Kashim Shettima Launches Economic Fund to Support Over 57,000 Women in Katsina

Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of Nigeria, will launch the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) in Katsina State on Sunday. This program aims to provide direct financial support to 57,432 women through the Community Investment Fund (CIF).

The initiative will first assist women in the Daura and Funtua Local Government Areas. It is designed to create more economic opportunities, strengthen livelihoods, and help reduce poverty for vulnerable households.

Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, described the program as a transformative effort that will enhance women’s involvement in economic activities through direct financial aid and community support.

Beneficiaries will be grouped into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), allowing them to save money, access financial services, and connect to larger markets to grow their businesses.

Michael Ilesanmi, a senior official from the World Bank, emphasized that the program is open to all eligible women aged 18 and older, including those with disabilities. He noted that the initiative will provide women with skills in financial management and business development, while also helping them tackle social barriers that hinder their economic participation.

The project aims to improve women’s resilience to climate change by promoting sustainable income-generating activities. Ilesanmi praised the Katsina State Government for expanding the program from six to all 34 Local Government Areas, with over ₦8.5 billion allocated for funding over the last two years and more planned for the upcoming budget.

Once fully implemented, the program is expected to reach nearly 800,000 women across Katsina State, marking it as one of the largest economic empowerment initiatives for women in Nigeria. The launch event will gather government officials, development partners, and women’s organizations to kick off this important program.