Giving Compass' Take:

• FoodTank interviews Ndidi Nwuneli about her agriculture programs that aim to end malnutrition in Nigeria and support local entrepreneurs and farmers along the way.  

• How are local food entrepreneurs in Nigeria utilizing microfinance to address health concerns? 

• Read about a new public-private partnership happening in Nigeria promoting better nutrition. 

Ndidi Nwuneli is working to unlock the potential of the agriculture and nutrition landscapes by supporting entrepreneurs and local farmers. She founded LEAP (Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism) Africa in 2002, an organization which aids budding entrepreneurs through training programs, publications, and e-Learning.

Food Tank had the chance to speak with Ndidi about her passion for change, business ventures, and what drives her to keep pushing through boundaries.

Food Tank (FT): One of your goals for AACE Foods is to spread local spices and foods throughout Nigeria. How close are you to achieving this goal, and what is next?

Ndidi Nwuneli (NN):  AACE Foods aims to directly address the high levels of malnutrition in Nigeria and capitalize on the dearth of locally manufactured food products by processing and packaging nutritious food sourced from smallholder farmers within Nigeria. The company provides support to the farmers, empowering them with training and access to microfinance and storage technology.

FT: You have been included in the Forbes list of the 20 Youngest Power African Women. What is one piece of advice you would give to other young women and future entrepreneurs?

NN: There is so much that I would want to tell my younger self, but if I had to pick one simple advice, it would be ‘Live your life with open hands!’  When you open your hands, you position yourself to give and also receive. Be prepared to give your time, insights, knowledge and resources to others.

Read the full article about supporting entrepreneurship by Alison Wroblewski at FoodTank.