As a health-conscious individual, you may have concerns about the ingredients and preservatives in tomato paste. You might worry about added sugar, starch, or unhealthy preservatives.( This has been an issue of debate and litigation in Nigeria of late.)
Have you ever considered commercially processing your own tomato products particularly if you live in an agrarian community with abundant tomato cultivation?
This article explores the potential of producing sun-dried tomato flour, an opportunity that addresses health concerns, reduces tomato waste, and contributes to import reduction in Nigeria.


Nigeria is the second-largest tomato producer in Africa, with over 2.3 million tons of tomatoes grown annually. However, 45-50% of the produce goes to waste. Despite this, Nigeria remains the third-largest importer of tomato concentrate in Africa, spending over $170 million yearly on imports. There are currently no production plants for tomato concentrate in the country.

For entrepreneurs interested in tomato processing, bootstrapping a sun-dried tomato powder business is an attractive option. This production model utilizes the abundant sunlight in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, eliminating the need for complex machinery and reducing energy costs. Solar dehydrators can be incorporated when scaling up the operation.

Benefits of Sun-Dried Tomato Processing:

Healthier Alternative: By producing your own sun-dried tomato powder, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier product without added sugar, starch, or harmful preservatives.

Waste Reduction: Processing sun-dried tomato powder helps reduce tomato waste, supporting local farmers and contributing to food security in Nigeria.

Import Reduction: Encouraging local tomato processing can decrease Nigeria's reliance on imported tomato concentrate, saving foreign exchange and promoting local industry.

Versatility: Sun-dried tomato processing allows for the creation of various products, such as tomato powder and dried diced tomatoes and other products(limited by length of this write up). Adding distinctive spices can result in unique, noticeable brands that cater to both local and international markets.
Job Creation: Establishing sun-dried tomato processing businesses can generate employment opportunities in agrarian communities, promoting rural development.

Embracing sun-dried tomato processing offers a sustainable solution to address health concerns, tomato waste, and import reduction in Nigeria. By harnessing the power of the sun, entrepreneurs can create healthier tomato products, support local farmers, and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

If you are interested in exploring this opportunity further, please contact us at 0706 247 5733 for feasibility studies, business plans, and guidance on potential agrarian communities for setup and sourcing.