Women Entrepreneurs and the Drive for Economic Inclusion
Published by Borderless MediaNg 
For many women operating small businesses in rural communities, limited access to capital, business knowledge and reliable markets continues to restrict their economic potential. Recognising these challenges, Nestlé Nigeria’s Empowering Rural Women Initiative is providing opportunities for women retailers to strengthen their businesses, improve household incomes and achieve greater financial independence.
Launched on August 23, 2021, the initiative began with 50 female retailers selected from Kubwa, Nyanya and Gwagwalada in Abuja. Since then, it has expanded to several communities across Nigeria.
On July 30, 2025, the programme extended its reach to Agbara, Ogun State, welcoming 49 additional women retailers. Each beneficiary received business training, mentorship and product grants valued at up to ₦200,000 to support business expansion.
The initiative recorded another milestone on August 14, 2026, when Nestlé marked its fifth anniversary and 10th edition by supporting 50 women retailers in Zaria, Kaduna State. The beneficiaries received product grants worth three times their existing stock and commenced a three-month mentorship programme.
Training covers bookkeeping, merchandising, inventory management, financial management and customer relations.
According to Nestlé, the initiative had reached 482 women by August 2026, with monitoring showing that over 80 per cent of previous participants had sustained or expanded their businesses.
Beyond financial assistance, the programme is strengthening women’s entrepreneurial capacity, supporting family livelihoods and promoting grassroots economic inclusion.
