Glovo Launches Academy to Empower Nigerian SMEs 

Global delivery and courier platform, Glovo, has launched the Glovo Academy in Abuja to empower small businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s fast-growing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector. 

According to Kolawole Adeniyi, Head of Commercial at Glovo Nigeria, the company is not just focusing on big businesses but prioritising the growth of smaller ones. “Over 90% of our partners in Africa are SMEs, and in Nigeria, it’s about 95%,” he revealed. Since entering Nigeria in 2021, Glovo has delivered about ₦55 billion in value to over 5,000 businesses and supported 12,000 riders. 

Opportunities for MSMEs 

The newly launched academy will train business owners, improve their digital knowledge, and help them grow sustainably. In Abuja alone, Glovo has onboarded more than 1,000 business partners and provided income opportunities to over 2,000 riders. This shows the potential for growth when small businesses leverage platforms like Glovo. 

How to benefit as a business owner 

Join Glovo’s platform to gain access to thousands of customers daily. 

Enroll in Glovo Academy to learn about digital skills, marketing, and business structuring. 

Leverage technology (social media, e-commerce platforms) to scale and build customer trust. 

Government and Agency Support 

At the launch, government representatives stressed that MSMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. With 39 million SMEs contributing over 40% to GDP and creating 80% of jobs, supporting them is key to national growth. 

SMEDAN is also working on a new business curriculum and easier registration to help entrepreneurs access affordable loans, such as the government’s ₦75 billion MSME fund at single-digit interest rates. To qualify, businesses must have proper structures and documentation. 

Lessons from Entrepreneurs 

Business owners like Ahmed Shawarma’s founder, Tijjani Mustapha, highlighted that consistency, delegation, and technology are crucial for survival. He explained that platforms like Glovo, Instagram, and Facebook helped his business overcome challenges and scale effectively. 

“There is no economy without SMEs. They are the lifeblood of Nigeria’s growth.” – Ifeoma Williams 

The launch of the Glovo Academy is a big opportunity for Nigerian entrepreneurs. With the right training, digital adoption, and access to affordable financing, small businesses can grow faster, create jobs, and strengthen the economy.