

The expansion of the programme also represents a significant policy milestone for the Katsina State Government, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive development and women’s economic participation. The government’s decision to extend the initiative to every local government area reflects an effort to ensure that rural and underserved communities are not left behind in development planning.

Officials noted that the World Bank’s $8 million contribution is a development support package rather than a loan to beneficiaries. The state government is also demonstrating ownership of the programme through substantial domestic investment, having previously earmarked up to ₦4 billion as counterpart funding.

Development experts say the collaboration highlights growing confidence in Katsina’s approach to community-driven development, with the programme expected to strengthen local institutions, empower women economically, and contribute to broader poverty reduction efforts across the state.