Nestlé Nigeria has expanded its Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project to Calabar, onboarding 50 new female retailers as part of its commitment to fostering thriving communities. This initiative focuses on training, mentorship, and financial support to enhance women’s economic opportunities in rural areas.
Empowerment Through Training and Grants
Participants were trained in:
- Merchandising: Effective product display and sales techniques.
- Bookkeeping: Financial management and record-keeping.
- Customer Service: Building customer loyalty and improving business relations.
The training is complemented by grants in the form of products, valued at 300% of the participants’ monthly sales turnover, aimed at boosting their business capacities.
Speaking at the launch, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the initiative’s broader goal:
“Nestlé is committed to contributing to efforts to build thriving communities. Empowered women are central to this objective.”
She noted that the program aligns with Nestlé’s shared value creation strategy, benefiting stakeholders along the value chain while driving business success.
The program has already empowered 332 women since its inception in August 2021, with 85% of participants achieving 300% business growth, faster turnover, and increased visibility in their communities.
Boladale Odunlami, Nestlé Nigeria’s Commercial Manager, highlighted the data-driven approach behind the initiative:
“The rural women empowerment project addresses a gap identified among women retailers in rural communities who were not growing as consistently as others.”
In partnership with FDC Consult, participants receive tailored training, mentorship, and strategic business support.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the program:
- Favour Effiong, owner of Favour Stores, shared:
“Today’s training and the grant will enable me to improve the standard of living for my family.”
Local leaders, including Chris Effiong, Vice Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, and HRH Etinyin Francis Efa, Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo, commended Nestlé for its impactful initiative.
About the Initiative
The Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project launched in 2021 with an initial cohort of 50 women in Abuja’s suburbs. Since then, the program has expanded to seven communities, with Calabar marking its latest milestone. The initiative is creating financial security for rural women, fostering business growth, and uplifting families and communities across Nigeria.
