International Breweries Plc hosted the 2025 edition of its flagship youth entrepreneurship initiative, Kickstart, at an awards ceremony in Lagos, marking the programme’s 10th anniversary.
The event brought together influential national and state leaders, including former Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, representatives from the Federal Ministries of Industry and Finance, development partners, and business leaders.
In a statement, the company noted that Kickstart is designed to empower Nigerians aged 18 to 35 by providing business training, seed grants, and mentorship to help young people start, strengthen, and scale their enterprises.
The programme supports founders across sectors such as retail, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, circular packaging (recycling), renewable energy, and other high-growth industries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutiño, reflected on the evolution of Kickstart over the last decade.
“From a regional pilot operating in a few states, 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 also highlighted the parent company AB InBev’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, noting its $380m (N513bn) investment to strengthen operations and unlock economic opportunities across the value chain.
In his keynote address, former Vice-President Prof Yemi Osinbajo commended the Kickstart initiative for 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,” he said. Osinbajo also underscored the importance of integrity and trust in building sustainable businesses.
This year’s edition recorded thousands of entries from across the 36 states and the FCT. A total of 476 young entrepreneurs completed rigorous business training through a partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University. Expert judges evaluated the finalists based on innovation, viability, and potential impact.
Chairman of the Advisory Board, International Breweries Foundation, Dr Peter Bamkole, praised Kickstart’s legacy of community development and inclusive opportunity.
“A decade of impact is not the work of one organisation, but the outcome of aligned purpose. Kickstart has proven that when we empower the youth, we empower communities; and when communities thrive, the nation transforms,” he said. Bamkole also emphasised the programme’s inclusivity model, particularly its integration of women and Persons with Disability, highlighting positive outcomes from partnerships such as the PWD inclusion collaboration with Sightsavers.
Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director at IBPLC, Temitope Oguntokun, spoke on Kickstart’s sustained national relevance.
“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, each step reflects hard work, courage, and determination.
“Over the past decade, Kickstart has trained more than 3,000 young entrepreneurs nationwide, invested over N800 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 said.
This year’s grand prize winner, Oluwadunsin Bolaji, founder of Dunsin Craft Collection Ltd, received N3 million for her climate-focused recycling enterprise that converts used sachet water packs into fashion accessories. “This support will help me scale faster and empower more young women,” she said.
The second grand prize winner, Samuel Adewumi, was awarded under the retail category for his innovative retail strategy.
At the awards ceremony, 45 young entrepreneurs received grant cheques totalling N60 million, expanding a decade-long alumni network of innovators and emerging business leaders.
International Breweries reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs and strengthening local communities through sustainable investment, value-chain development, and long-term partnerships.
