Rejoice Usim, founder and CEO of Simkay Foods Limited, epitomizes innovation, resilience, and unwavering dedication within the Nigerian horticulture sub-sector. Recognized in 2023 by HortiNigeria for her groundbreaking work, Rejoice forged an important partnership designed to enhance market accessibility and significantly reduce post-harvest losses. Through this partnership, Simkay Foods has been transformed into a vital processing hub with a production capacity of 7,500 tons annually, converting tomatoes, onions, pepper, and okra into powder, thereby scaling impactful technologies for farmers. Throughout its operations, the company maintains its focus on empowering women and youths, streamlining their access to markets.
Embarking on a mission to revolutionize the horticulture value chain, Rejoice aimed squarely at the heart of post-harvest challenges. With HortiNigeria’s support of Business-to-Business linkage, Simkay Foods acquired space within the Zaria Fertilizer complex, greatly advancing this ambition. This ambition was greatly advanced when Simkay Foods acquired space within the Zaria Fertilizer complex, courtesy of HortiNigeria’s Business-to-Business linkage. Such a strategic move positioned Rejoice closer to her target audience and allowed her to optimize her investment by reducing the overhead costs typically associated with securing operational space.
As a result, about 60 smallholder farmers, out of which 55% are females from Zaria, Sabon Gari, and Hunkuyi in Kaduna State are now poised to connect with Simkay Foods, in anticipation of a fruitful partnership.
Under HortiNigeria, Rejoice aims to build the capacity of female producers on local processing and solar drying techniques as well as pilot social capital investment by constructing greenhouses on female farmers’ plots.
By addressing critical issues such as limited market access and post-harvest losses, Rejoice has not only championed the cause of smallholder farmers but also facilitated the adoption of more sustainable, profitable farming practices. Through her leadership, Simkay Foods is setting new standards for innovation and sustainability in the Nigerian horticulture subsector, making Rejoice Usim a true pioneer in her field.
HortiNigeria (2021-2025) is implemented through a consortium led by IFDC that includes East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT), Wageningen University and Research (WUR), and KIT Royal Tropical Institute and is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria.
