Nestlé has launched a research and development (R&D) innovation challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa to boost local entrepreneurship.
The programme will provide a platform for start-ups and universities to identify sustainable and scalable solutions that accelerate the innovation of products catering to the needs of local consumers.
'An Exceptional Opportunity'
Nestlé chief technology officer, Stefan Palzer, said, "There is a growing number of Africa-based entrepreneurs and local researchers with creative ideas to address issues facing their communities."
"This R&D innovation challenge presents for our company an exceptional opportunity to leverage the outstanding creativity while helping to turn the most promising ideas into reality," he explained.
Innovative Solutions
The challenge calls for devising innovative solutions in environmentally-friendly packaging, sustainable cocoa plantlets, affordable nutrition, and new routes to the market.
The programme was launched in Ghana, and is scheduled to take place in Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.
The food giant has also partnered with Kinaya Ventures to engage with local startups.
The R&D innovation challenge is part of Nestlé’s Global Youth Initiative, which aims to help 10 million young people around the world have access to economic opportunities by 2030, Nestlé said.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
