The Trade Hub partner, ReelFruit (Nature’s Bounty), inaugurated its new factory in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The inauguration, which was marked by a ceremony held at the new factory premises on February 15, 2024, underscores the grantee’s determination to create value while promoting inclusive jobs and advancing smallholder farmers.

USAID/Nigeria’s Deputy Mission Director, Ms. Sara Werth, speaking at the event. Photo Credit: Trade Hub

Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, who represented the state governor, shared his delight at the new factory, which he described as an “important milestone in the economic development of Ogun State.” USAID/Nigeria’s Deputy Mission Director, Ms. Sara Werth, representing the Mission Director, described the occasion as going beyond the launch of a new processing facility: “As we are also here to recognize the resilience and innovation of a company that has pioneered a business model that seeks to reduce post-harvest losses.”

The climax of the event was a factory tour led by Affiong Williams, the Founder and CEO of Nature’s Bounty. The tour gave invitees a first-hand look into the production processes of the newly completed 800-metric-ton dried fruit processing factory.

Affiong Williams, the Founder and CEO of Nature’s Bounty, leading guests on a tour of the factory. Photo Credit: Trade Hub