Nestlé Nigeria Expands Rural Women Empowerment Initiative to Calabar

Nestlé Nigeria Expands Rural Women Empowerment Initiative to Calabar

Nestlé Nigeria has extended its Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Initiative to Calabar, Cross River State, onboarding 50 additional female retailers into the program. The expansion is part of the company’s commitment to fostering thriving communities by supporting women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

At the launch event in Calabar, participants received training in key business areas, including merchandising, bookkeeping, and customer service. This initiative, launched in 2021, aims to address challenges faced by women retailers in rural areas, enabling them to build sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, highlighted the significance of the program. “Empowered women are essential to building thriving communities. The Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Initiative is one of the ways we create shared value, contributing to stakeholders’ well-being while driving business success. The initiative has already produced positive results in seven rural communities, and we are confident the 50 women from Calabar will share similar success stories.”

Tangible Growth for Women Entrepreneurs

Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, provided insight into the program's impact. “This initiative was created to address the slower growth rate observed among women retailers in rural areas. By partnering with FDC Consult, we offer training, mentorship, and product grants valued at 300% of their monthly sales turnover. Since its inception, 332 women have benefited, with 85% maintaining a 300% growth rate, faster turnover, and increased revenue. We are thrilled to welcome 50 more women and look forward to their transformation.”

Participants expressed gratitude for the program, emphasizing its potential to improve their businesses and communities. Mrs. Favour Effiong, owner of Favour Stores, stated, “Today’s training and grant will improve my family’s living standards. I cannot thank Nestlé enough for this investment in my business.”

Stakeholders Applaud Initiative

Dignitaries at the event, including Hon. 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 dedication to empowering women. They encouraged beneficiaries to leverage the support to expand their businesses and create lasting impacts within their communities.

Sustainable Impact Since 2021

Launched in August 2021 with an initial cohort of 50 female retailers in Abuja’s suburbs, the initiative has supported women through training, mentorship, and product grants. Participants receive three months of coaching to help them sustain their growth, ensuring long-term success.

Nestlé’s Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Initiative continues to transform lives, offering women in rural areas the tools to achieve financial security, improve their standards of living, and contribute to community development.