A healthy diet is essential for growth, well-being, and productivity. Yet for many Nigerians, nutritious foods such as fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables remain too expensive, unsafe, or unavailable, contributing to the country’s burden of malnutrition. With Africa’s largest and youngest population to nourish, Nigeria’s food system must innovate to deliver safe, affordable, and desirable nutrition.
Recognizing the critical role of the private sector, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (SBN), in partnership with FATE Foundation, launched the Nourish Nigeria Challenge—a pitch competition designed to identify and support businesses with innovative, scalable nutrition models targeting low-income consumers.
The Competition Journey
The challenge began with an open call that attracted a diverse pool of food entrepreneurs. Ten finalists were selected and supported through an intensive boot camp covering business models, growth strategies, pitching skills, and approaches to reaching underserved consumers.
On 14 March 2024, the finalists pitched their solutions before a panel of judges: Dr. Helen Emore (Scientia Partners Innovation Hub), Ibrahim Tiamiyu (Plan B Group), and Prof. Tosin Adu (Lagos State University).
Winners of the Nourish Nigeria Challenge
🥉 Third Place – Saidat Dauda, Abisal Megatop Limited
Abisal produces G-Corn Flour, a fortified cereal made from guinea corn, millet, ginger, and garlic. Packaged in single-serving sachets, it is affordable for low-income consumers. The business also trains and supports smallholder farmers with input loans, purchasing their produce to sustain local economies. Prize: ₦2,000,000 ($2,500 USD).
🥈 Second Place – Gideon Olaoye, G.O.A Farms
G.O.A Farms developed a spiced dry fish powder, blending powdered catfish with natural spices as a healthy, locally produced seasoning alternative to monosodium glutamate. Targeted at students and low-income families, this product delivers affordable protein in small package sizes. Prize: ₦3,000,000 ($3,500 USD).
🥇 First Place – Babafemi Adejinmi, Gatob Multi-integrated Services
Operating on a waste-to-wealth model, Gatob processes chicken organs (often discarded as waste) into affordable protein sold to food processors, street vendors, and low-income households. This innovation reduces greenhouse gas emissions while improving nutrition access. Prize: ₦5,000,000 ($6,000 USD).
Beyond the Prizes
All three winners will receive professional financial services and business support from SBN. In addition, all finalists were inducted into the FATE Foundation Alumni Community of Business Owners, gaining access to ongoing mentorship and networking.
The winners will invest their prizes in machinery, raw materials, and operations, enabling them to reach more consumers. Reflecting on the process, Babafemi shared:
“Before the event, our challenge was scaling. Through the programme, I learned that scaling isn’t only about funds – it’s also about optimising available resources.”
Driving Nutrition Innovation in Nigeria
The Nourish Nigeria Challenge demonstrates how Nigerian entrepreneurs are creating inclusive, market-based solutions to improve access to healthy diets. By combining innovation, affordability, and sustainability, these businesses are showing the way forward in tackling malnutrition for low-income communities nationwide.
📖 Read the full blog here: Nigerian Businesses Innovate to Improve Nutritious Food Access
