Dr. Ikenna Ifejiofor, founder of Nigeria’s popular Jolly-Jolly Noodles and Bread brand, has initiated expansion talks with Ethiopian officials during a strategic meeting with Ambassador Legesse Geremew Haile at the Ethiopian Embassy in Abuja. The discussions centered on establishing manufacturing operations in Ethiopia as part of the company’s pan-African growth strategy.
Ambassador Haile highlighted Ethiopia’s investment-friendly policies in key sectors including agriculture, textiles and pharmaceuticals, positioning his country as an emerging manufacturing hub. “Our strategic location and commitment to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals make Ethiopia an ideal partner for Nigerian businesses,” the envoy stated, emphasizing potential synergies between Africa’s largest economy and the East African nation.
The Anambra-based industrialist, recognized as 2023 Industrialist of the Year for revolutionizing Nigeria’s food processing sector, expressed optimism about introducing his noodle and bakery products to Ethiopian consumers. “This expansion aligns with our vision to become a continental food leader while creating cross-border value chains,” Dr. Ifejiofor noted. Preliminary plans include establishing production facilities to serve Ethiopia and neighboring markets, alongside agricultural partnerships for raw material sourcing.
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to advance negotiations, potentially marking a significant step in South-East African industrial collaboration. This development comes as African nations intensify efforts to boost intra-continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, with food manufacturing emerging as a key growth sector.
