In a bold step towards building a climate-resilient agricultural sector, AGRA, Nestlé Nigeria, and TechnoServe have launched the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative in Nigeria.

StreFaS is a three-year initiative, funded by AGRA and Nestlé, that will run from June 2024 to October 2027. The program aims to support 25,000 smallholder farmers and eight aggregators across Kaduna and Nasarawa States, promoting sustainable production of maize, soybean, rice, and sorghum. It focuses on integrating regenerative agriculture into every step of the value chain, with particular emphasis on empowering youth and women.

StreFaS will help improve soil health, lower greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity, and strengthen economic resilience. Furthermore, the program connects smallholder farmers to formal markets, including Nestlé’s supply chain, enabling them to receive premium prices for climate-smart produce.

The launch event, held in Zaria, Kaduna State, brought together high-level representatives from the government, development partners, private-sector stakeholders, and members of the media. The event featured keynote speeches from implementing partners, a case study from a climate-smart farmer, and a powerful project overview underscoring the initiative’s role in transforming Nigeria’s grain value chains.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria, described the STREFAS initiative as a transformative step for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. “This project represents a bold commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses with the tools, knowledge, and market access they need to thrive in the face of climate change. STREFAS is not just about boosting yields—it’s about regenerating our soils, restoring dignity to farming, and creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for communities across Kaduna and Nasarawa States,” she said.

“We are proud to co-lead this initiative that puts farmers first — not just by introducing new practices, but by rebuilding the very ecosystems that sustain farming — core to AGRA’s approach to sustainable and resilient food systems transformation,” said Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA’s Country Director for Nigeria.

Speaking on Nestlé’s commitment, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, added:

“At Nestlé, we believe that good food starts with high-quality ingredients and the well-being of the people who produce them. Our partnership in this initiative underscores our commitment to sustainable sourcing and decarbonizing our value chain. Globally, we aim to source at least 50% of our key ingredients from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture by 2030. With an investment of over $1,000,000 in this project over the next three years, we aim to contribute towards establishing regenerative agriculture as the standard in the food industry, addressing both environmental and social priorities holistically.”

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Kaduna State, Honourable Murtala Muhammad Dabo stated “This launch marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable agricultural future. I commend TechnoServe and its partners for their dedication to promoting climate-smart agriculture practices in Kaduna State. Let us continue to work together to empower farmers, improve food security, and build a climate-resilient agricultural sector. I wish you all the best in this endeavor.”

On the sidelines of the launch, MAGGI celebrated the Soya Bean farmers who were part of the regenerative agriculture pilot project. One of the farmers Engineer Lawan Abdul, shared a compelling testimonial.

“Since I started adopting the strategies, we were taught in this project, my yields have increased by 100%. This was very surprising and encouraging for me. I am very happy with the outcome and thank the project partners and MAGGI for bringing this opportunity to us.”

The StreFaS initiative is aligned with AGRA’s 3.0 Country Strategy, Nestlé’s 2030 Climate resilience sourcing goals, and TechnoServe’s proven expertise in building market-driven solutions for rural prosperity.

By connecting smallholder farmers to better tools, markets, and capital, StreFaS will scale regeneration in ways that are profitable and empowering. As implementation continues, the program will deepen collaboration with government, private sector, and civil society partners to sustain scalable change across Nigeria’s grain value chain.

A new chapter is opening in Nigeria’s transportation sector as Ecowaka Limited (Ecowaka), an indigenous electric vehicle (EV) company, launches its three-wheeled electric vehicles (keke).

This innovation provides an affordable and eco-friendly solution to enhance urban mobility, supported by advanced battery swapping and charging infrastructure.

With rising fuel price, increasing urban congestion, and the urgent need for climate-conscious alternatives, Ecowaka is positioning itself as a pioneer in Nigeria’s electric mobility space, delivering sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective transport options tailored for everyday Nigerians.

“We are building more than electric vehicles; We’re building a cleaner future, creating jobs, and giving drivers and commuters a smarter alternative,” said Prince Ojeabulu, Founder and CEO at Ecowaka. “Our mission at Ecowaka is to drive innovation that not only redefines transportation but also contributes to a cleaner planet. This is about local innovation that solves real problems.”, he added.

Ecowaka adopts an inclusive model for electric mobility, providing access to both brand-new electric tricycles from ₦2.6 million and conversion solutions for existing petrol-powered kekes from ₦2.3 million. This approach supports a gradual and affordable transition for operators already in the system. With a supporting infrastructure of charging and battery-swap stations, Ecowaka’s model is designed to minimize downtime and reduce long-term operating costs.

The electric keke is designed to meet Nigeria’s transportation needs, offering high performance and reliability. The vehicles are equipped with an 8kWh battery that allows for a top speed of 50 km/h and a travel range of up to 120 km per charge. These vehicles can carry three passengers along with the driver, providing a practical solution for both personal and commercial transport. Charging is efficient with a 5-minute battery swap and 45-minute station charging. The vehicle also includes smart features like a digital display, vehicle tracking, USB charging port, and mobile app integration. Contributing to zero emissions, operators can save up to 60% on fuel costs.

Already gaining attention from key players in tech, transport, and environmental advocacy, Ecowaka is building strategic partnerships to scale across major cities in Nigeria. With its commitment to local assembly, driver training, and tech-driven mobility solutions, the company is poised to set the pace for clean transport across Africa.

Ecowaka is an indigenous Electric Vehicle (EV) brand focused on driving sustainable transportation in Nigeria. With a mission to deliver accessible, eco-friendly transport solutions.

Airtel Africa announced today an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa. Currently, SpaceX has acquired requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other 5 countries are under process.

With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools, health centres in even the most rural parts of Africa. Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.

Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said: “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships. Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently under-served parts of Africa.”

SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations Chad Gibbs said: “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways.

Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets and this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence.

The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”

Brand owners and players in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) space were on Friday charged to be dynamic to be able to meet the present-day consumer needs which are constantly evolving.

The socio-economic realities have made this to be so, as consumers, faced with decreasing purchasing power, continue to challenge their loyalty to any particular brand, with many opting for brands that meet their needs at any particular time.

To be able to get consumers’ attention, seasoned experts and industry stakeholders said FMCG players and brand owners must know their consumers and be ready to evolve along with their preference.

Experts said this at the 6th Industry Summit, held at the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) House, Adeola Hopewell, Victoria Island, with the theme: “Understanding Changing Consumers Preference in Troubled FMCG Space”.

Delivering the keynote address, Lampe Omoyele, Managing Director/CEO of Nitro 121, said consumers are modifying their purchasing behaviours by focusing more on essential goods while reducing discretionary spending. As such, to succeed, brand owners/businesses need to put themselves in the shoes of the consumers – by giving them what they want, to win them over.

Focusing on a recent survey conducted by his company, Omoyele said price sensitivity, availability, and perceived value are some of the factors that necessitate people to switch brands, especially in product categories such as food & groceries, household items, and personal care. The majority reported buying in bulk, comparing prices, and switching brands to save cost.

“From our study, respondents between the ages of 35 and 54 with monthly earnings of N250,000 and above said that they have made adjustments to their shopping habits in the past one year,” he noted.

“The Nigerian FMCG sector is evolving with trends like digital payments, e-commerce expansion, and sustainability driven packaging. Consumers are seeking healthier product options, while brands invest in direct to-consumer (DTC) models, influencer marketing, and loyalty programs to drive engagement and retain customers in a competitive landscape.

To, therefore, stay ahead, he advised that FMCG brands must adopt data-driven marketing, omni-channel distribution, and direct-to-consumer models. Leveraging AI for consumer insights, optimising supply chains, and creating engaging brand experiences through social media and influencer collaborations can help businesses effectively navigate these market shifts.

He added that, “Brands that quickly respond to emerging trends, experiment with new product formulations, embrace digital commerce, and invest in technology driven solutions will maintain a competitive edge and sustain long-term customer loyalty”.

Despite the growing focus on cost-consciousness driven by economic challenges, he pointed out that quality remains a fundamental consideration for consumers in their purchasing decisions.

“While consumers may opt for more affordable alternatives in certain categories, they continue to prioritise products that offer high performance, reliability, and long-term value,” he said adding that:  High-quality products foster trust and customer satisfaction, often leading to stronger brand loyalty. In this context, while price sensitivity is increasing, quality remains the key differentiator in consumer choice, particularly for essential or long-term use products”.

“If consumer demands are evolving this rapidly, can Nigerian businesses afford to stay stagnant? Asked Toyin Nnodi, a marketing consultant, while delivering her paper.

Speaking on the theme; “Adapting FMCG Business Models to Meet Shifting Consumer Demands,” she averred that Nigerian FMCG companies must find a way to adapt or die.

Judging from the evolution of consumer trends, from expansion of ecommerce platforms offering convenience and variety in 2018 through to the Declining inflation, stabilizing economy, and stable FX expected to drive real spending growth in 2025, Nnodi said Brands servicing consumers must constantly evolve to remain relevant to the consumers.

She listed collaboration and partnership, omni-channel marketing, agility and production innovation as some of the actionable strategies for successful FMCG operation.

On his part, Stanley Obi, Co-Founder/CEO Innova Hive Integrated Ltd, called on brands to position themselves strategically.

Speaking on the theme; Strategic Positioning for FMCG Companies amidst evolving economic challenges, he said strategic positioning will give any brand the competitive advantage, adding that, it will ensure that “they don’t just sell products or services but offer an experience that no one else provides in the same way”.

In the panel discussion moderated by Gift Uche-Ewule, Assistant Brand Manager, Indomie; Nana Milagrosa, CXO- Chief Experience Officer, MPXM, said consumers are no longer throwing away money in every campaign/experiential activity they attend as they now seek value.

She advised that rather than seeking Return on Investment, organizations should also consider Return on Emotion.

Celestine Umehi, CEO, Arewa24 charged agencies handling brands to have a deep knowledge of the various brands they are working with to ensure value addition.

According to him, a lot of people are by-passing agencies now because many of the agencies are not adding value to the brands.

“Many agencies want to market for brands that are doing well so, but, when they run into problems it becomes difficult to proffer solutions especially when they don’t have much knowledge about the brand”.

He listed skillset, data analytics, agility & adaptability and trust as some of the factors that will make any brand relevant in the present economy.

In his opening remarks, Convener of The Industry Summit, Goddie Ofose said, the event was aimed to celebrate innovation, resilience, and excellence in the FMCG sector, particularly in the face of changing consumer preferences.

According to him, the theme, “Understanding Changing Consumer Preferences in Troubled FMCG Space, is a timely reflection of the challenges and opportunities that the industry, and by extension, the Nigerian economy, faces at the moment. As consumer behaviours and expectations continue to evolve, it is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to these changes” he said.