Glovo has installed Reni Onafeko as its new Country Managing Director for Nigeria, succeeding Lamide Akinola amid the platform’s fastest‑growing market worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Reni Onafeko, a former BCG consultant, becomes Glovo’s Country Managing Director for Nigeria.
- Glovo has invested over ₦37 billion in Nigeria and doubled its partner network in 2025.
- Glovo reported that Nigeria closed 2025 as its fastest‑growing market worldwide, delivering 38 million items and receiving more than ₦37 billion in investment.
- Expansion plans target Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, aiming for deeper market penetration.
- Lamide Akinola’s exit follows a five‑year tenure that built an $80 million operation.
Reni Onafeko’s Rise to Glovo Leadership
Reni Onafeko joined Glovo in 2023 after an eight‑year stint in management consulting. She had a senior role at Boston Consulting Group in London, advising executives on investment decisions and growth strategy.
At Glovo she moved from Head of Strategy & Finance to Head of Growth. In early 2026 she took charge of the Nigerian business.
In her own words, her blend of strategy, finance and growth expertise gives her a \"strong understanding of our business and opportunities within the market.\"
Glovo’s Investment and Growth Metrics
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Since entering Nigeria, Glovo has invested more than ₦37 billion (about $27 million). The company doubled its network of partner restaurants and shops in 2025.
Glovo delivered 38 million items in Nigeria in 2025, a figure revealed at its Future of Commerce summit in April. This volume underscores the platform’s rapid adoption among Nigerian consumers seeking quick‑commerce solutions.
Strategic Focus for Nigerian Market
The platform announced that under Onafeko’s leadership it will push deeper into Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan.
Glovo says the expansion will focus on robust execution rather than surface‑level integrations, aiming to cement its position in a market it described as its fastest‑growing globally.
Leadership Transition Overview
Lamide Akinola stepped down after more than three years as Country Managing Director. She began her Glovo journey in 2021 as Head of Q‑commerce for Sub‑Saharan Africa.
Akinola built Glovo’s marketplace for groceries, health and retail and rolled out dark‑store operations across the region. She became General Manager of Glovo Nigeria in 2023 and later oversaw an $80 million operation, which she called \"one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.\"
Her LinkedIn farewell highlighted the talent pool in Africa and the continent’s untapped opportunity.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
With Onafeko at the helm, the company plans to sustain this momentum, deepen partnerships with local merchants, and enhance the economic value delivered to its ecosystem.
Analysts note that the continued infusion of capital and network growth could reshape urban logistics and create new jobs in the on‑demand sector.
What This Means for Nigerian Consumers
The appointment signals confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy. A stronger leadership team is expected to accelerate service reliability, broaden product categories, and improve delivery times across the four target cities.
For small‑scale vendors, Glovo’s expanded network offers a larger customer base and more predictable revenue streams.
For the broader tech ecosystem, the move reinforces Lagos and Abuja as hubs for fast‑moving commerce innovation.
Glovo’s commitment to deepen its footprint in Nigeria reflects the market’s record‑breaking volumes and growing foreign investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Glovo choose Reni Onafeko for the role?
Onafeko brings a blend of strategy, finance and growth experience from her consulting background and previous leadership roles within Glovo, which the company says equips her to drive sustainable growth.
What cities will Glovo focus on under the new expansion plan?
The company plans to expand its services across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, targeting both major metropolitan areas and emerging urban markets.
How significant is Glovo’s presence in Nigeria compared to other markets?
Glovo reported that Nigeria closed 2025 as its fastest‑growing market worldwide, delivering 38 million items and receiving more than ₦37 billion in investment.
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