Glovo has appointed Reni Onafeko as its new Country Managing Director for Nigeria, formalizing a leadership transition in the company’s fastest-growing market worldwide. Onafeko has been steering the Nigerian operation since the beginning of 2026, and her confirmation signals Glovo’s commitment to advancing internal talent. She succeeds Lamide Akinola, who announced her departure after more than five years with the company and three years as General Manager.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Focus
Onafeko will lead Glovo’s next phase of market penetration, with geographic expansion planned across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan. Her appointment follows a period in which Nigeria closed 2025 as Glovo’s fastest-growing market globally, creating a strong foundation for further scale. The company stated that her permanent placement reflects its philosophy of championing high-potential internal leaders.
Onafeko’s Experience and Mandate
Onafeko brings more than 11 years of experience across strategy, technology, and operational leadership to the role. Before joining Glovo in 2023, she spent eight years in consulting, including at Boston Consulting Group in London, where she advised executives and investors on growth strategy and capital allocation. Inside Glovo, she has served as Head of Strategy and Finance, Head of Growth, and Head of Abuja, giving her direct exposure to commercial, financial, and operational functions.
Onafeko holds a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her cross-functional journey has spanned the core areas of Glovo’s business, positioning her to oversee sustainable growth in Nigeria. She said her experience has provided a strong understanding of the business and market opportunities, and she looks forward to working with teams, partners, and the wider ecosystem.
Nigeria’s Market Performance and Investment
Glovo has invested more than ₦37 billion (US$27 million) in Nigeria since entering the market, underscoring the strategic importance of the country. At its Future of Commerce summit in April, the company reported that it delivered 38 million items in Nigeria over the previous year. In 2025, Glovo doubled its active network of partner restaurants and shops, while also doubling the economic value delivered to those local businesses.
The platform also provides flexible earning opportunities to more than 6,000 independent riders each year, contributing to the formalization of the on-demand economy. These milestones have made Nigeria Glovo’s fastest-growing market globally, with Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan serving as key hubs for expansion. Onafeko’s leadership will focus on building on this momentum through deeper geographic and commercial reach.
Akinola’s Legacy
Lamide Akinola departs after leading Glovo Nigeria through a period of rapid scaling and infrastructure development. She joined the company in 2021 as Head of Q-commerce for Sub-Saharan Africa and became General Manager of Glovo Nigeria in 2023. During her tenure, she built the Nigerian unit into a US$80 million operation, cementing its status as the company’s fastest-growing global market.
Akinola also laid the groundwork for the region’s marketplace business across groceries, health, and retail, and launched and scaled Glovo’s network of dark stores. She said building the business into a US$80 million operation and Glovo’s fastest-growing market was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career. She added that the chapter deepened her conviction in Africa’s opportunity and talent.
The leadership change positions Glovo to capitalize on its established market presence and continue expanding Nigeria’s on-demand economy. Onafeko’s appointment combines internal operational knowledge with strategic consulting experience, supporting the company’s goal of sustainable growth. As Glovo deepens its investment and partner network, its success in Nigeria will likely remain a benchmark for the company’s wider African and global ambitions.