LAGOS — International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), a subsidiary of AB InBev and brewer of Trophy Lager, Hero Lager, Castle Lite and Budweiser, has honoured a new class of young entrepreneurs at the 2025 edition of its flagship youth empowerment programme, Kickstart.

The event, held in Lagos to mark the initiative’s 10th anniversary, drew prominent national and state dignitaries, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun; representatives of the Federal Ministries of Industry and Finance; development partners; and leading private-sector executives.

Kickstart provides Nigerians aged 18 to 35 with business training, seed grants and mentorship to help launch and scale their ventures. The programme supports entrepreneurs across retail, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, circular packaging, renewable energy and other growth sectors.

Speaking at the ceremony, International Breweries Managing Director Carlos Coutiño highlighted the programme’s impact and evolution over the past decade, noting its role in nurturing a new generation of innovators driving economic growth.