Lagos, Nigeria — Co-founder of StorGit and international trade expert John Dale has revealed that he recently signed a billion-naira palm oil delivery contract to Niger Republic in partnership with a trader who has no formal education — a story he says underscores the strength and value of traditional trade systems in Africa.
In a statement shared on his LinkedIn page, Dale described his business partner as a seasoned palm oil trader who, despite lacking formal schooling, demonstrates exceptional business acumen, coordination, and trustworthiness.
“He’s currently in Niger Republic, coordinating thousands of kegs of palm oil from different Nigerian states across the border — running numbers in his head faster than some people can with Excel,” Dale noted.
According to him, the trader’s deep understanding of profit, risk, and trust gives him a competitive edge over many formally educated professionals in the corporate sector. Dale praised his partner’s integrity and ability to inspire confidence among countless traders in the palm oil value chain.
The AgriTech entrepreneur further reflected on the broader implications of the experience, emphasizing that real business intelligence lies in results, not certificates.
“Formal education is an advantage, but it’s not the only path to wisdom,” Dale said. “Sometimes, the greatest business education happens outside the classroom and boardroom — in the heat of the market.”
He added that traditional trade, particularly in the palm oil sector, remains one of the most sustainable and authentic business models on the continent, driven by tangible goods, real demand, and long-standing trust-based systems.
Dale’s remarks have sparked widespread engagement online, resonating with entrepreneurs and traders who share his belief in the enduring power of practical experience and indigenous business principles.
