Applications are now open for ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs Cohort 2.0 of the Advancing Nutrition Through Female-Led Processing (ANTFem) Program. This initiative empowers women-led food businesses across Nigeria to grow, scale, and contribute to improved nutrition outcomes.
The program is implemented by Food Health Systems Advisory (FHSA) and focuses on supporting female entrepreneurs working in the dried tomato, dried okra, dried or smoked fish, yoghurt, and fura da nono value chains. Through business development, mentoring, and access to markets, ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs are given tools to thrive in Nigeria’s fast-evolving food sector.
About the ANTFem 2.0 Program
The ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs program aims to strengthen women’s participation in the food processing industry. It provides business advisory, funding access, and digital innovation support to help female-led food enterprises grow sustainably.
Participants will benefit from tailored training sessions, expert guidance, and exposure to new technologies that improve production quality and expand market reach.
Eligibility Criteria
For SMEs:
- Must be female-led food processing businesses with an annual turnover of ₦10 million or more.
- Must operate in dried tomato, dried okra, dried or smoked fish, yoghurt, or fura da nono value chains.
- Must be registered with SMEDAN or CAC.
- Must serve low-income consumers.
For Clusters:
- Must include 10 female-led micro food businesses within the same value chain.
- Must have a cluster turnover between ₦5 million and ₦10 million.
- Must be registered with SMEDAN or CAC.
- Must have dedicated production sites and maintain financial records.
These eligibility standards ensure that ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs selected for the program are active, organized, and positioned for growth.
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Benefits of the ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs Program
Participants in ANTFem 2.0 will enjoy significant benefits designed to improve their business and technical capacity:
- Business development and advisory support
- Access to funding and financing opportunities
- Market linkages and brand visibility
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Networking with other female food entrepreneurs
- Technical training on processing, hygiene, and packaging
- Exposure to digital tools for operational efficiency
These benefits help ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs become competitive, scalable, and sustainable in the food processing ecosystem.
Documents Needed for Application
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Business registration certificate (CAC or SMEDAN)
- Annual financial statement or proof of turnover
- Valid means of identification (National ID, Voter’s card, or Passport)
- Business profile or summary
- Evidence of active operation within the selected value chain
- Group registration documents (for clusters)
Having these documents ready will make your ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs application smooth and complete.
Selection Process
The ANTFem 2.0 selection process focuses on impact potential and growth readiness. Here’s how it works:
- Application Review – Submitted applications are screened for eligibility.
- Shortlisting – Qualifying candidates are shortlisted based on business potential.
- Interviews/Assessments – Selected entrepreneurs undergo interviews or assessments.
- Final Selection – Chosen participants receive onboarding information.
Only ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs who meet all criteria and show potential for scaling impact in their communities will be selected.
Tips for a Strong, Successful Application
To increase your chances of being selected for ANTFem 2.0, follow these practical tips:
- Provide accurate and verified business information.
- Highlight your business impact on nutrition and women empowerment.
- Clearly show how your business serves low-income consumers.
- Ensure your financial records and registration documents are up-to-date.
- Write a compelling business summary that shows growth vision and sustainability.
- Submit before the deadline of November 14, 2025.
These steps give your ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs application a strong advantage during evaluation.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to submit your application for ANTFem 2.0:
- Go to ANTFem 2.0 Application Form page.
- Fill in your personal and business details accurately.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Review your information before submission.
- Submit the application and note your confirmation details.
Eligible states for ANTFem Female Food Entrepreneurs include Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Anambra, and Kaduna.
Apply before November 14, 2025, and take your food enterprise to the next level.
👉 [APPLY HERE]
