Chichi Eriobu, founder of Phronesis Foods, is advancing Ukwa as both a nutritional staple and an economic opportunity.
In Nigeria’s growing agribusiness sector, entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to indigenous crops as solutions to nutrition and employment challenges. One of such entrepreneurs is Chichi Eriobu, founder and chief executive of Phronesis Foods, a company dedicated to developing products from Ukwa—the African breadfruit.
Eriobu’s connection to Ukwa began at home. Her mother spent more than three decades cultivating, processing, and selling the crop in Ochanja Market, Onitsha, Anambra State. This background shaped her understanding of the crop’s nutritional and economic value.
A defining moment, she recalls, was seeing a mother struggle to feed a malnourished child. With Ukwa’s protein content and other nutrients, she saw an opportunity to address food insecurity in Nigeria while building a viable business.
Building the company
Phronesis Foods was formally established in 2016. Like many start-ups, it faced financial and market challenges in its early years. A N100,000 ( about $66) grant in 2018 helped the business move from small-scale operations to broader recognition.
The company has since expanded its product range. Beyond dried and processed Ukwa seeds, it now offers roasted Ukwa snacks, Ukwa Poundo (a swallow alternative similar to semolina), and Ukwa flour for baking. By focusing on packaging, shelf life, and accessibility, the company has introduced the crop to consumers in Nigeria and abroad, with distribution reaching the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
Nutritional and social impact
Food experts note that Nigeria continues to face high levels of protein deficiency. Ukwa, which some studies show contains up to 22 grams of protein per 100 grams, is viewed as a relatively affordable, plant-based option.
Through Phronesis Foods, Chichi Eriobu says she has created jobs for many Nigerians, mainly women and young people, and has supported farmers by sourcing directly from them. The company has also organised entrepreneurship training for over 700 youths, and reports that it has adopted recycling practices to minimise waste.
Phronesis Foods’ growth has not been without obstacles. Many early investors doubted the commercial viability of Ukwa outside its traditional communities. Securing certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) also delayed progress. The breakthrough came after the business obtained NAFDAC certification in 2020, giving the products wider market access. The businesswoman also made good use of social media and community outreach to raise awareness.
Eriobu has spoken about her ambition to see African foods gain more recognition globally. She draws parallels with the way Chinese cuisine has achieved global acceptance and believes indigenous crops could find a similar place on international dining tables.
For now, her company continues to work within Nigeria and with diaspora markets, while contributing to ongoing discussions about food security, sustainability, and the economic potential of local crops.
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