International Breweries PLC (IBPLC) has reiterated its long-term commitment to youth empowerment in Nigeria as it hosted the 2025 edition of its flagship entrepreneurship programme, Kickstart, in Lagos. The company noted that its parent organisation, AB InBev, has invested $380 million (₦513 billion) to strengthen local operations and broaden economic opportunities across Nigeria’s business ecosystem—an investment it described as clear evidence of sustained confidence in the country.
At the event, IBPLC’s leadership highlighted Kickstart’s evolution into one of the nation’s most impactful youth-focused enterprise development programmes. Targeted at Nigerians aged 18 to 35, the initiative provides structured business training, seed funding, and mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs across sectors such as agriculture, retail, manufacturing, technology, renewable energy, recycling, and other high-growth fields.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commended the programme, noting that its design directly supports innovation and job creation. He described Nigeria’s young population as a powerful driver of future economic growth and underscored the importance of platforms that help channel their potential into productive ventures.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the company’s Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director emphasised that the achievements of Kickstart beneficiaries reflect remarkable determination and resilience.
This year, 476 entrepreneurs completed intensive business development training delivered in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University. Of these participants, 45 received grant funding to advance their ventures, further reinforcing Kickstart’s role in nurturing a new generation of capable and growth-ready Nigerian business leaders.
