Summary of Mr. Endi Ezengwa’s Presentation at the NDIS Business Summit 2024

Mr. Endi Ezengwa, a social entrepreneur, shared insights into his group of companies anchored by a 24-year-old NGO dedicated to supporting women with mental health issues. His presentation highlighted the organization’s innovative approach to addressing health challenges using African medicinal plants, as well as sustainable business practices to ensure the NGO’s longevity.

Key Points:
Background and Focus:

The NGO works with vulnerable women, including those rescued from the streets, addressing their mental health needs and associated challenges.
Recognizing the harmful effects of outdated medications, Mr. Ezengwa explored the use of African medicinal plants for managing mental health, diabetes, and hypertension.
Establishing Infrastructure:

A factory was set up in Enugu in 2022, supported by the French Embassy and in collaboration with a French company with 150 years of experience. The partnership ensures the retention of active ingredients in medicinal products through scientific processes.
Medicinal plants are cultivated to ensure sustainability, avoiding over-reliance on dwindling natural bush resources.
Sustainability Efforts:

To maintain the NGO’s operations independently of external funding, businesses such as technical colleges and consulting services generate revenue.
The organization partners with companies like Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and international bodies like the World Bank.

Future Goals:

They seek $1 million to enhance packaging, processing, marketing, research, and farm expansion.
Research efforts include analyzing medicinal plants’ active ingredients and dosages to meet international standards.
Collaboration and Partnerships:

The group seeks investors, marketers, and research collaborators worldwide, emphasizing their commitment to quality and adherence to international standards.
Their products, including award-winning honey, are gaining global recognition, and they invite partners to promote and distribute these products.

Vision:

With the increasing global interest in herbal medicine post-COVID, the organization aims to position African medicinal products as a major player in the international market, backed by scientific research and sustainable practices.