Nigeria’s economy rests on the shoulders of small businesses, and global delivery platform Glovo is betting big on their future. On Tuesday, the company launched the Glovo Academy in Abuja, an initiative designed to build skills, strengthen partnerships, and help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) scale sustainably.
At the unveiling, Kolawole Adeniyi, Head of Commercial at Glovo Nigeria, said the academy reflects the company’s long-term vision of investing in Africa’s grassroots economy rather than extracting quick gains. Since expanding into Africa in 2018, Glovo has invested over €206 million across six countries, with Nigeria already becoming one of its fastest-growing markets.
“Over 90 per cent of our partners across Africa are SMEs, and in Nigeria, it’s even higher at 95 per cent,” Adeniyi explained. “Since we entered Nigeria in 2021, we’ve delivered about ₦55 billion in value to partners, supported more than 5,000 businesses, and enabled 12,000 riders to earn a living.”
Beyond Deliveries: A Platform for Growth
The new academy aims to give entrepreneurs the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. According to Reni Onafeko, Head of Growth and Abuja Business at Glovo Nigeria, more than 1,000 businesses in Abuja alone have joined the platform, while riders in the city have completed about two million orders.
“Every partner we work with contributes to the Nigerian economy,” Onafeko said. “This academy is about building lasting capacity, not just driving transactions.”
SMEs at the Heart of Nigeria’s Future
Government representatives at the event underscored why Glovo’s SME-focused approach matters. Ifeoma Williams, Senior Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, called SMEs the “lifeblood” of Nigeria’s growth.
“Nigeria has over 39 million SMEs, accounting for more than 40 per cent of GDP and creating over 80 per cent of jobs,” she noted. “For the first time in 30 years, Nigeria now has an industrial policy that prioritises enabling small businesses. But entrepreneurs must also get their structures and paperwork right to access government financing.”
Tackling Real-World Challenges
While policymakers stressed policy reforms and training, small business owners at the launch shared practical lessons from the field. Tijjani Mustapha, founder of food chain Ahmed Shawarma, revealed that staffing and operational inefficiencies once forced him to close a branch temporarily.
“In food service, every mistake is costly. Customers notice. But technology has helped us bounce back. Platforms like Glovo, Instagram, and Facebook are no longer optional—they’re lifelines for visibility, insights, and scaling,” he said.
A Different Kind of Global Company
Unlike some multinationals that enter African markets with an extractive mindset, Glovo is positioning itself as a partner in development. By offering both digital infrastructure and training, the company is helping entrepreneurs compete not only locally but across borders.
With Nigeria’s young population and massive consumer base, Glovo believes the country could soon rival its biggest markets in Spain and Italy. The academy is one step toward making that vision a reality.
