Nestlé and Ashoka on Tuesday announced the commencement of a social investment accelerator programme that seeks to advance social entrepreneurship and boost economic development in Africa.

As part of the programme, 12 social entrepreneurs from Ghana, Benin, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa would have the opportunity to learn new tools and methodologies to help refine their business model and become investment ready.

The selected young social entrepreneurs, would be working in the fields of nutrition, agriculture, education, e-commerce, water, and sanitation.

Mr Kayode Oladapo, Category and Marketing Manager- Coffee, Nestlé Nigeria speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said a select number of employee experts including legal affairs, accounting, business support, technology, and marketing across the continent would be mentoring this cohort over a period of five months.

He stated that the group selected from Exportunity Global Trade hub in Benin, Project Maji Designs and Maintenance and Sustainability Africa (MAS) in Ghana would prepare their final submission to Angel and Social Impact Investors to access financing.

Mr Oladapo noted, “I am excited to mentor these young talents and I look forward to a great experience that will add value to their business. In line with the company’s purpose, we are helping create opportunities for growth and experiential learning for young people. In the end, we are creating shared value and a two-way learning for both the company and these dynamic young people”

According to him, the initiative supports Nestlé’s Global Youth Initiative that seeks to enhance quality of life and contribute to a healthier future, as well as its ambition to help 10 million young people around the world have access to economic opportunities by 2030, which supports UN SDG Goals on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.

Mr Godfred Turkson, Chief Executive Officer of MSA, expressed joy at the company’s inclusion adding that it would serve the best learning platform and boost their operations by taking Edupay model to the next level.