Empowering Nigeria’s Future: Nestlé’s Bold Drive in Youth Development

In a nation where over 70% of the population is under 30, youth empowerment is not just a social imperative — it is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic destiny. Recognizing this, Nestlé Nigeria Plc has taken a pioneering role in shaping young Nigerians into entrepreneurs, innovators, and skilled professionals through comprehensive programs that unlock potential and foster sustainable growth.

The Youth Challenge: Bridging the Opportunity Gap

Nigeria’s youth face formidable challenges: unemployment hovers around 33%, with many young people trapped in informal sectors or underemployment. The African Development Bank estimates an SME financing gap of $331 billion across Africa, constraining startups and small businesses, which are vital engines for job creation and innovation.

In this context, youth empowerment transcends charity; it is a strategic investment in national stability and prosperity.

Nestlé’s Youth Entrepreneurship Platform: A Catalyst for Change

Since its inception in 2019, the Nestlé Youth Entrepreneurship Platform (NYEP) has emerged as a transformative force. The program has trained over 25,000 young Nigerians in critical business skills — from digital marketing and financial literacy to agribusiness management and product innovation.

Wassim Elhusseini, CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, emphasizes, “Our commitment is to equip young people with the tools to create their own opportunities. We want them not only to participate in the economy but to lead it.”

This approach is evident in success stories like Aisha Ibrahim from Kano State. Once constrained by volatile markets, Aisha now runs a thriving sorghum farm supplying Nestlé, employing additional youth from her community.

Beyond Training: Building an Ecosystem for Youth Success

Nestlé’s youth initiatives go beyond classroom training. The company facilitates access to finance through partnerships with microfinance institutions and government-backed funds, helping graduates of NYEP launch viable enterprises.

Moreover, Nestlé integrates youth into its supply chains, sourcing 80% of raw materials locally, which creates upstream opportunities for young farmers and suppliers. The company also supports youth-led micro-distribution networks, enabling young entrepreneurs—especially women—to reach rural and underserved markets.

Impact on National Development

The ripple effects of Nestlé’s youth programs resonate beyond individual success stories. By fostering entrepreneurship, Nestlé contributes to addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis and stimulating the non-oil economy, crucial for diversification.

According to a recent report, communities engaged in Nestlé’s programs have witnessed up to a 40% rise in youth employment rates and a measurable increase in household incomes.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite these gains, challenges persist. Access to capital remains a bottleneck, and infrastructural deficits — particularly erratic power supply — constrain business scalability. Nestlé is actively advocating for enabling policies and infrastructure improvements to sustain youth-led enterprise growth.

Looking forward, Nestlé plans to expand NYEP, aiming to double the number of trained youths by 2026, with enhanced focus on digital skills and climate-smart agriculture — sectors poised for exponential growth.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

In a country brimming with youthful energy, Nestlé Nigeria’s investment in youth empowerment is a beacon of hope and a blueprint for sustainable development. By blending skills training, financial inclusion, and supply chain integration, the company is nurturing a generation that is ready to transform Nigeria’s economy.

As Nestlé Nigeria continues to deepen its commitment, it sends a powerful message: the future belongs to the empowered youth who dare to dream, innovate, and lead.