Nestlé Nigeria: Empowering women, transforming communities
By Tunji Faleye
In Nigeria’s rural communities and vibrant cities alike, women have long been the quiet architects of family, culture, and progress. Nestlé Nigeria recognized early on that empowering these women wasn’t just a nice idea—it was an essential pathway to uplifting entire communities and driving Nigeria’s economy forward. With a mission to create shared value, Nestlé set out on a journey to equip women with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
The birth of a movement: Supporting rural women entrepreneurs
In 2020, Nestlé launched a program that has become a cornerstone of its empowerment efforts—the Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project. This initiative started with a bold idea: that women in rural areas could build sustainable small-scale businesses with the right support. Nestlé, in collaboration with local NGOs and microfinance organizations, introduced microcredit, financial literacy training, and mentorship programs to help women turn their dreams of entrepreneurship into reality.
Through this project, women were provided not only with financial resources but also a network of peers, mentors, and allies who could share insights, exchange experiences, and build each other up. Nestlé’s rural entrepreneurship program has since fostered a community of women who are leading their families and communities towards prosperity, contributing to the local economy and rewriting what it means to be a female entrepreneur in Nigeria.
Empowering women farmers and advancing agriculture
Beyond business, Nestlé has been keenly aware of women’s vital role in Nigeria’s agriculture sector. Many women work tirelessly on small farms, where access to resources is limited, and climate change threatens crops. Nestlé’s Agricultural Support Programs aim to turn this around, focusing specifically on women farmers by providing quality seeds, modern tools, and training in sustainable farming practices. In partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nestlé promotes climate-smart farming techniques that empower women to combat environmental challenges and increase crop yields.
These efforts don’t just boost food security—they enable women farmers to secure higher incomes, feed their families, and uplift their communities. In a land where farming is often the lifeline for rural families, empowering women in agriculture has created ripple effects, strengthening families and entire regions.
Inspiring change through the maggi women’s empowerment program
Nestlé’s empowerment mission also took form through its iconic Maggi brand. The Maggi Women’s Empowerment Program is more than just a business initiative; it’s a movement that combines nutrition education with business training. Through this program, Nestlé has trained countless women in cooking, nutrition, and business management, helping them to build or enhance food-related enterprises.
With food preparation as a primary source of income for many women, the program equips them to improve product quality, manage their businesses effectively, and increase profits. Additionally, it transforms them into ambassadors for balanced nutrition and healthy eating practices, as they bring this knowledge back to their families and communities.
Navigating challenges Post-COVID-19
When COVID-19 disrupted life across Nigeria, women in the informal sector were hit especially hard. Nestlé responded by expanding its empowerment programs to provide extra training, resources, and financial support to help women rebuild. By shifting to digital training formats, Nestlé ensured that women could continue developing their businesses despite the restrictions. This adaptability has enabled many women to not only recover but also grow stronger in the face of adversity.
Fostering workplace gender equality
Within its own walls, Nestlé Nigeria champions gender equality, with efforts to elevate women across all levels, from entry-level positions to senior leadership. Through mentoring, leadership development, and flexible work options, Nestlé nurtures a workplace where women can thrive. This commitment to workplace inclusivity doesn’t just benefit Nestlé; it sets a powerful example for other businesses across Nigeria, showcasing what’s possible when companies invest in gender equality.
Looking Forward: A growing commitment
Nestlé’s dedication to empowering women isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a journey that the company is committed to expanding. Whether through its rural entrepreneurship initiatives, agricultural support programs, or workplace diversity efforts, Nestlé envisions a future where empowered women lead their families, communities, and even the nation towards lasting prosperity and growth.
In these diverse efforts, Nestlé has transformed lives, fostered economic growth, and paved the way for a future where empowered women are at the heart of Nigeria’s progress. As Nestlé continues to invest in Nigerian women, the company stands as a testament to the power of shared value and the boundless potential of empowered women.