By Oke Peter
Lagos — DP World and PepsiCo have announced the expansion of their partnership with WaterAid to advance inclusive and sustainable development in Nigerian communities. This enhanced collaboration introduces a climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programme in Lagos, targeting improved living conditions for over 6,500 residents in underserved areas.
Focusing on Ikorodu North and Ojodu Local Council Development Areas, the initiative will deliver solar-powered water systems, upgraded sanitation facilities, and hygiene education through schools, community groups, and local advocates. This programme reflects the partners’ commitment to ensuring that the benefits of trade infrastructure reach local communities, while supporting PepsiCo’s ongoing investments in Nigeria’s food sector and local sourcing.
Key expected outcomes include:
* Providing clean water and improved sanitation access to more than 6,500 people
* Reaching over 100,000 individuals through hygiene awareness campaigns
* Empowering 60 women entrepreneurs in WASH-related businesses
* Increasing women’s participation in WASH governance
Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and MD for DP World’s Sub-Saharan Africa Region, said, “Nigeria is a key market for DP World. Our collaboration with PepsiCo and WaterAid shows what is possible when commercial expertise aligns with social purpose. By investing in climate-resilient water systems, empowering women entrepreneurs, and promoting hygiene awareness, we are creating lasting impacts that extend well beyond the supply chain, benefiting Nigerian communities.”
In a message read by Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized, “This partnership is a powerful example of collaboration, combining global expertise with local opportunity. It means more than business for Lagos—it means jobs, stronger supply chains, and greater opportunities for our entrepreneurs to access global markets. PepsiCo’s longstanding investment and DP World’s logistics expertise will energize our economy and reinforce Lagos as Africa’s commercial hub.”
Wale Edun, Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, added, “This partnership reaffirms Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing and logistics. By sourcing raw materials locally and strengthening supply chains, PepsiCo and DP World are supporting local industries and positioning Nigeria as a hub for long-term export growth. This aligns with our national goals of food security and efficient logistics, showing that with the right environment, global businesses can thrive while empowering communities.”
Ahmed El-Sheikh, PepsiCo President for Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria Foods, said, “Our investment in Nigeria goes beyond production to build an agile, inclusive supply network connected to local needs. Working with DP World and WaterAid, we are ensuring that the benefits of a stronger food system extend beyond markets to improve access to essentials like safe water and create opportunities for communities to thrive.”
Hatim Khan, Senior Director of PepsiCo Foundation International Programs, noted, “Investing in safe water strengthens entire communities. Our experience with WaterAid proves that lasting change comes from locally led solutions. With DP World joining us in Lagos, we are expanding not only infrastructure but also the networks of people, skills, and resources that will sustain access for years to come.”
DP World’s Lagos commitment builds on its success in Bauchi State, where its WASH programme has provided solar-powered water systems to over 7,000 people, trained local artisans and hygiene promoters, achieved 40% female representation in WASH committees, and reached over 100,000 people through hygiene campaigns in its first year.
This initiative also complements the PepsiCo Foundation’s existing WASH programme in Lagos, launched with WaterAid Nigeria in 2022. Now in its third year, the programme has rehabilitated six WASH facilities, benefitting over 54,000 people, with media campaigns delivering hygiene education to more than 800,000 individuals in the region.
Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, stated, “This partnership shows the power of combining technical expertise, private-sector investment, and local leadership. Together, we are building infrastructure that protects health, promotes dignity and gender equity, and strengthens community resilience against climate shocks.”
Nigeria remains a strategic market for both DP World and PepsiCo. PepsiCo collaborates closely with Nigerian suppliers to source key ingredients and manufacture world-class food and beverages locally. DP World’s operations span healthcare, consumer goods, and logistics, employing over 6,000 people and supporting an additional 3,500 jobs through its supply chain network.
The launch event in Lagos brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners to celebrate the collaboration’s economic and social benefits. The event also marked the inauguration of a new PepsiCo manufacturing facility, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s food sector and local sourcing partnerships.
