Affiong Williams is a Nigerian entrepreneur recognized for her significant contributions to agribusiness as the founder and CEO of ReelFruit, Nigeria’s largest fruit processing, packaging, and marketing company.
Early Life and Education
Williams pursued her undergraduate studies in physiology and psychology at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. She furthered her education with a postgraduate diploma in business management from the same institution. In 2018, she participated in the Seed Transformation Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Career
After completing her postgraduate studies, Williams worked with Endeavor South Africa from 2008 to 2012, where she advanced to the position of Portfolio Manager. In 2012, she returned to Nigeria and founded ReelFruit, starting the company in her apartment in Surulere with an initial savings of $8,000.
Under her leadership, ReelFruit has grown to retail a range of dried fruit and nut snacks across over 450 supermarkets, airlines, schools, and hotels.
Awards and Recognitions
- In 2015, Williams was listed among Forbes’ “Africa’s Most Promising Entrepreneurs.”
- ReelFruit won an international Women in Business Competition in the Netherlands.
- In March 2023, she was named among the “15 African Female Founders You Should Know In 2023” by African Folder.
Personal Life
Williams is married to Tayo Oviosu, the founder and CEO of the finance company Paga.
She is also an avid runner, having completed multiple marathons to raise funds for various charities.
Through her innovative approach to agribusiness, Affiong Williams continues to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, adding value to local produce and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
