Nestlé Nigeria has expanded its flagship initiative, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria, to Agbara, Ogun State, adding 49 new female entrepreneurs to the programme.

The initiative, now in its fifth year, aims to strengthen small businesses and improve livelihoods in rural communities across the country.

Since its inception, the programme has supported over 431 women nationwide, providing them with business training, product grants, and mentorship to help grow their retail operations. Participants have recorded business growth of up to 300 per cent within three months of joining the initiative.

At the launch event in Agbara recently, the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said the programme is designed to create real opportunities for women to expand their businesses and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

“Supporting rural women to scale their retail operations is not only beneficial for business but also essential for fostering a more inclusive economy, stronger families, and resilient communities,” she said.

Also, the Commercial Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, Boladale Odunlami, said, “Since 2021, over 380 women have benefited, with more than 85 per cent reporting business growth.

Each new participant receives product grants worth N200,000, nominated by their communities. We’re confident the Agbara group will continue this success.”

The Agbara cohort received product grants worth N200,000 each, along with training in entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, merchandising, and customer service. Each participant will also benefit from three months of one-on-one mentorship.

The programme has received support from the Agbara community, encouraging the women to maximise the opportunity.