Ade Solar-Basorun, CEO of FoodCo Nigeria Restricted.
Stakeholders in Africa’s retail trade have been suggested to prioritise digitisation, abilities improvement, and coverage advocacy. These are seen as key enablers of sustainable development within the sector.
Ade Solar-Basorun, Chief Govt Officer of FoodCo Nigeria, gave the cost throughout a courtesy go to by a delegation from the Africa Retail Academy (ARA) to FoodCo’s head workplace in Ibadan. He was represented by the corporate’s Chief Business Officer, Funmi Aiyepeku. Solar-Basorun mentioned expertise and innovation stay important to scaling formal retail throughout the continent.
“Whereas trendy retail is present process totally different levels of evolution throughout Africa, what we are able to all agree on is that there are big alternatives to scale the sector,” Solar-Basorun mentioned. “If important gamers can leverage expertise, innovation, and native intelligence to bridge current gaps, we are going to start to see the formal retail sector unlock its full potential and make significant contributions to the economic system.”
Learn Additionally: FoodCo expands retail leadership pipeline as talent program graduates new cohort – Businessday NG
He reaffirmed FoodCo’s dedication to deepening collaboration with ARA. He mentioned this is able to deal with expertise acquisition, capability constructing, and advocacy.
Additionally talking, Professor Uchenna Nzegwu, Head of Advertising and marketing on the Lagos Enterprise Faculty and Chairman of the 2026 ARA Congress, recommended FoodCo for its 4 many years of contribution to Nigeria’s retail trade. He praised the corporate’s efforts in selling gender inclusivity, innovation, and customer support excellence. He additionally referred to as for stronger collaboration amongst stakeholders to make Africa’s retail sector globally aggressive.
Learn Additionally: FoodCo eyes Nigerian rural market, unveils outlet in Ikotun – Businessday NG
FoodCo was based in 1982. It’s a diversified shopper items firm with pursuits in retail, eating places, manufacturing, and leisure. The corporate operates 23 shops throughout Ibadan, Lagos, and Abeokuta and employs over 1,200 folks. It has additionally been recognised by the Monetary Occasions as considered one of Africa’s fastest-growing corporations in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
The Africa Retail Academy, an initiative of the Lagos Enterprise Faculty, is the continent’s largest group of retail practitioners. It additionally hosts the annual Africa Retail Congress, which attracts greater than 5,000 operators, buyers, and teachers.
