UK, Nigeria Launch £15m Growth Programme to Boost Investment, Digital Economy

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have launched a £15 million Growth Programme aimed at accelerating investment, supporting economic transformation, and strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors including digital innovation, trade, and infrastructure.

The announcement was made during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, who met senior government officials and toured development projects in Abuja and Kaduna.

The programme was formally discussed during a meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, where both sides explored new frameworks to deepen economic ties and unlock private sector investment over a three-year period.

According to the UK government, the initiative is designed to support Nigeria’s transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustained, reform-driven growth while strengthening capital market development, small business expansion, and technical assistance.

Speaking after the meeting, Oyedele described the partnership as a key driver of shared prosperity.

“We continue to value the UK–Nigeria relationship, one of the most important partnerships for both our countries. Today, that relationship extends beyond traditional ties and now focuses on development, growth, and shared prosperity,” he said.

“The UK–Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life—supporting capital market development, technology investment, small businesses, and technical assistance. We look forward to seeing how these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries.”

During the visit, Baroness Chapman also held talks with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, where discussions focused on the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), including export growth under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, fintech expansion, and capital market collaboration.

In addition, the UK announced deeper cooperation on Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under the Digital Access Programme

The initiative will support digital governance reforms in five Nigerian states, aimed at reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging investment in broadband infrastructure, digital services, and emerging technologies.

The UK minister also visited Kaduna State, where she met Governor Uba Sani to review over two decades of development cooperation and explore new areas of partnership in investment mobilisation and climate finance.

She engaged with local business leaders, livestock breeders, and community animal health workers, focusing on agricultural development, veterinary support, and livestock vaccination programmes supported by UK partnerships.

Baroness Chapman also visited the Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre, which serves about 20,000 residents in Kaduna South, where she interacted with frontline health workers and patients benefiting from UK-supported health interventions.

Speaking at the end of her visit, Chapman said the engagement reinforced the strength of the bilateral relationship.

“This visit has reinforced everything I believe about the UK–Nigeria partnership. That it is deep, it is real, and it is moving in the right direction,” she said.

“From launching our new Growth Programme with Honourable 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 genuinely delivering for both sides.”

“Nigeria is a partner that the UK is proud to stand alongside and I leave more convinced than ever that the next chapter of this partnership is its most exciting yet. The UK is here for the long term, and we are ready to grow together.”

The visit also built on existing UK economic commitments, including nearly $800 million invested by British International Investment across agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, as well as a $1 billion UK Export Finance-backed project for the expansion of Lagos ports.