Nestlé Nigeria has propelled 332 women entrepreneurs to amplify their businesses by an impressive 300% within the span of just one year. The monumental feat was achieved through the Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project, underscoring the company’s commitment to Creating Shared Value within its value chain.
This laudable program, tailored to bolster financial security and enhance livelihoods, specifically targets women within Nestlé Nigeria’s value chain. These women helm small-scale businesses in rural enclaves across Nigeria, and through strategic intervention, Nestlé Nigeria has empowered them to take their enterprises to new heights.
The core objective of the initiative is to equip these women with indispensable business acumen covering areas such as merchandising, bookkeeping, and customer service. Additionally, they receive mentorship, coaching, and grants in the form of Nestlé products valued at 300% of their monthly sales at the time of program enrollment. The women are further enrolled in an intensive 3-month mentorship program, pairing each participant with a personal mentor for tailored coaching. Remarkably, over 60% of beneficiaries achieved the remarkable 300% growth target within this brief period.
A shining example among these empowered women is Aminat Kolawole, a resilient entrepreneur from Ogun state. For eight years, Aminat has been steering her small business, Idera Oluwa Stores, in Sagamu, offering a range of products from food and beverages to toiletries, drinks, and household essentials. Her inclusion in the Nestlé Rural Women Empowerment Program holds promise for her business and family’s future. She expressed her optimism, stating, “I believe that this opportunity will provide the necessary knowledge and resources to grow my business so I can earn more money to support my family and cater to my children’s education.”
Khaled Ramadan, Commercial Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the company’s steadfast commitment to Creating Shared Value within communities. He emphasized that the Rural Women Empowerment Program is not a one-time event but an ongoing endeavor for value creation. The substantial growth witnessed by previous beneficiaries, ranging from 100% to 200% business expansion within three months of program enrollment, fuels Nestlé’s determination to extend these impactful initiatives.
Phranklin Audu, Lead Facilitator and head of strategic Partnerships at FDConsults, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project’s implementation partner, lauded the initiative’s success. Through this project, Nestlé continues to uplift rural women, steering them away from poverty and elevating their livelihoods.
Representing the Akarigbo of Remoland, HRM Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Kabiesi Odofin Soyindo commended Nestlé for its sustainable venture, empowering the women of Sagamu. He urged beneficiaries to wisely utilize the grants to expand their businesses, emphasizing the noble impact of corporate programs like Nestlé’s.
Aminat, on behalf of beneficiaries, expressed their collective enthusiasm for the program. They eagerly anticipate the learning and mentoring sessions, recognizing the potential to enhance business efficacy. The heartfelt gratitude extended to Nestlé affirms their commitment to maximize this opportunity for the betterment of their families and communities.
This groundbreaking Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project commenced in August 2021 with 50 female retailers in Abuja’s suburbs. Presently, 332 women from diverse regions of Nigeria are reaping the benefits of this initiative. Over 80% of beneficiaries have witnessed notable income growth, enabling them to provide better support for their families.
Through this program, Nestlé is effecting tangible change in the lives of rural women in Nigeria, empowering them to attain greater financial security and an elevated standard of living.
