RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Nestlé says it plans more research and development in SSA region

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Company maintains an African R&D presence to understand local nutritional gaps and preferences, then innovate accordingly.

Food and beverage FMCG giant Nestlé intends to expand its research and development operations in sub-Saharan Africa as part of a commitment to boosting nutrition, food security and agricultural productivity in the region.

Photo: Nestlé Global

The Swiss-based company has a long-term strategy to innovate on products while working with local research institutions, farmers and universities.

Nestlé reiterated its commitment to local innovation during a visit by senior company executives to its Research and Development Centre in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

“Our presence in Africa is to ensure we are close to consumers and communities, to understand their nutritional gaps and preferences, and then innovate solutions that address those needs,” said the Head of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs for the Central and West Africa Region, Patricia Ekaba.

Up to 70 scientists and engineers are based in Abidjan, working on product solutions tailored to African requirements.

There are no double standards

Florence Kacou, Nestlé Head of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised a commitment to delivering consistent quality. “There are no double standards. Every product developed for Africa adheres to the same rigorous global safety and nutrition protocols,” she stated.

Audrey Essilfie, a nutritionist at the Research and Development Centre, added that beyond research, the company has established demonstration farms and training programmes for local farmers in Côte d’Ivoire.

The aim is to promote best agricultural practices, climate resilience and improved income. This includes the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and its Income Accelerator Programme, which supports cocoa-growing communities.

Nestlé invests approximately US$1,27-billion annually on research and development worldwide.

Pre-conference masterclass discusses taking African brands to the world

Participants challenged to identify, articulate and commercialise the cultural assets that make their brand ready for a global audience.

Three people stand side by side in front of a sports direct backdrop the woman in the middle holds a blue and orange 'sports direct' sign

Africa’s first Sports Direct retail store opens its doors in Nairobi

Second outlet planned for Nairobi before year end, with Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco said to be future target markets.

Person wearing a beige sweater holds a phone with a translucent search bar reading 'search' and microphonecamera icons in the foreground

Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility

Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?

Person shopping at a deli counter holding an orange shopping basket in a cheese section of a supermarket

The move toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI

Researchers propose a framework for packaging that senses, learns and acts – making packaging an active, AI-powered tool against food waste.

Conference stage with a woman in a patterned dress speaking to an audience large screens display '' logos and banners for a marketers conference with 'institute of marketing in malawi' branding on stage panels and backdrop

Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession

Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.

Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan

Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.

We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?

Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.

Hotel receptionist assisting a guest at the check in counter with a gray suitcase nearby behind the desk

Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers

Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.

Three people in formal attire pose for a photo at an awards event a woman in a pink dress holds a trophy while two men in suits stand beside her against a gold confetti backdrop

FNB bank’s eBucks programme dominates the 2026 SA loyalty awards

South African brands are increasingly setting the global benchmark for customer loyalty strategies, organisers say.

Portrait of a man with short black hair and a beard wearing a black button down shirt against a light gray background

Zambia’s strongest creative ideas are emerging from local truths

Global influences among younger consumers are still present, but they are being filtered through a distinctly Zambian lens.

Yellow humanoid robot at a bakery counter inspecting a display of donuts on display in front of glass cases

Consumers have doubts about products when they’re designed by AI

Researchers find that lack of perceived ‘genuine care’ is the mechanism connecting AI involvement to lower trust ratings.