– Marks five years of rural Initiative
Nestlé Nigeria has empowered 50 women retailers in Zaria, Kaduna State, through business training and grants in the form of Nestlé products valued at three times their existing stock.
This was part of Nestle’s Nigeria activities in marking its fifth anniversary and 10th edition of its Empowering Rural Women Initiative.
The intervention, which aims to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of women-owned businesses, also ushered in a three-month mentorship programme for the beneficiaries.
The Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Toju Egbebi, disclosed that the mentorship is designed to help participants apply the knowledge gained during the training, manage their expanded inventory and build more sustainable businesses.
Launched in 2021, she said, the Empowering Rural Women Initiative targets women retailers who have demonstrated the determination to grow their businesses but face limited access to business training, mentorship and resources needed for expansion.
Prior to the Zaria edition, Egbebi noted that the initiative had supported 432 women entrepreneurs across different communities in Nigeria. With the addition of the 50 Zaria beneficiaries, the total number of women reached by the programme has risen to 482.
She said monitoring of previous cohorts showed that more than 80 per cent of participants had sustained and grown their businesses beyond the initial stock support provided through the initiative. Many of the beneficiaries now operate at a higher level, with increased inventories, turnover and customer bases, as well as improved financial and business management practices.
Speaking at the event, Commercial Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Boladale Odunlami, said women play a significant role in the company’s retail network and contribute substantially to its connection with consumers and communities.
According to him, women account for approximately 60 per cent of retailers in Nestlé Nigeria’s retail network, making their contribution critical to the company’s operations and growth. He added that the initiative reflects Nestlé’s commitment to ensuring that women who contribute to its growth also have opportunities to grow their businesses and earning potential.
The Zaria beneficiaries received training in key areas including bookkeeping, merchandising, stock management, financial management and customer service. The training is expected to equip them with practical skills to manage their businesses more effectively and make better use of the additional stock provided.
During the three-month mentorship period, Egbebi hinted that the women will receive practical guidance as they manage their increased inventory, apply the skills acquired and reinvest profits into their businesses. They were also encouraged to learn from one another and develop relationships that could provide continued support after the formal mentorship period.
Reflecting on the five-year journey of the initiative, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said the programme’s success should be measured by what beneficiaries are able to build after receiving support.
Uwadoka explained that the continued growth of participating women demonstrates the value of the initiative, noting that stronger businesses and improved livelihoods among beneficiaries also contribute to strengthening the retail network connecting Nestlé products with communities across Nigeria.
The Zaria edition was implemented with the support of Nestlé Nigeria’s implementation partners and local distributors, whose continued engagement is expected to complement the mentorship programme and help the beneficiaries work towards stronger and more profitable businesses.
As the initiative enters its next chapter, Nestlé Nigeria said it remains committed to expanding opportunities for more women to build sustainable enterprises and improve their livelihoods.
