In a celebratory ceremony held in July 2025, Nestlé Nigeria formally inducted 49 women entrepreneurs from Agbara, Ogun State, into its Empowering Rural Women Project. This newest cohort marks an exciting extension of a programme that began in August 2021 with just 50 women in Abuja and has grown steadily across multiple regions including Lagos, Ogun, Cross River, and Rivers. To date, 429 rural women have now benefited from this initiative.
What each woman receives
Each of the 49 selected beneficiaries in Agbara will receive:
- Grants in the form of Nestlé products valued at 300% of her monthly sales, to stock and scale her retail operation immediately
- Comprehensive business training covering merchandising, bookkeeping, customer service, and basic marketing.
- A 3‑month mentorship programme including one-on-one coaching to sustain growth and build business resilience
Says Victoria Ndidiamaka Uwadoka (Public Relations, Public Affairs & Sustainability Lead at Nestle)
With the 49 new bénéficiaires, we have now reached 429 women across Nigeria, opening new doors for these women who are determined to build better futures for themselves and their families.
Personally, it’s a privilege to be part of this work, unlocking potential, and building a future where every woman has the chance to take charge of her financial future.
Project outcomes to date across the earlier cohorts
Over 80% of participants saw 100–200% growth within three months; some outstanding cases clocked even 300% increases in turnover
- For instance, beneficiary Oghenetega Delight Jombo in Port Harcourt achieved 675% growth in six months, with continued monthly turnover exceeding ₦547,000
Economic impact in Agbara: Potential ripple effect
By investing in women along its value chain, Nestlé creates downstream benefits: stronger household incomes, local business resilience, and community-wide improvements in well-being.
Business growth: With the grant equivalent to triple their current sales capacity, each woman can stock more products, attract more customers, and earn higher revenues almost immediately.
Job creation and local supply: As these retail businesses grow—some expand into small kiosks or neighborhood stores—they often hire helpers or source from local suppliers, supporting more income opportunities around Agbara.
Household resilience: Increased income enables women to better provide for their families—covering food, healthcare, children’s education, and even household savings, thus reducing vulnerability to shocks.
Community uplift: As more households become economically secure, the cumulative effect can uplift the entire community—injecting cash flow, encouraging local trade, and inspiring others to adopt entrepreneurship.
Empowerment and role model effect: Beyond financial gains, the women become visible role models—breaking traditional gender roles, boosting confidence, and encouraging young girls to consider entrepreneurship.
The bigger vision
The Agbara expansion reinforces Nestlé Nigeria’s firm commitment to its Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategy—aligning business growth with social investment. Nestlé aims to empower women nationwide, using this scalable model of training, product grants, and mentorship to foster inclusive economic development
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[03 – 04 September, 2025 – Lagos]