Connect with us

Business

Promoting equity: Three women who run Nestlé factories in Africa (By Jean Marc Gogbeu)

Published

2 years ago

on

Nestlé

The Nestlé Group, which intends to maintain its leadership and highlight women, has gone well beyond good intentions by choosing to put women in charge of some of its industrial units in Africa

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 23, 2023/APO Group/ — 

By Jean Marc Gogbeu, Sika Finance for Nestlé (www.Nestle.com) 

Nestlé has made the promotion of equity one of the pillars of its business operations, by giving women access to opportunities in technical and industrial fields -areas previously considered exclusive to men. This approach is also applied by Nestlé within its subsidiaries in Central and West Africa region, enabling the emergence of new talent. Three women exemplify this ambition.

Do women have the same abilities as men? Can they excel in so-called men’s jobs? More than 40 years after the establishment of Women’s Rights Day, these questions continue to be asked as the hoped-for changes in gender equality are still struggling to materialize in many parts of the world. Nestlé has been present in Africa for decades and is committed to being an actor of this change through various initiatives, particularly within its subsidiaries.

“Our goal is to promote women, enhance their potential in a work environment full of respect and fairness. More diverse teams with more women in leadership make Nestlé an even better company,” explained Mauricio Alarcòn, CEO of Nestlé in Central and West Africa, at this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, which has the theme: “Embracing Equity’’.

“We are actively working on this,” he continued, “because embracing gender equity leads to better decisions, stronger innovation and greater employee satisfaction.”

Recognized for five consecutive years for promoting gender equality, the Nestlé Group, which intends to maintain its leadership and highlight women, has gone well beyond good intentions by choosing to put women in charge of some of its industrial units in Africa: in Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, offering them positions in technical fields which are not common on the continent, and which have the merit of setting examples.

“We must believe in our dreams”

A graduate of SupAgro in Montpellier, France and IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, Joëlle Abega-Oyouomi has been the Director of the MAGGI factory in Yopougon, in the west of Abidjan, since 2020. She joined Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire as an intern at the Research and Development Center (R&D), and then honed her skills at the R&D centers in Shanghai, China, and Lausanne, Switzerland, before returning to Abidjan to take up the position of Product Development Manager (of the R&D Center Abidjan) in 2009. Her record of service earned her a promotion in 2015 to Regional Manager of Manufacturing Services in Accra, Ghana, and just one year later, to Director of the Abidjan R&D Center.

More diverse teams with more women in leadership make Nestlé an even better company

“When you are a woman, you face prejudices that imply that your gender would come with constraints that would hinder your ability to deliver expected results or even remain a reliable talent in the long run,” shares the Cameroonian, who knows the group she has been with for over two decades now.

“What is surprising is that in the personal context, women, whether they are mothers, sisters, wives or friends, are known to be strong, hard-working, as well as great advisors. Why should it be any different in a professional setting? We must believe in our dreams. Nothing is impossible for those of us who are willing to learn, grow, perform, and take care of our physical and mental well-being,” she says, knowing that she is a role model for young people looking for female figures in the sciences.

“Women should always aim to excel…”

Julia Atta is another female leader who showcases Nestlé’s commitment to gender equity. A graduate of the University of Science and Technology in Ghana, she joined Nestlé in 2006 as an intern at the Tema factory, before taking over as head of the Mossel Bay Factory beverage production units at Nestlé South Africa in 2021. For her, “women can face challenges in balancing family life and work; for this reason, it is important that their work environment supports their uniqueness”.

Beyond this journey, women’s engagement can help to change things. “It’s important for women to look for opportunities and leverage them. Some career opportunities may not seem to come at the right time in personal life. But, with some adjustments, it is often possible to balance opportunities with other things that matter to one’s personal life. Women should always aim to excel in everything they do,” she says.

“Diversity improves decision making…”

Even when women are able to move up in leadership, beyond competence, they can have an even greater impact in the management of companies. “When there is a good mix of men and women, teamwork tends to be more balanced, helping to develop greater empathy between individuals. Diversity stimulates greater effort from everyone, which improves decision-making,” says Bunmi Etti-Mfon, who has been managing Nestlé’s production units in Agbara, Nigeria, for four years.

For over eight years, Bunmi Etty-Mfon, was responsible for managing the performance of Nestlé factories in West and Central Africa, before taking on the role of head of the MILO production unit in Agbara, one of Nestlé’s biggest businesses in Nigeria, in 2019. She spent just five months there, before taking over the reins of the  plant that produces MAGGI bouillons for millions of consumers in Nigeria.

“Developing a career at Nestlé as a woman and mother has been a rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience for me. I have contributed significantly to the launch of many new products in all categories. I have been involved in projects that have improved the efficiency of various production processes. Today, I continue in this trend, and I am currently leading some incredible initiatives that will increase productivity, reduce costs, and maximize customer satisfaction,” she says.

These three women represent  the changes that can be made to strengthen the leadership teams within companies through diversity and inclusion. “We’ve made good progress in our region toward greater gender equity in our company. We encourage our leaders to support an inclusive workplace, the use of Nestlé’s unique paid parental leave program and innovative flexible work policies. Similarly, we have strengthened mentoring and coaching programs to help women reach their highest potential,” says Fridah Muchina, Head of Human Resources for Nestlé Central and West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nestlé

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire Launches West Africa’s First Gender Bond to Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women Entrepreneurs

Published

16 hours ago

on

March 9, 2025

By

Ecobank

This five-year bond provides an attractive annual interest rate of 6.5% with a two-year capital repayment grace period

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 8, 2025/APO Group/ –Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, a subsidiary of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (www.Ecobank.com), the leading Pan African Bank, takes a major step forward in its commitment to financial inclusion with the launch of the first Gender Bond in West Africa. This groundbreaking bond issuance, amounting to XOF 10 billion, aims to mobilize funding for women-owned and women-led businesses, reducing financing inequalities and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Named “Ellever Gender Bond 6.5% 2024-2029,” this bond has been structured and arranged by EDC Investissement Corporation (EIC), Ecobank’s Brokerage and Asset Management subsidiary. It marks Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire’s second bond issuance after its initial fundraising in 2013. Aligned with international sustainable finance standards, the Gender Bond has received an independent second-party opinion from Morningstar Sustainalytics, ensuring compliance with global best practices in responsible investment.

Since its inception, the ELLEVER program has made a tangible impact on women entrepreneurship. In 2024, over 3,465 businesses registered, benefiting from XOF 13.25 billion in disbursed loans. However, access to financing remains a significant challenge for women entrepreneurs in West Africa, where less than 20% of women-led SMEs have access to adequate funding. Globally, Gender Bonds represented only USD 14.5 billion, accounting for just 1.5% of the sustainable bond market in 2023, underscoring the need to expand such initiatives.

We have structured this bond to be attractive to investors while delivering a strong impact on women’s empowerment in Côte d’Ivoire

According to Paul-Harry Aithnard, Managing Director of Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, women’s financial inclusion is a major economic priority. “This Gender Bond provides a tangible solution to the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in West Africa. Today, women-led businesses are recognized for their resilience and performance, yet they remain significantly underfunded. Through this issuance, we reaffirm our commitment to building an ecosystem where women have full access to the financial resources they need to grow and succeed. This is a powerful tool to transform access to financing and sustainably accelerate the growth of women-led businesses.”

The “Ellever Gender Bond 6.5% 2024-2029” offers investors and the public a unique opportunity to combine profitability with social impact. This five-year bond provides an attractive annual interest rate of 6.5% with a two-year capital repayment grace period. The total issuance of XOF 10 billion consists of one million securities with a nominal value of XOF 10,000 each.

All funds raised will be fully allocated to strengthening the ELLEVER program, financing initiatives led by women, and providing them with tailored financial and technical support. Roseline Abé, Chief Executive Officer of EDC Investissement Corporation, highlights the significance of this initiative: “We have structured this bond to be attractive to investors while delivering a strong impact on women’s empowerment in Côte d’Ivoire. This is a unique opportunity to combine financial performance with social inclusion.”

With this Gender Bond, Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire cements its leadership in sustainable finance and paves the way for greater economic inclusion. The bank’s ambition goes beyond this issuance, as it envisions a long-term strategy to promote innovative and inclusive financial instruments.

Paul-Harry Aithnard concludes: “This issuance is just the beginning. We will continue to develop tailored solutions to enhance women’s participation in the economy and encourage other financial institutions to follow this path.”

Through this initiative, Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire is transforming access to finance and reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Continue Reading

Business

Congo Drives Oil Development, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to Participate at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025

Published

16 hours ago

on

March 9, 2025

By

OPEC

With aims to attract investment to the sector, Congo is preparing to launch an international licensing round at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) this March

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 7, 2025/APO Group/ –As sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth largest oil producer, the Republic of Congo has ambitions to leverage its oil production to fuel further economic growth. With over 1.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, Congo has ambitions to double oil production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027.

With aims to attract investment to the sector, Congo is preparing to launch an international licensing round at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) this March. In light of these ambitions, an address by Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General, OPEC at CEIF 2025 is set to strengthen confidence and support cooperation among major oil producing nations in Africa.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

Haitham Al Ghais’ participation at CEIF 2025 underscores the vital role of international collaboration in shaping Africa’s energy future

Last June, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua participated in two OPEC meetings, where the decision was made to extend oil production cuts into 2025. During the meetings, Minister Itoua expressed the country’s steadfast commitment to supporting market stability while highlighting that production cuts will encourage new investment in African oil and gas projects.

Congo is currently leading several exploration and development programs to unlock new geological plays in the country. Independent hydrocarbon producer Perenco recently yielded a shallow water discovery at its PNGF Sud license and completed a 3D seismic acquisition campaign on the Tchibouela II, Tchendo II, Marine XXVIII and Emeraude permits, paving the way for future exploration drilling.

Meanwhile, Italian major Eni is focused on exploration efforts on the conventional and deep offshore areas off the coast of Pointe-Noire. Chinese energy company Wing Wah is currently developing the Banga Kayo block while French supermajor TotalEnergies is preparing to drill the Niamou-1 exploration well on the Marine XX offshore block.

“Haitham Al Ghais’ participation at CEIF 2025 underscores the vital role of international collaboration in shaping Africa’s energy future. His insights as OPEC Secretary General will enhance dialogue, foster investor confidence and strengthen partnerships crucial to unlocking Congo’s vast oil potential,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Business

Youth Charter Celebrates International Women’s Day: Empowering Girls and Women Through Sports and Arts

Published

16 hours ago

on

March 9, 2025

By

Youth Charter

Over the years, the Youth Charter has implemented numerous initiatives designed to inspire and support young women

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 7, 2025/APO Group/ –On this International Women’s Day, the Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) proudly highlights its commitment to empowering girls and women across the globe through sports, physical activity, cultural, and artistic endeavours. We recognise the vital role that engagement in these areas plays in fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of community among women and girls. We pay tribute to our female ambassadors who continue to support our work.

Over the years, the Youth Charter has implemented numerous initiatives designed to inspire and support young women. Our programmes not only promote participation in traditional sports but also encourage involvement in martial arts and combat sports, recognising their unique benefits in building self-defence skills, discipline, and mental fortitude.

“At the forefront of our mission is the belief that every girl and woman is entitled to equal access to sports and physical activity” said Dame Sarah Storey, Vice President of the Youth Charter. “We also recognise the importance of cultural and artistic expression in empowering women”.

At the forefront of our mission is the belief that every girl and woman is entitled to equal access to sports and physical activity

Combat sports also offer unique opportunities for empowerment and growth. The Youth Charter promotes martial arts as a means to enhance physical fitness, self-esteem, and personal safety.”

This International Women’s Day, we encourage everyone to support our mission by promoting participation in sports, arts, and martial arts among women and girls. Together, we can create an inclusive environment where young women can thrive, develop leadership skills, and inspire future generations.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of women and girls in sports and arts. Together, we can break barriers and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

Continue Reading

Trending