In a significant push towards empowering Nigerian youth and fostering entrepreneurship, Nestlé Professional has trained and equipped over 300 young entrepreneurs in Lagos through its flagship initiative, My Own Business (MYOWBU). This impactful program aligns with Nestlé’s long-term commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship and creating sustainable livelihoods across Central and West Africa.
The MYOWBU initiative, launched to foster economic inclusion, is designed to equip aspiring street vendors with business training, startup support, and the tools to succeed. Participants are given the opportunity to run their own small-scale businesses by selling beloved Nestlé products such as NESCAFÉ and MILO. Beyond just commerce, the initiative serves as a platform to build business acumen, grow self-confidence, and create a strong network of youth-driven microenterprises.
During the recent training session in Lagos, Nestlé’s Business Manager for Professional Services emphasized that MYOWBU is about more than just selling coffee. “This program is about helping young people believe in themselves,” she said. “It’s about ambition, dignity, and enabling a pathway to economic independence.”
Local government officials have recognized and applauded the MYOWBU initiative for its alignment with state objectives to reduce youth unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth. A representative from the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative Trade and Investment stated, “This is a commendable intervention. It not only equips youth with business tools but also empowers them to become part of the solution to joblessness in our state.”
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The program’s success is evident in the stories of some of its longstanding participants. One entrepreneur shared how, after nearly two decades in the program, he has been able to build a home and support his family through his street vending business. Another began with a single cart and has grown his operation into a full Nestlé distribution business, crediting the MYOWBU initiative as the catalyst for his transformation.
In addition to its economic focus, MYOWBU also incorporates environmental consciousness. Nestlé recently launched the Clean with MYOWBU campaign, encouraging participants to collect and recycle product packaging waste. More than 132 participants took part in the initiative, recovering over 175 kilograms of post-consumer wrappers. This initiative supports Nestlé’s broader sustainability and circular economy goals, creating responsible entrepreneurs who understand the value of giving back to the environment.
Since its inception, MYOWBU has created over 1,500 job opportunities across Nigeria, providing not just employment but empowerment. Participants receive branded carts, initial product stock, training, and ongoing mentorship to help ensure their long-term success.
For the young and aspiring entrepreneurs reading this on Smartpreneur, Nestlé’s MYOWBU initiative stands as a powerful reminder that with the right support and structure, micro-enterprises can thrive—and that entrepreneurship at any scale can be both sustainable and transformational.
