Empowering women in Africa is a crucial driver of sustainable development and social progress across the continent. When women are given equal access to education, employment, and leadership opportunities, entire communities thrive. Empowered women are more likely to invest in their families’ health and education, breaking cycles of poverty and laying the foundation for stronger future generations.
The economic empowerment of women is equally vital to Africa’s growth. Studies show that when women participate fully in the economy, productivity and GDP rise significantly. By supporting female entrepreneurs, expanding access to financial services and ensuring equitable working conditions, African nations can unlock vast economic potential. Women-led businesses, in particular, often reinvest in their communities; fostering innovation, job creation and economic resilience that ripple throughout entire regions.
This vision is exemplified by Nestlé Nigeria, which for decades has been at the forefront of transforming the lives of women across rural communities. Beyond its reputation for quality products, the company has built a lasting legacy rooted in inclusion, empowerment and shared prosperity through consistent investment in women-led enterprises.
Across the country, women whose businesses once struggled to survive now stand as proud entrepreneurs, thanks to Nestlé’s sustained commitment. Through a blend of practical training, product grants and mentorship, the company’s initiatives have enabled hundreds of women to triple their income and gain confidence in managing profitable ventures. These efforts have revitalized small businesses and stimulated local economies.
A New Chapter in Agbara
With the recent expansion of its flagship Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria program to Agbara, Ogun State, Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed that its commitment to uplifting women remains as strong as ever. The company’s unwavering focus on inclusive growth underscores a powerful truth: empowering women at the grassroots is not merely an act of corporate social responsibility, but a fundamental pillar of national development.
In Agbara, a community that has housed Nestlé Nigeria’s operations for over four decades; hope and opportunity now take on renewed meaning. The company’s flagship initiative, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria, recently welcomed 49 new female retailers into its growing network of beneficiaries.
Now in its fifth year, the program has reached an impressive milestone, having empowered over 431 women nationwide. Each of these women represents a story of resilience and transformation; businesses expanded by as much as threefold, incomes strengthened and communities uplifted through sustainable livelihoods.
At the launch ceremony, Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, captured the essence of the initiative: “Supporting rural women to scale their retail operations by up to 300% within just three months is not only beneficial for business but also essential for fostering a more inclusive economy, stronger families and resilient communities.”
Her words resonate deeply in Agbara, a community long intertwined with Nestlé’s journey of growth and impact. For the company, this phase is more than a project launch, but a homecoming.
Empowerment with Purpose
The Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria initiative, launched in 2021, was born from Nestlé’s recognition of women’s central role in driving local economies. Across Nigeria’s rural communities, women retailers are often the lifeline of commerce, bridging supply and demand, nurturing families and anchoring communities. Yet, many of these women face structural barriers that limit their business potential.
To change this, Nestlé designed a model built on three key pillars: business training, product grants and mentorship. Through this holistic approach, women not only gain tools to run profitable ventures but also develop confidence to sustain and grow them.
According to Boladale Odunlami, Nestlé Nigeria’s Commercial Manager, “At Nestlé, we are intentional about creating growth opportunities across every segment of our value chain. With product grants valued at up to 300% of their existing business size, participants have improved turnover, increased revenue, and strengthened their community presence.”
This year’s Agbara cohort, he revealed, was particularly special. The participants were nominated by their own communities and each received product grants worth ₦200,000; a tangible investment in their potential and a symbol of trust in their entrepreneurial spirit.
Community at the Heart
True to Nestlé’s philosophy of creating shared value, the Agbara launch was not just a corporate event but a celebration of community partnership. Representing the Alagbara of Agbara, His Royal Highness Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade JP, Olori Adeola Agunbiade commended Nestle’s enduring relationship with the community and its people.
“Our community enjoys a peaceful and respectful relationship with Nestlé, we are delighted to see women from our community benefit from this program. I urge every woman here to take full advantage of this training to build something lasting for herself and her family”, she said.
Her remarks underscore the shared ownership that defines the initiative Nestle’s empowerment model thrives because it is community-driven, locally anchored and deeply personal.
Transforming Lives, One Woman at a Time
For the women at the center of this initiative, the impact is both immediate and inspiring. One of the newest participants, Mrs. Eniola Fausat, shared her enthusiasm, “This opportunity has opened my eyes to what is possible in my business. With the training and support, I am now more confident that I can improve my shop and better support my family.”
It is stories like Eniola’s that illuminate the true essence of Nestlé’s mission; turning small beginnings into thriving enterprises and aspirations into lasting change.
Five Years, Nine Locations, Countless Success Stories
Since inception, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria has reached nine locations across the country, steadily creating ripples of transformation. Beneficiaries receive training in entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, merchandising and customer service, skills essential for sustaining growth in a competitive retail landscape. Each woman is paired with a mentor for three months, ensuring continuous guidance and accountability.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Nestlé’s consistent investment in women empowerment is not new, it’s a tradition deeply woven into its corporate identity. From initiatives promoting female farmers and youth entrepreneurs to those supporting women-led microenterprises, the company has built a remarkable track record of inclusion-driven progress.
By expanding its Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria program to Agbara, Nestlé reinforces its belief that true progress begins at the grassroots. Each woman empowered is a family uplifted, a community strengthened and a nation moved closer to inclusive prosperity.
