Business and Brand
The Rise of African Entrepreneurs: Jumia’s Impact on Local Businesses
Africa, home to some of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally, is poised for significant demographic and economic change. By 2050, the continent is expected to double its population, with a substantial portion of the global population being African. DWTC. This demographic dividend, coupled with increasing internet penetration and smartphone adoption rates, forms the backdrop against a new wave of emerging entrepreneurs. Central to this wave is Jumia, an e-commerce platform that has not only revolutionised how business is conducted but has emerged as a pivotal force in empowering local entrepreneurs across the continent.
Despite facing formidable challenges such as limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and administrative barriers, African entrepreneurs are leveraging digital platforms like Jumia to overcome entrepreneurial obstacles and establish a presence for themselves on the global scene. These platforms provide a vital gateway for businesses to reach wider markets, connecting local products and services with consumers both domestically and internationally.
Founded in Nigeria with operations in multiple African countries, Jumia has played a pivotal role in transforming entrepreneurship. For instance, Jumia’s digital inclusion initiative in Africa boosts economic growth by enabling SMEs and local entrepreneurs to reach a wider customer base, bypassing traditional location and infrastructure barriers. Through its e-commerce marketplace, Jumia has enabled over 11,000 SMEs to connect with millions of consumers, providing them with unprecedented visibility and access to markets. Annual events like black Friday, brand festivals and tech week have become landmarks, not just for sales records but as opportunities for small businesses to thrive and expand their customer base.
Jumia’s impact extends beyond commerce. This is a testament to the brand’s laser-focused approach to leveraging digital technology to drive inclusive economic growth. Buttressing this, numerous reports indicate that online marketplaces like Jumia could potentially create millions of new jobs in Africa by 2025, offering employment opportunities and contributing to overall economic stability. This growth is not limited to major urban centres. Still, it expands to remote areas as Jumia continues its crusade for rural expansion, enhancing accessibility and choice for consumers while empowering local logistics providers and merchants.
At the heart of this accessibility is collaboration and innovation. With Jumia, entrepreneurs access a supportive ecosystem where knowledge sharing and mutual support lead to sustainable business practices and shared prosperity. Partnerships facilitated by platforms like Jumia afford African entrepreneurs, often starting with limited resources and facing daunting odds, a chance to amplify their talents and resources.
With these and many more initiatives, the trajectory of African entrepreneurship, fuelled by platforms such as Jumia, points towards a future where the continent’s vast potential is fully realised. As internet access continues to expand and digital literacy grows, the opportunities for economic empowerment will only multiply. Jumia’s commitment to empowering local businesses ensures that Africa is not just catching up with global trends but setting new benchmarks for inclusive growth and innovation.
In conclusion, the rise of African entrepreneurs, sustained by digital platforms such as Jumia, marks a transformative moment in the continent’s economic narrative. It’s a story of resilience, creativity, and determination, where young minds are not just adapting to change but driving it. As Africa continues its journey towards prosperity, the role of platforms like Jumia remains pivotal, empowering local businesses and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Business and Brand
Olam Agri Raises the Bar with Mama’s Pride Cholesterol-Free,Nutrient-Rich Soya Oil
Lagos, Nigeria – April 14, 2026 – In a bold move set to enhance Nigeria’s edible oil market, Olam Agri
has officially launched Mama’s Pride Soya Oil, a well-refined, heart-healthy cooking oil designed to
meet the evolving nutritional needs of Nigerian households. The launch event, held on Wednesday,
witnessed remarkable market enthusiasm, with trade partners from across the country in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Africa Head of Edible Oil Processing at Olam Agri, Saurabh Kumar, described
the product as a carefully developed innovation tailored for Nigerian kitchens and homes.
“Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is proudly produced in Nigeria for Nigerians. It is thoughtfully developed as a
product consumers can trust for their everyday cooking. With its superior quality, health benefits, and
long-lasting performance, we are confident it will redefine standards and emerge as a market leader,”
he said.
Kumar further highlighted Olam Agri’s longstanding commitment to Nigeria: “This product reflects our
continuous investment in Nigeria and belief in its potential. It builds on our impressive achievements
across rice, wheat milling, animal feed, and sesame segments. From sourcing soybeans locally to
processing them into high-quality oil, our new edible oil product is built on excellence, sustainability,
and trust.”
Also speaking, Head of Marketing, Bola Adeniji, emphasised the importance of promoting authentic
and healthy edible oil options in Nigeria: “We encourage consumers to choose healthy, non-
adulterated edible oils. Mama’s Pride Soya Oil offers not just quality, but safety and nutrition. We call
on our trade partners and dealers to champion authentic brands and help eliminate adulterated
products from the market for the overall health of Nigerians.”
Adeniji outlined the product’s key features, including fortification with Vitamin A and Omega 3 and 6,
zero cholesterol content, and long-lasting frying performance, ensuring value for money for
consumers.
In his remark, the Managing Director, Wheat Milling Business, Nitin Mehta, described the unveiling as a
defining moment for the business. He said, “This is a historic moment for us. To change the game, we
must offer consumers a high-quality product at an affordable price. Mama’s Pride Soya Oil embodies that vision. After over a year and a half of rigorous product research and development, we are proud to
deliver a product that meets the highest standards.
“We have seen tremendous support from our dealers across our pasta and semolina products, and we
are confident that with their continued partnership, Mama’s Pride Soya Oil will achieve even greater
success in the market.”
Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is now available at retailers nationwide, making it easily accessible to consumers
across Nigeria. The product comes in a variety of convenient SKUs to suit different household and
commercial needs, including PET bottles in 500ml, 1L, and 2L; pouches in 350ml and 1L; and a 25L keg.
The launch of Mama’s Pride Soya Oil follows strong engagements with the soy farmer community and
the government, as well as the opening of Olam Agri’s US$50 million state-of-the-art soybean crushing
plant and feed mill complex in Ilorin, Kwara State. The soybean crushing plant, which serves as the
largest in sub-Saharan Africa with a processing capacity of 250,000–350,000 metric tonnes annually,
supports local soybean production. This is supplying Olam Agri’s feed-milling unit and its edible oil unit
subsidiary, Ruyat Oil, which specialises in processing and refining various vegetable oils for the Nigerian
market.
Olam Agri, which specialises in food, feed and fibre, is committed to a fully integrated
approach—working closely with farmers through structured support systems, improving yields, and
producing and processing locally. This captures the agribusiness’s focus on fostering positive economic
impact through improved value chain productivity, a nutritional landscape, human capital
development, and job creation in Nigeria.
Anil Nair, Country Head and Managing Director, Olam Agri in Nigeria, affirmed, “As a business that
originated in Nigeria, we continue to commit investment into developing key value chains, people and
highly nutritious and safe food that supports the overall national economic growth in line with the
government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The introduction of Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is a direct outcome of
our long-term investment in Nigeria’s food systems.”
Emphasising the company’s vision for the future, he enthused, “We believe Nigeria has the capacity to
be self-sufficient in food production. By investing in infrastructure, empowering farmers, and delivering
high-quality consumer products like Mama’s Pride Soya Oil, we are playing our part in building a
resilient and food-secure nation.”
Business and Brand
MAGGI Unveils Qing Madi as the Face of “Me & MAGGI, So Good Together” Campaign
MAGGI has unveiled rising music sensation Qing Madi as the face of its latest campaign, “Me & MAGGI, So Good Together,” marking a bold step in the brand’s journey to deepen its connection with a new generation of Nigerians.The unveiling, held at Nestlé Nigeria’s Head Office in Lagos, signals an evolution in how MAGGI shows up in the lives of younger consumers, not just as a trusted kitchen staple, but as part of the moments, emotions, and shared experiences that define today’s culture.Today’s generation doesn’t just eat, they create, remix, and share. From quick meals to content moments, food has become a powerful form of self-expression, and Gen Z continues to redefine it as culture. For MAGGI, this evolution is both familiar and exciting.Building on the success of its “Taste of Christmas” campaign which blended food, music, and emotion, MAGGI continues to evolve its storytelling to reflect how people connect today: through shared experiences that feel real, personal, and culturally relevant.Speaking at the unveiling, Funmi Osineye, Category Manager, Culinary/MAGGI, Nestlé Nigeria, said: “Food is evolving, and so are the ways people connect with it. Today, it’s not just about cooking; it’s about expression, vibes, and identity. A new generation is turning everyday meals into moments they create, remix, and share. MAGGI has always been part of that journey; from our parents’ kitchens to our own quick meals, and now as part of the culture shaping everyday creativity. As we tell this new story, it was important to partner with a voice that truly represents this generation. Qing Madi brings that authenticity, her world, her sound, and her connection with young people make her a natural fit for MAGGI today.”At the heart of the campaign is a simple idea: the best moments often happen in the most familiar places, around food, with people who matter. Through “Me & MAGGI: So Good Together,” the brand captures these moments in a way that is relatable, expressive, and culturally resonant.Sharing her excitement about the collaboration, Qing Madi said: “This partnership means a lot to me, not just personally, but for my generation. We’re expressing ourselves in new ways, even through things like food and cooking, not because we have to, but because we enjoy it. Being part of a campaign like this and seeing a brand like MAGGI create space for that, feels really special. I’m excited to be part of something that reflects who we are and how we connect today.”To bring the campaign to life, the unveiling event was designed as an intimate watch party, a relaxed, at-home experience inspired by Qing Madi’s world. Guests, including close friends, media and lifestyle influencers, stepped into a space where food, music, and culture came together seamlessly.The experience featured three immersive zones; a Content Tunnel, a Music and Culture Lounge, and a Photo Studio, each designed to reflect how young people create, connect, and share moments today.With this campaign, MAGGI continues to build on its legacy while embracing new expressions of culture, ensuring it remains a brand that resonates across generations, familiar, yet evolving with the times.
Business and Brand
Interswitch Honoured with Digital Finance Excellence Award at APWBN Marquee Event 2026
L-R; Rafiat Onitiri, Chief Host, Association of Professional Women Bankers Nigeria; Oremeyi Akah, Chief Customer Officer, Interswitch Group; and Funmi Ekundayo, MD, STL Trustees as Interswitch receives the Digital Finance Excellence Award at the Association of Professional Women Bankers Marquee Event held at Civic Centre, Lagos.
Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has been honoured with the Digital Finance Excellence Award by the Association of Professional Women Bankers Nigeria (APWBN). The award was presented at the prestigious APWBN Marquee Event held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, themed ‘Redefining Power – Women Shaping the Future of Finance,’ brought together top industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore the evolving role of women in driving financial transformation. Representing Interswitch at the event, Oremeyi Akah, Chief Customer Experience Officer, received the award on behalf of the company and participated as a panelist, contributing valuable insights on customer-centric innovation, digital transformation, and the importance of inclusive leadership in shaping the future of finance. Speaking on the recognition, Cherry Eromosele, the Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch said:“This award is a testament to Interswitch’s unwavering commitment to advancing digital finance and delivering impactful, customer-focused solutions across Africa. We are particularly honoured to be recognised by APWBN, an organisation championing the advancement of women in the banking and financial services sector. At Interswitch, we believe that inclusion and innovation go hand in hand in building a sustainable financial ecosystem.” The Digital Finance Excellence Award recognises organisations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in leveraging technology to transform financial services and drive financial inclusion. This recognition further reinforces Interswitch’s position as a trailblazer in digital finance and its commitment to driving growth, innovation, and inclusion across the continent. The APWBN Marquee Event 2026 featured an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers and industry leaders who shared perspectives on the future of finance in a rapidly evolving global economy and the evolving role of women in shaping the future of finance, with a strong focus on innovation, leadership, and inclusion. Speaking during the panel session, Oremeyi Akah highlighted the importance of customer-centric innovation in building resilient financial ecosystems and emphasised the critical role women continue to play in driving transformation across the sector. Interswitch continues to play a pivotal role in Africa’s digital payments landscape, providing secure, reliable, and innovative solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and governments.
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