Finwerd, the leading flavour manufacturer in West Africa, has opened a two‑year Beverage Application Traineeship that will admit candidates from across [ECOWAS](https://ecowas.int/). The programme places trainees in the company's application laboratories in [Lagos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagos), Nigeria, and includes a stint at Finwerd’s headquarters in the Netherlands, with each placement valued at over US$150,000.
**What does the traineeship involve?**
The selected participants will work side‑by‑side with senior beverage technologists in Finwerd’s Lagos labs, gaining hands‑on experience in flavour formulation for the African beverage market. A portion of the training will be conducted at the Dutch headquarters, exposing trainees to global best practices and advanced equipment. The initiative aims to create a pipeline of skilled beverage application technologists, a role that is in high demand across Africa’s rapidly expanding flavour sector but remains difficult to fill due to limited training opportunities.
**Who is leading the initiative?**
“We believe the future of Africa’s beverage industry should be developed in Africa, by people who understand its markets, consumers and opportunities,” said Mr. [Steven Kabuito](https://www.finwerd.com/), Managing Director Africa at Finwerd. “We want to invest in young African talent and build the technical expertise that will shape this industry for decades to come.”
**Why focus on local production?**
Finwerd’s Lagos production facility creates flavour systems specifically for the African beverage market. Local manufacturing shortens lead times, reduces reliance on imports, and mitigates currency fluctuation risks, thereby strengthening the supply chain for regional drink manufacturers.
**How can candidates apply?**
Applications are being accepted via Finwerd’s LinkedIn page until the end of October. Interested applicants should submit their details through the provided link and meet the eligibility criteria outlined on the posting.
The programme represents a significant investment in human capital for the West African beverage sector, promising to equip a new generation of technologists with the skills needed to drive innovation and growth across the region.