A Vision for Nigeria

At the end of February, Michael decided to participate in the StartHope@Home program because he doesn’t see a perspective for himself in Germany any longer. So he wanted to figure out a plan B for his country of origin. His goal is to start something creative and pass on what he has learned here to people in Nigeria. After two coachings with us, a vision emerged: "How can I create jobs to give people in Nigeria a perspective?"

Michael has work experience in a variety of fields and in-depth marketing through his studies in Nigeria. Since his ideas are diverse, he has taken time for the selection process of his idea and finally came up with his business idea:

"My plan is to start a drink outlet. It will be a retail business and is mainly going to focus on consumers and other shops. Also schools, hospitals and hotels are part of the target group. The product range will be different kinds of beers, liquors, soft drinks and local beverages. I am convinced that drinks are a highly demanded good and everyone frequently enjoys a chilled, well stored drink. This is why I really love to establish this kind of business."

Michael analyzed the beverage market in Nigeria and developed a business model. He received group and individual coaching sessions in the whole curriculum and discussed different scenarios and strategies. In order to gain additional insights, he visited a liquor store in Munich together with a trainer and interviewed the employees there.

"My intended location is Benin City where I have a network and word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. The place needs to be accessible for customers. It also needs to be close to suppliers of drinks. In my outlet, customers will experience consistency of supply, hospitality and the opportunity to have the products delivered to their homes or shops. Most of the retail outlets sell only crates, but I will offer both crates and bottles."

Since his financial resources are limited, he is going to start as small as possible. But once he has built up a running company, he wants to hire two more people.

"I am planning to create two jobs in my business. One employee is going to be a salesperson and the other is going to deliver the goods. The delivery person will deliver purchased products to customers outside of the shop. It is their responsibility to offer a reliant and punctual service according to customer’s demand. In a later stage, I intend to expand my business and address other retail outlets, too. This will create additional jobs."

Through Skype meeting with the GIZ consulting center in Lagos, Michael considered the first necessary steps on site and then received his certificates from us. He is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of October to start his plan.

Social Impact Lab Munich, 04.09.2019

*Name was changed at the request of participant