Datesstore Nigeria Partners Saudi Arabia for Raw Materials, Seedlings, and Technology to Establish Africa’s Largest Date Processing Hub

In a major step toward boosting Nigeria’s agro-processing and non-oil export sector, Datesstore Nigeria Limited has announced a strategic partnership with key stakeholders in Saudi Arabia to establish a robust and sustainable date processing industry within the country.

The collaboration, announced by Olatunde Mustapha, the Chief Executive Officer of Datesstore Nigeria Limited, following a high-level meeting in Saudi Arabia today, Monday, December 15, 2025, is designed to bring a comprehensive package of support to the Nigerian agricultural value chain.

Mustapha confirmed that the Saudi partners, including representatives from leading processors like Taj Al Nakheel Factory in Al Madinah, have agreed to supply raw dates for immediate processing, provide improved seedlings to scale local cultivation, and transfer modern processing technology and technical expertise.

“This partnership with Saudi Arabia is a deliberate step towards building a sustainable date processing industry in Nigeria, with guaranteed access to raw materials, improved seedlings, and modern processing technology,” Mustapha stated.

The CEO emphasized that the initiative will focus heavily on harnessing the natural geographical advantages of Northern Nigeria, where climate conditions are highly favourable for date cultivation. By introducing improved seedlings and advanced techniques, the project aims to scale local production and empower thousands of farmers and agro-based entrepreneurs.

The long-term vision of the partnership is highly ambitious: to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for date processing and export, supplying high-quality, value-added date products to regional and international markets. Mustapha stressed that the project aligns perfectly with the Federal Government’s priorities on economic diversification, industrialisation, and agricultural development, promising significant returns in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and job creation.