WACOT Secures €1.26 Million Grant to Empower 3,500 Sesame Farmers in Nigeria

WACOT Limited, a subsidiary of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has received a €1.26 million grant (approximately ₦2.25 billion) from DEG Impulse to support and empower 3,500 smallholder sesame farmers across northern Nigeria.

According to a statement released by the company on Wednesday, the funding was provided under the develoPPP program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) — an initiative designed to support private-sector projects that drive sustainable economic impact in developing countries.

Under this new partnership, WACOT Limited will match the grant amount with its own counterpart funding of €1.26 million, making a combined investment targeted at transforming sesame production through organic and climate-resilient farming practices in Jigawa and Kebbi States.

Advancing Organic and Climate-Smart Sesame Farming

The project builds on the success of WACOT’s 2020 organic sesame pilot project, which achieved double the national average yield and earned ECOCERT international organic certification.

This expanded three-year initiative aims to scale up that success by equipping thousands of local farmers with:

• Comprehensive training on organic farming techniques
• Access to organic-certified agricultural inputs
• Agroforestry and weather information systems
• Financial inclusion and credit access support
• Guaranteed market offtake at premium prices

By implementing a 100% offtake agreement, WACOT ensures that all farmers under the project receive fair compensation for their certified organic produce, improving income stability and reducing post-harvest losses.

WACOT Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

The Managing Director of WACOT Limited, Naveen Chaurasia, described the grant as a strong endorsement of the company’s vision for sustainable agriculture and rural empowerment.

“This grant validates our commitment to empowering smallholder farmers who are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy. By expanding our organic sesame model, we are not only building a traceable, high-quality supply chain but also enhancing the livelihoods of thousands of families,” he said.

“This project will double farmer incomes, boost climate resilience, and increase Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings. It reflects TGI Group’s philosophy of earning the goodwill of the people through impact-driven investments.”

Partnerships for Rural and Economic Growth

Habiba Suleiman, Head of Strategic Partnerships at TGI Group, noted that partnerships between private and development organizations are essential to achieving lasting economic transformation.

“Our collaboration with DEG Impulse and BMZ shows how aligning business interests with sustainable development goals can create win-win outcomes,” she stated.

“We are proud to promote organic farming and climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria, helping to build a more sustainable environment and a resilient rural economy.”

Similarly, Marco Christ, Managing Director of DEG Impulse, emphasized the project’s contribution to poverty reduction, environmental restoration, and Nigeria’s export diversification.

“Through this initiative, we are empowering smallholder farmers, strengthening value chains, and supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export drive. We are pleased to back WACOT’s scaling of sustainable agriculture through develoPPP,” Christ said.

Boosting Inclusion and Job Creation

The project’s design also prioritizes women and youth inclusion, ensuring that rural communities benefit equitably from agricultural development. It is expected to:

• Create 46 direct jobs,
• Strengthen farmer cooperatives,
• Improve financial access for rural entrepreneurs, and
• Increase climate resilience in local communities.

These efforts contribute to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• No Poverty (SDG 1)
• Gender Equality (SDG 5)
• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
• Climate Action (SDG 13)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)

About the Partners

WACOT Limited is a leading player in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector, focused on value chain development, commodity processing, and sustainable farming practices. Its parent company, TGI Group, operates in over 12 countries with diversified interests in food, agriculture, energy, and consumer goods.

DEG Impulse GmbH, a non-profit subsidiary of the German Development Finance Institution (DEG), partners with private companies to fund initiatives that foster inclusive economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability in developing economies.

Impact on Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Sector

This €1.26 million initiative not only strengthens Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading sesame producers and exporters, but also reinforces the government’s goal of diversifying export earnings beyond oil.

With the growing global demand for organic sesame seeds in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, this project positions Nigerian farmers to earn higher export premiums while contributing to climate-smart agriculture and food security.