The United Kingdom has launched a new £15m Growth Programme targeted at supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms, attracting private investment and accelerating long-term economic transformation across key sectors of the economy.
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The initiative was announced during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, as part of broader efforts to deepen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
According to a statement released by the British High Commission, the new programme will run for three years and is expected to support reform-driven growth by improving investment conditions, strengthening capital markets and expanding opportunities for businesses operating in Nigeria.
The programme was one of the major outcomes of Chapman’s meetings with senior government officials in Abuja and Kaduna, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
The British High Commission said the initiative is designed to unlock private-sector capital, encourage economic reforms and create a stronger environment for sustainable growth in Africa’s largest economy.
“The UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, has concluded a two-day visit to Nigeria, during which she announced a new £15m Growth Programme, deepened cooperation on digital transformation and health, and visited communities benefiting directly from UK investment on the ground,” the statement said.
As part of the new economic partnership, both countries are also expanding collaboration in Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.
The digital programme is expected to support governance reforms across five Nigerian states while helping to reduce barriers affecting investment in broadband infrastructure, digital services and emerging technologies.
For Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and broader technology sector, the development signals continued international interest in the country’s digital economy despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The UK government said the partnership will support areas including technology investment, small businesses, technical assistance and capital market development.
Speaking on the initiative, Oyedele described the UK-Nigeria relationship as one that is now increasingly focused on economic growth, investment and shared prosperity.
“The UK-Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life by supporting capital market development, technology investment, small businesses and technical assistance,” Oyedele said.
“We look forward to seeing these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries.”
Chapman also met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, to review progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership between both countries.
Discussions during the meeting focused on increasing exports through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, strengthening cooperation in fintech and improving capital market connections between Nigeria and the UK.
The UK has increasingly become an important destination for Nigerian startups and financial technology companies looking to scale internationally.
Nigerian fintech firms including LemFi and Moniepoint have continued to expand their international presence while leveraging London’s position as a global financial hub to access investment opportunities and international markets.
The British government also highlighted existing investments already supporting economic activities in Nigeria.
According to the statement, British International Investment has committed nearly $800m across sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing.
In addition, UK Export Finance is currently supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports through financing valued at around $1bn.
During her visit to Kaduna, Chapman met with Governor Uba Sani and discussed areas of continued cooperation between the UK and Kaduna State, including economic development and investment opportunities.
She also engaged institutional investors and business leaders on issues around climate finance, infrastructure and economic growth.
The minister further visited healthcare and livestock projects supported by the UK government in Kaduna, including meetings with animal health workers, livestock breeders and frontline healthcare personnel.
Speaking at the end of the visit, Chapman described Nigeria as a strategic partner with significant economic potential and growing opportunities for collaboration.
“From launching our new Growth Programme with Minister Oyedele to meeting frontline health workers in Kaduna, every conversation this week has shown me a country full of ambition and a partnership that is delivering for both sides,” she said.
“Nigeria is a partner that the UK is proud to stand alongside. I leave more convinced than ever that the next chapter of this relationship will be its most exciting yet.”
The latest programme also builds on the momentum generated by President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK earlier in 2026 and subsequent engagements held during the Global Partnerships Conference, where stakeholders from both countries explored opportunities around investment, trade and economic cooperation.
