(Ecofin Agency) - Swiss group Nestlé just started activities at its Nestlé Pure Life mineral water factory, in Abaji, Nigeria. The unit that was developed for N5.6 billion (about €25 million) will allow for the creation of 111 jobs and help the firm to position its production in the Northern and Western parts of the country.

According to Commodafrica, the plant which is to cover 14.6 hectares will also have a technical training centre to boost the skills of the firm’s young technicians. For Nestlé, developing the plant is part of a strategy to boost its presence in sub saharan african markets.

Nestlé, with a turnover of €19.2 billion in Q1 2016, indicates that Africa is, with Europe and South-East Asia, the region with the highest growth. This is mainly due to the results recorded in West and Central Africa.

Aaron Akinocho