TGI, Wilmar strike $12bn Nigeria-Benin food partnership

Tropical General Investments Group (TGI) and Singapore-based Wilmar International are merging their operations in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin to form a significant new joint venture, targeting a market valued at $12 billion. This strategic 50:50 partnership is set to create one of the largest integrated food and agriculture platforms in the region.

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Nigeria and the Republic of Benin are key consumer markets in Africa. The combination of Wilmar’s integrated palm oil and speciality fatsoup’s manufacturing scale, established consumer brands and nationwide distribution platform creates a uniquely positioned business to serve consumers and contribute to the long-term development of the region.

The combined entity will encompass a wide range of activities, including agriculture, oil palm plantations, edible oils, edible nuts, rice, and food manufacturing and distribution. Wilmar International's Chairman and CEO, Kuok Hong, highlighted that the partnership will strengthen their capacity to cater to Africa's expanding consumer base. He noted that Nigeria and Benin are crucial markets, and the integration of Wilmar's scale and brands with TGI's established distribution network positions the new business uniquely to serve consumers and foster long-term regional development.

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For more than four decades, TGI Group has built a leading position in Nigerian food manufacturing and distribution. This partnership will leverage Wilmar’s global scale and expertise as well as TGI’s local knowledge to deliver innovative food solutions across Africa.

Cornelis Vink, Founder and Chairman of TGI Group, emphasized the complementary nature of the two businesses and their shared commitment to quality food products. He stated that the partnership leverages Wilmar's global expertise with TGI's four decades of local experience in Nigerian food manufacturing and distribution to deliver innovative food solutions across Africa. Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman of TGI Group, expressed confidence in Nigeria's economic prospects, underscoring that the venture will deepen domestic value addition, support smallholder farmers, generate employment, and contribute significantly to Nigeria's food security.

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By integrating Wilmar’s capabilities with TGI Group’s manufacturing scale and local market expertise, we are building a platform that will deepen domestic value addition, support smallholder farmers, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security.

Wilmar's Africa Head, Santosh Pillai, described the transaction as a strategic fit, citing TGI's strong local execution capabilities, consumer brands, and distribution network. The companies anticipate the transaction will be completed in the 2026 financial year, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. This merger signifies a substantial investment in the region's food sector, aiming to enhance efficiency, expand market reach, and bolster local agricultural value chains.

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TGI Group brings strong local execution capabilities, established consumer brands and a deep distribution network. Together, we are creating an integrated platform with the scale, local insight, and operating depth to better serve consumers in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.