International Breweries’ N800 million investment in youth entrepreneurial future has received commendation from former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Osinbajo who attended the 2025 edition of the company’s youth entrepreneurship initiative, Kickstart, in Lagos recently, underscored its impact and consistency.
“For a full decade, you have invested in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial future by providing early-stage funding and support to businesses founded by young people under 35. This work is not just admirable – it is essential.
“These bright young men and women must be given opportunities to create value, build businesses, and generate jobs. This vibrant youth population holds the potential for a massive development dividend. And this is precisely why Kickstart is so crucial. Well done indeed”
Also speaking, Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director at IBPLC said “for this year’s Kickstart, we received about 5,000 applications. From the 3,000 who completed their submissions, to the 476 who underwent training, and now the 45 beneficiaries receiving grants .” The 45 young entrepreneurs received grant cheques totalling N60 m
She said Kickstart has trained more than 3,000 young entrepreneurs nationwide, invested over ₦800 million in enterprise development, provided grants to 470 small businesses, and created more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across 30 states. According to a 2024 impact assessment survey, 80% of the businesses funded remain operational,” she added.
Carlos Coutiño, Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, said Kickstart has grown into a national entrepreneurial development engine equipping young Nigerians with business skills, seed capital, and mentorship support. Despite economic headwinds, International Breweries continues to invest in building Nigeria’s future,” Coutiño said.
He further highlighted the parent company AB InBev’s long-term commitment to Nigeria – in the business, noting its $380 million (₦513 billion) investment to strengthen operations and unlock economic opportunities across the value chain.
The event was also attended by first lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun; government representatives from the Federal Ministries of Industry and Finance; development partners, and business leaders.
