FrieslandCampina strengthens dairy value chain through education partnership

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – FrieslandCampina and the Ministry of Technical Education, Vocational Training and Apprenticeship (METFPA) signed a framework partnership agreement which aims to strengthen the practical skills of young people in sectors related to agri-food and livestock farming.

Through this agreement, the parties undertake to jointly develop internship programs, strengthen learning, train trainers and organize high-impact educational activities. Particular emphasis will be placed on sectors related to agri-food, livestock and dairy processing.

Representing FrieslandCampina, the Managing Director Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Adewale Arikawe, reaffirmed his company’s commitment to supporting METFPA.

In particular, he mentioned the provision of technical expertise, the hosting of trainees, the development of a mentoring programme, as well as the co-construction of a study module on dairy farming.

Minister N’Guessan Koffi welcomed the “structuring” partnership, which will help strengthen the match between training and employment.

He also recalled the century-old experience of FrieslandCampina, which has been present in West Africa since 1921 through its emblematic Bonnet Rouge brand, and officially established in Côte d’Ivoire since 2014.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO drive innovation to transform Nigeria’s dairy sector

In 2024, FrieslandCampina WAMCO and the Centre for Nigerian Dutch Dairy Development (CNDDD), in collaboration with various stakeholders, launched initiatives to revitalise the Nigerian dairy sector through innovation and collaborative efforts.

This development was highlighted during a recent webinar titled “Transforming the Nigerian Dairy Sector through Innovation and Collaboration,” which brought together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and development partners to discuss sustainable advancement strategies.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Idi Maiha, emphasized the importance of sustainability.

According to him, ensuring the long-term viability of Nigeria’s dairy industry requires adopting resilient and environmentally conscious practices.

Roger Adou, Chairman of the CNDDD Board of Trustees and Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.

“For over five decades, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has advanced backward integration by leveraging innovation and collaboration. This has had a lasting impact on smallholder farmers while positioning Nigeria as a potential leader in sustainable dairy production,” Adou remarked.

Notable attendees included Michel Deleen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, and Dr. Eniola Ajayi, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, who both praised CNDDD’s initiatives.

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