Nestlé has announced the expansion of its research and development (R&D) operations in Sub-Saharan Africa, reaffirming its commitment to improve nutrition, strengthen food security and support agricultural productivity across the region.
The announcement was made at the company’s R&D Centre in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where senior executives outlined Nestlé’s long-term strategy to innovate on products while deepening collaboration with local research institutions, universities, and farmers.
Patricia Ekaba, Head of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs for Nestlé Central and West Africa Region, said the company’s research network is anchored on three major pillars: fundamental research, product and technology development, and regional centres dedicated to meeting consumer needs.
“Our presence in Africa is to ensure we are close to consumers and communities, to understand their nutritional gaps and preferences, and then innovate solutions that address those needs,” she explained.
Tesfalidet Haile, Head of R&D Sub-Saharan Africa, revealed that Nestlé invests about 1.7 billion Swiss francs annually in global R&D, with more than 4,000 researchers and developers working across 22 centres worldwide. He added that between 55 and 70 scientists, technologists and engineers are currently based in Abidjan, working on solutions tailored to Africa’s unique food and nutrition challenges.
Also speaking, Florence Kacou, Head of Nestlé’s Regulatory and Scientific Affairs for Sub-Saharan Africa, assured that the company maintains one global standard in terms of food safety and nutrition.
“There are no double standards. Every product we design for Africa follows the same global processes to ensure safety, quality, and nutritional value,” she said.
Kacou further disclosed that Nestlé has established partnerships with institutions such as the National Agronomic Research Centre in Ivory Coast and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria. These collaborations are aimed at improving the yield and resilience of staple crops such as maize, cocoa and coffee, which are critical for both food security and export earnings.
Audrey Essilfie, a nutritionist at Nestlé’s R&D Centre in Abidjan, highlighted the company’s focus on infant nutrition, particularly exclusive breastfeeding and the fight against stunting and anaemia. She noted that malnutrition remains a major challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Nestlé’s research is directed at finding practical and affordable solutions.
Essilfie explained that Nestlé’s work goes beyond laboratory research. The company has set up demonstration farms and farmer training programmes across Ivory Coast to promote best practices in agriculture, climate resilience and improved income. She said this includes initiatives like the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and the Income Accelerator Programme, which are targeted at cocoa-growing communities.
In addition, Mopelola Olaiya, Compliance Officer for Medical and Scientific Affairs at Nestlé Central and West Africa Region, said the company remains committed to complying with both global and local regulations, especially in the sensitive area of infant-milk substitute marketing.
Olaiya stressed the need for stronger collaboration with governments, civil society, and health professionals to promote public education on breastfeeding, nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
Industry experts say the expansion of Nestlé’s R&D in Sub-Saharan Africa could help address long-standing gaps in nutrition and food systems, while also creating opportunities for local talent in science and technology. With the region facing challenges such as population growth, climate change and food price instability, the company’s investment is expected to contribute to sustainable development.
Nestlé’s focus on innovation, farmer support and nutrition research is seen as a major step in boosting Africa’s capacity to meet its own food and health needs, while positioning local products for competitiveness in global markets.
