Glovo, a leading multi-category tech platform operating across Europe, Africa, and Central Asia, has reiterated its commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria through its flagship initiative, Glovo Academy. The latest edition of the Academy was held in Abuja, bringing together entrepreneurs, government representatives, and industry experts to foster digital transformation and business growth.
About Glovo Academy
Glovo Academy is an in-person learning and development program designed to equip local businesses with the knowledge, tools, and digital capabilities needed to optimize operations, strengthen brand visibility, and increase online sales via the Glovo platform. The initiative reflects Glovo’s broader mission to support inclusive economic growth and digital literacy among SMEs.
Empowering Local Businesses
During the event, Reni Onafeko, Head of Growth at Glovo Nigeria, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting SMEs through access to advisory services, financial opportunities, and digital tools. She revealed that since Glovo’s launch in Abuja in 2022, the platform has facilitated over one million orders, delivering more than ₦11 billion in value to its partners.
Onafeko also noted a 30% year-on-year increase in orders in Abuja, with Glovo now partnering with over 1,000 local restaurants. She urged SMEs to embrace digital literacy as a pathway to formalizing operations, scaling sustainably, and remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Government Perspective
Ifeoma Williams, Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Industry, participated in a panel session where she highlighted the critical role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria’s economy. Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, she stated that MSMEs contribute approximately 40% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Williams acknowledged the challenges SMEs face in accessing federal loan facilities, attributing the issue to inadequate business structures and planning. She assured attendees that the government is actively working to create enabling policies for business growth.
Entrepreneurial Insights
Tijani Mustapha, founder of Ahmad’s Sharwarma, shared his experience navigating operational challenges such as human resource management and quality control. He stressed the importance of resilience and adaptability for business owners and advocated for greater investment in technology.
Any business we do today must embrace technology. Through technology, we can gather customer feedback, keep the business in check, and improve.
Institutional Support
Kayode Meyanbe, Head of ICT at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), outlined several government-backed initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs. These include:
- Free business registration for 250,000 enterprises in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Loan facilities with interest rates below 10%, supported by both federal and state governments
- Capacity-building programs delivered through institutions like Kaduna Business School and Lagos Business School, focusing on tailored business and financial literacy training
Meyanbe encouraged SMEs to take advantage of these opportunities to formalize their operations and access growth-enabling resources.
Glovo’s Broader Impact
Kolawole Adeniyi, Head of Commercial at Glovo Nigeria, shared that since entering the African market in 2021, Glovo has invested over €206 million across the continent. He noted that 90% of businesses on the platform are SMEs, which have collectively generated ₦55 billion in direct economic value through their partnership with Glovo.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
The Abuja edition of Glovo Academy featured interactive sessions and presentations aimed at educating partners on operational excellence, marketing strategies, customer service, and financial management. The training was facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University, offering practical insights into business growth and sustainability.
