Dutch Government Hands Over 2Scale Agribusiness to Nigerians

The Dutch Government has formally transferred the ownership and management of the 2Scale inclusive agribusiness initiative to Nigerian scholars, farmers, and entrepreneurs under the Institute of Agribusiness Management Nigeria. The handover ceremony was held on Tuesday at the FCW Milk Building Centre in Iseyin, Oyo State.

Launched 13 years ago, 2Scale was designed as an incubator and accelerator for inclusive agribusiness through public-private partnerships. Funded by the Dutch Government, the programme empowered smallholder farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and local consumers, while increasing access to affordable, locally produced food.

Over the years, 2Scale attracted over €30 million in private sector investments, with more than €17 million directed to agricultural value chains in Nigeria. The initiative has supported over 1.2 million smallholder farmers, enhancing productivity, income, and food security.

Speaking at the event, the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt Van Loosdrecht, said the handover reflected confidence in Nigerians to sustain the programme.

“It has been a fantastic project. After 13 years, farmers and local actors are now experts in sustaining and expanding 2Scale. This is not the end; it is a new beginning,” he said. “Nigeria has the capacity to manage such initiatives independently. Sustainable development cannot rely on perpetual foreign funding.”

Andi Brisibe, President of the Institute of Agribusiness Management Nigeria, described 2Scale as transformative. “The models introduced have reshaped agribusiness in Nigeria. Our focus will remain on improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods, which in turn strengthens food and nutritional security nationwide,” he said.

Programme Director of 2Scale, Marina Diboma, added that the initiative’s impact had been far-reaching, with over 1.2 million farmers benefiting directly.

Agriculture experts at the handover noted that the transition marks a critical test for Nigeria’s ability to sustain development projects without external funding. Nevertheless, optimism remains high, given the strong foundation laid over more than a decade.

The transfer of 2Scale signals a shift from donor-led programmes to local ownership. Analysts say the initiative’s focus on inclusive agribusiness—linking farmers, investors, and consumers—provides a blueprint for boosting local food production, reducing import dependency, and empowering Nigerian agripreneurs to thrive.

As Dutch funding ends, the onus is now on Nigerian institutions and entrepreneurs to maintain the programme’s momentum and scale it to greater heights.