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Nestlé Nigeria has taken another significant step towards fostering community development and economic growth by expanding its Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Initiative to Calabar, Cross River State.
This expansion includes 50 additional female retailers who will benefit from tailored training and substantial support designed to transform their businesses and enhance their communities.
At the launch event, the women participated in comprehensive training sessions covering key business areas such as merchandising, bookkeeping, and customer service.
These modules aim to equip them with essential skills to manage their businesses effectively and sustainably. The program reflects Nestlé’s commitment to empowering women, recognizing them as vital contributors to thriving communities.
Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, underscored the importance of this initiative.
“Nestlé is dedicated to contributing to efforts that build thriving communities,” she stated. “Empowered women are central to this vision. The Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Initiative is one way we create shared value, benefiting every stakeholder along our value chain while driving business success. The positive outcomes we’ve witnessed in seven rural communities affirm our confidence in the 50 new participants from Calabar.”
Nestlé Nigeria’s Commercial Manager, Boladale Odunlami, provided further insight into the program’s origins and impact. “This initiative was born out of a need to address disparities identified in our data. Women retailers in rural communities weren’t growing as consistently as others.
In response, we partnered with FDC Consult to provide targeted training, coaching, and mentoring. Participants also receive product grants worth about 300% of their monthly sales turnover. Since the program’s launch in 2021, 332 women have been onboarded, and 85% have maintained significant growth. Their businesses have seen faster turnover, increased revenue, and stronger visibility within their communities.
This success fuels our excitement to support 50 more women, knowing they will leverage this opportunity to transform their businesses and, by extension, their families and communities.”
The women selected for the program expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm. Mrs. Favour Effiong, owner of Favour Stores, shared her experience: “My journey with Nestlé has been incredibly productive. The training and grant I received today will enable me to improve my family’s standard of living. I can’t thank Nestlé enough for this investment in my business.”
The event also drew the attention and commendation of community leaders. Honorable Chris Effiong, Vice Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, and His Royal Highness Etinyin Francis Edem Efa, Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo, praised Nestlé for its impactful intervention. They urged the beneficiaries to utilize the grants wisely to expand their businesses and contribute to local economic growth.
Nestlé’s Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project initially launched in August 2021 with 50 female retailers in the suburbs of Abuja. Since its inception, participants have received not only grants but also continuous mentoring and counseling over three months.
This structured approach ensures that the lessons learned are effectively applied, leading to sustainable business practices and financial security.
By expanding this initiative to Calabar, Nestlé reinforces its commitment to creating tangible, positive impacts on rural women’s lives in Nigeria. Beyond financial support, the program fosters a culture of learning, resilience, and entrepreneurship.
It aims to bridge gaps in economic participation, empowering women to achieve greater financial independence and, in turn, uplift their families and communities.
Through initiatives like this, Nestlé Nigeria is making a lasting difference, promoting gender equality, and driving inclusive economic development. The program’s continued success underscores the importance of investing in women entrepreneurs, who are pivotal to building stronger, more prosperous communities.
