Glovo has launched the Glovo Academy in Abuja to empower small businesses and enhance Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector. The global food delivery and courier platform said the initiative reflects its long-term strategy of investing in Africa’s economic future.
Speaking at the unveiling, Head of Commercial for Glovo Nigeria, Kolawole Adeniyi, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs. He revealed that Glovo has invested more than €206 million across six African countries. They are Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda since its entry into the continent in 2018. According to him, the platform has already generated over €1 billion for more than 40,000 partners, with SMEs accounting for more than 90 percent.
“In Nigeria alone, Glovo has delivered about N55 billion in value since 2021. Over 5,000 businesses and 12,000 riders have benefitted from our platform.
Head of Growth and Abuja Business, Reni Onafeko, described the capital city as one of Glovo’s fastest-growing markets, with more than two million orders recorded so far. She noted that over 1,000 business partners and 2,000 riders in Abuja have already benefitted from the platform. Onafeko added that the Glovo Academy will provide entrepreneurs with digital skills, training, and growth strategies to scale their businesses effectively.
Government representatives at the event also stressed the importance of SMEs to Nigeria’s economic stability. Senior Adviser to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ifeoma Williams, described SMEs as the “backbone of the economy.” Contributing over 40 percent to GDP and creating more than 80 percent of jobs. She encouraged entrepreneurs to improve business structures to access available financing, including the N75 billion government facility.
The launch concluded with calls for digital adoption, stronger policies, and sustained investment to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s 39 million SMEs.
