Nestlé Nigeria Celebrates Five Years of Empowering Rural Women with New Support for Zaria Retailers

Nestlé Nigeria has celebrated the fifth anniversary and 10th edition of its Empowering Rural Women Initiative by supporting 50 women retailers in Zaria, Kaduna State, with practical business training and grants comprising Nestlé products valued at three times their existing stock.

This intervention also launched a three-month mentorship programme designed to help the women apply their training, manage the increased stock effectively, and build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Launched in 2021, the Empowering Rural Women Initiative aims to assist women retailers who have demonstrated determination to grow their businesses but face limited access to training, mentorship, and resources necessary for expansion.

Before the Zaria edition, the programme had supported a total of 432 women entrepreneurs across various communities in Nigeria. With the addition of the 50 women from Zaria, the total number reached now stands at 482.

Programme monitoring indicates that over 80% of participants from previous cohorts have maintained and grown their businesses beyond the initial stock boost provided through the initiative. Many now operate at a considerably higher level, with larger inventories, increased turnover, more customers, and stronger financial and business management practices.

Across Nigeria, women entrepreneurs play a vital role in sustaining local commerce, supporting household incomes, and ensuring that essential products reach their communities—especially in areas where small retailers serve as a crucial link between consumers and larger markets.

Speaking at the event, Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, emphasised the significance of their contribution and the importance of enabling continued growth. He said, “Women account for approximately 60% of the retailers in Nestlé Nigeria’s retail network. Every day, they help us reach consumers, build trust within communities and keep our business moving. Their contribution is significant, and we value them as important business partners. The Empowering Rural Women Initiative reflects our belief that the women who contribute to our growth should have the opportunity to grow with us. By investing in their skills and strengthening their businesses, we are helping them increase their earning potential while building a stronger, more capable and more resilient retail network.”

The training provided to the Zaria participants covered bookkeeping, merchandising, stock management, financial management, and customer service. Over the next three months, mentors will offer practical guidance as the women manage their increased stock, implement their new knowledge, and reinvest their profits to sustain growth. Participants were also encouraged to learn from one another and foster relationships that could offer ongoing support beyond the formal mentorship period.

Reflecting on the programme’s five-year journey, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, stated, “The true measure of this initiative is not the support we provide on the day, but what the women go on to build with it. Five years on, we are seeing women sustain their growth, expand their businesses and create greater economic security for themselves and their families. That is Creating Shared Value in action. As these women build stronger businesses and better livelihoods, they also strengthen the retail network that connects Nestlé to communities across Nigeria. It is a model in which progress for the women and progress for our business reinforce each other, turning an initial investment into lasting value.”

The Zaria edition was delivered with support from Nestlé Nigeria’s implementation partners and local distributors. During the mentorship period, their ongoing engagement will help the participants implement their training and develop stronger, more profitable businesses.

As the Empowering Rural Women Initiative enters its next chapter, Nestlé Nigeria remains committed to building on the progress achieved over the past five years and supporting more hardworking women in developing resilient, sustainable businesses.