Nigeria’s coconut industry is emerging as a new frontier for agribusiness, with local innovators transforming what was once considered waste into profitable products and employment opportunities.
Speaking on Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, Mechanical engineer and entrepreneur Jacob, founder and CEO of Lagos-based Coconoto, says his company is developing locally fabricated coconut processing machines to improve productivity and reduce post-harvest losses for smallholder farmers.
Beyond mechanisation, the company converts coconut husks and shells into value-added products such as cocopeat, coco fibre, activated charcoal, and biodegradable materials, supporting sustainable agriculture while tackling environmental pollution.
Jacob says Nigeria’s coconut value chain remains underdeveloped, with ageing plantations and local production falling short of demand. He believes greater investment in coconut farming and local processing could boost production, reduce imports, and create thousands of jobs across the agricultural sector.
He also highlighted the importance of local manufacturing, noting that domestically produced agricultural machinery can lower costs, reduce dependence on imports, and provide solutions tailored to Nigeria’s needs.
According to him, the secular economy presents significant opportunities for young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to identify waste streams and convert them into profitable and sustainable businesses.
Looking ahead, Jacob says his company aims to expand across Africa while helping Nigerian coconut processors access global markets through a digital trading platform.
The initiative underscores the growing role of innovation, sustainability, and value addition in diversifying Nigeria’s economy and strengthening its agricultural sector.
