How I Took My Small Nigerian Business Global

From Local Hustle to Global Export
Here’s My Journey
If someone had told me two years ago that my small shea butter business in Ibadan would be supplying cosmetic brands in Canada and the UK, I would have laughed and kept stirring my big pot. Back then, I was just trying to survive, going from local markets to organic stores, making small sales here and there. But deep down, I knew my product deserved a bigger audience.
I just didn’t know how to get there until I discovered Cokodeal.

The Struggle Before Cokodeal
Like many small business owners in Nigeria, I had heard about “export” but didn’t even know where to start. I tried posting on Instagram, even ran ads, but ended up wasting time on DMs from buyers who were not serious or had no real intent to follow through.
I knew I had a great product; my shea butter was handmade, organic, and high quality but how do you get someone in another country to trust and buy from you?
That was the biggest challenge.

How I Found Cokodeal
One day, while scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled on a video explaining how to sell Nigerian products abroad using export platforms. Cokodeal was mentioned. I checked out the site, signed up for free, and started reading their guides.
It wasn’t just another B2B site, it felt like they actually understood what small business owners like me were going through. They broke things down in simple steps, and I realized I didn’t need to wait for millions or know a senator to start exporting. I just needed the right tools and support.

Setting Up My Product Page
After registering, I uploaded my product photos, wrote a clear description, and added pricing. I also listed details like weight, packaging, and availability, things buyers care about.
Within two weeks, I got my first serious inquiry from a buyer in Ghana.
Then, a month later, a UK-based skincare startup reached out. She found me on Cokodeal while searching for Nigerian shea butter producers. We exchanged samples, discussed packaging options, and boom, my first export deal!

Where I Am Now
Since then, I’ve shipped to buyers in three different countries. I’ve learned how to fill out export documents, how to handle logistics, and how to negotiate with international clients all through the help of Cokodeal’s resources and network.
No middlemen. No outrageous fees. Just real help.

If you’re a Nigerian entrepreneur sitting on a great product, whether it’s zobo leaves, leather bags, spices, charcoal, or crafts, don’t let fear or lack of info hold you back. Platforms like Cokodeal are created for people like us.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just take the first step. Start where you are. Upload that product. Ask questions. Use the tools. And watch how things begin to shift.

Ready to Go Global Like I Did?
https://www.cokodeal.com/ helped me turn my local hustle into an international business