We often share news about progress in other parts of the veg world from European or Asian countries, but it’s not often we come across a story from a country in Africa.  So when we learned that the global nonprofit, ProVeg had launched in Nigeria with the aim of revolutionizing the country’s food culture by promoting healthy plant-based options, we thought this was news worth sharing.

ProVeg International already has 10 other offices in countries around the world, with the ambitious goal of replacing 50 percent of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. They engage with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals and our planet.

Hakeem Jimo, co-founder of Nigeria’s first vegan restaurant, recognized the huge potential for increasing plant-based diets in his homeland, so he reached out to ProVeg and became Nigeria’s Country Director for ProVeg.

“It’s all about the numbers—Nigeria is set to become the world’s third most populous country in the next couple of decades. But time is not on our side,” Jimo said in a statement. “To truly address climate change and health epidemics, we need to shift our diets today. That’s why the team and I are thrilled to be launching the ProVeg Nigeria operation. We can take our work to a whole new level and expand our reach and impact.”

Collaborating with hospitals, clinics and medical professionals, Jimo and his team have been actively promoting the incorporation of plant-based foods in institutions to enhance public health, since Jimo sees health as a key motivator for people in Nigeria to change their diets.

Taste and culture are also important when encouraging dietary shifts, so incorporating plant-based ingredients into traditional Nigerian meals is very important. The team has been conducting food tastings at universities and marketplaces and enthusiastically sharing delicious and easy-to-make plant-based versions of traditional dishes with fellow Nigerians.

We wish them luck in their endeavors!