One challenge that every agriprenuer bravely confronts when exporting their goods is breaking through restrictions to get their products into other countries. From the unique bureaucracies in every government to language differences and ever-changing government policies, small and medium-sized businesses looking to export their products outside their home country must find means to overcome and thrive. It is a journey of perseverance and determination.    

Marvelous Adeola Fasanmi, the founder of Oba's Palace Food and Varieties Limited in Lagos, Nigeria, has always believed in the power of food to connect people to their roots. Her business is dedicated to locally sourcing, processing, and packaging authentic agro-foods to ensure Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora can savour the tastes of home.  

Yet, Marvelous's dream of reaching global markets came with significant challenges. "How do I find customers abroad? Exporting is expensive! Where do I even start?" These questions lingered in her mind before she discovered the Scaling Export Program (SEP), an initiative by African Food Changemakers (AFC).   

Joining SEP marked the beginning of a transformative journey. With expert-led lessons and practical tools, Marvelous learned strategies to access international markets, navigate export certifications, and connect with financial institutions offering export-focused loans. "I realized I couldn't send products abroad without the proper certifications. SEP helped me understand the step-by-step process," she shares.  

Through the program, Marvelous also discovered the power of collaboration. "Before SEP, I thought I had to do everything alone. Now, I've partnered with others to make exporting easier," she adds. This sense of community and shared goals, where everyone's success is intertwined, has made her journey more fulfilling and less daunting. Today, Marvelous is on the verge of signing agreements with international partners to supply her products to restaurants abroad—a significant step toward achieving her global vision.  

Marvelous plans to place Oba's Palace products on international e-commerce platforms like Amazon and supermarket shelves worldwide. "Very soon, everything we need to make this a reality will fall into place," she says confidently.   

Her advice to other entrepreneurs is rooted in her hard-earned lessons: "Start locally. Ensure your products are loved at home before thinking about exporting. And don't limit yourself to Europe—Africa offers so many opportunities! There's a wealth of untapped potential in our region right here."  

Marvelous's story is a testament to resilience and growth and a powerful reminder of the potential unlocked through SEP. She's proving that local entrepreneurs can make a global impact with proper knowledge and support.