In a landmark move showcasing African vision, innovation, and enterprise, Kadji Group, the renowned Cameroonian industrial conglomerate, has expanded its footprint into Nigeria. Inspired by the legacy of its founding father, the late Patriarch Fu’a Toula Kadji Defosso, his values, and his enduring vision, the group is proving once again that Africa’s future is built by Africans.

Through its brewing division, Ultimum Limited, Kadji Group is taking bold strides in the sub-region. Following the success of the Cameroonian Brewery Union (UCB)—the first 100% Cameroonian and African brewery in Central Africa since 1972—the group has now made a strategic investment in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.

On March 25, 2026, Ultimum Limited inaugurated the first PET production line at its Aba facility, dedicated to producing popular brands Razzl, KIQ, and more. This milestone marks a historic moment not only for the Kadji Group but for Cameroon’s industrial presence in Nigeria.

Why Nigeria?

Nigeria is more than a neighboring country—it is Cameroon’s key economic and trade partner in Africa. With a population of over 220 million consumers, it offers unparalleled opportunities for African entrepreneurs.

The progressive implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) further amplifies this opportunity, enabling integrated markets and fostering cross-border business growth.

Aba: A Strategic Hub

Aba is not just a city—it is the economic heart of Abia State, a thriving commercial and industrial hub whose influence stretches across Central and West Africa. With a skilled workforce, robust production capacity, and extensive trade networks, Aba serves as a vital crossroads for the distribution of goods throughout the region.

Its industrial landscape spans pharmaceuticals, cement, textiles, footwear, cosmetics, leather processing, metal manufacturing, and agro-food industries, including beverages. Most of Nigeria’s leading national beverage operators maintain production facilities in Aba.

At the center of Aba’s commercial dynamism is the Ariaria International Market, with over 37,000 shops and stalls. Known as “the China of Africa” for its bustling industrial and trade activity, this regional market attracts traders from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Liberia, Togo, Benin, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The decision to invest in Aba was also shaped by the visionary leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who has created real conditions for investors to establish, grow, and thrive in Abia State through infrastructure projects and dedicated support.

Strengthening Cameroon-Nigeria Ties

By acquiring a Guinness Nigeria facility in Aba and investing several billion CFA francs to build a state-of-the-art factory, Kadji Group is reinforcing economic ties between Cameroon and Nigeria while stimulating trade across the sub-region.

This investment demonstrates the group’s confidence in Africa and its unwavering commitment to creating value, generating growth, and remaining a leading industrial player across the continent.

A Virtuous Ecosystem: Social, Environmental, and Economic Impact

The impact of the Aba facility goes far beyond numbers. Today, over 100,000 clients across Africa rely on Kadji Group products to meet the daily needs of their families.indirect
From its very inception, the Ultimum Limited factory in Aba will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians and Cameroonians in a living area of over 30 million people, creating a ripple effect of social and economic empowerment across the region.

Appreciating Kadji Group Leadership

We at Naija Diaspora Magazine applaud the Kadji Group management for this visionary move. By bringing Cameroonian excellence to Nigeria, they are setting a new benchmark for African industrial collaboration. We assure our full support and collaboration, as this aligns perfectly with our mission to highlight African success stories, promote cross-border enterprise, and celebrate initiatives that empower communities across the continent

For 30 young entrepreneurs across Cameroon, a new chapter has just begun. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has unveiled its 2026 cohort of entrepreneurs, bringing fresh opportunities for business owners across the country to access funding, training, and mentorship.

This year’s announcement, made by Nigerian philanthropist Tony Elumelu, introduces 3,200 entrepreneurs selected from over 265,000 applicants across Africa, with Cameroon once again featuring prominently among beneficiary countries.

For many young Cameroonians navigating a challenging economic environment, the programme represents more than funding; it is a pathway to stability, growth, and independence.

Cameroon, a big part of the Programme

Cameroon remains one of the Foundation’s strongest impact markets in Central Africa. To date, TEF-backed businesses in Cameroon have:

– Generated over $20 million in revenue 
– Created more than 58,000 jobs 
– Supported over 800 entrepreneurs across sectors 

These businesses span agriculture, retail, technology, waste management, energy and cleantech, fintech, education and training, sectors that directly impact everyday life in Cameroon.

“We Chose You Because You Kept Going”

Announcing the new cohort on his birthday, Tony Elumelu shared a message of resilience and belief in African entrepreneurs: “We did not choose you because your path was easy. We chose you because you kept going when it wasn’t.” Each selected entrepreneur will receive $5,000 in seed funding, alongside training, mentorship, and access to a continent-wide network.

A Growing Footprint Across Central Africa

Beyond Cameroon, the programme continues to expand across the CEMAC region, supporting entrepreneurs who are driving business growth, job creation, and economic resilience.

Together, these figures highlight the growing role of entrepreneurship in shaping Central Africa’s economic future, with Cameroon emerging as one of the region’s leading hubs for TEF-supported businesses.

More Than Funding, A System of Opportunity

Since its launch, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa, helping them build businesses, create jobs, and support their communities. At the core of this effort is a simple belief: opportunity should not be limited; it should be accessible.

What This Means for Cameroon

At a time when youth unemployment and economic uncertainty remain key concerns, initiatives like the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme are playing a critical role in supporting self-employment, driving local business growth, and reducing dependence on traditional job markets. For many young Cameroonians, this is not just support, it is a chance to build something lasting.

In a landmark moment for African enterprise, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has officially unveiled the 2026 cohort of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme. The announcement, made on Sunday, March 22, 2026, coincided with the birthday of the Foundation’s founder, Tony Elumelu, a milestone that highlights his personal commitment to empowering a new generation of African innovators.

This year’s cohort includes 3,200 entrepreneurs selected from a record number of applications submitted from all 54 African countries, showcasing the immense drive and creativity of young Africans determined to build sustainable businesses. Each beneficiary will receive a $5,000 non‑refundable grant, alongside business training, mentorship, and access to one of the continent’s largest entrepreneurial networks — a collective investment of approximately $16 million aimed at scaling innovation across sectors.

Speaking during the announcement, Tony Elumelu reflected on the purpose and impact of the initiative: “For a long time, I believed luck was something that just happens to you. Then I realised, luck can be engineered. Opportunity can be democratised.” His remarks reinforced the Foundation’s belief that structured support — through funding, training, and networks — can transform promising ideas into thriving businesses.

The Foundation’s CEO, Somachi Chris‑Asoluka, described the event as a defining moment in the organisation’s 12‑year journey to expand opportunity and “future‑proof” Africa’s economy. She highlighted that TEF’s model of empowering entrepreneurs is central to achieving inclusive growth and economic resilience across the continent.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation has built a legacy of impact since the Entrepreneurship Programme began in 2015. Entrepreneurs supported through the programme have collectively generated over $4.2 billion in revenue and created millions of jobs, contributing significantly to economic activity and community development across Africa.

Although official testimonials from the live 2026 event are still emerging, the Foundation’s alumni network — now more than 24,000 strong — is filled with stories of transformation. Impactful leaders and business owners who have passed through the programme often credit the TEF experience with providing not just capital, but the confidence, mentorship, and connections needed to scale their ventures sustainably.

Appreciation was extended to the Foundation’s partners — including international development institutions, private sector collaborators, and ecosystem supporters — whose contributions have helped the programme reach entrepreneurs in diverse sectors such as healthcare, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy. These collaborations have played a critical role in advancing the Foundation’s mission to eradicate poverty and foster economic inclusion through entrepreneurship.

As the newly selected entrepreneurs embark on their journeys, the announcement of the 2026 cohort stands as a powerful affirmation that Africa’s next wave of business leaders is ready to innovate, drive economic growth, and reshape the future of the continent — not through aid, but through opportunity, courage, and enterprise.