UK and Nigeria launch £15m Growth Programme to boost investment, digital economy and economic transformation across both nations
The United Kingdom and Nigeria, on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Abuja, unveiled a UK Nigeria £15m Growth Programme aimed at accelerating economic transformation, strengthening bilateral investment flows and deepening cooperation in key development sectors.
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The initiative was announced following a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, who held a series of high-level meetings across Abuja and Kaduna.
The Growth Programme is designed to unlock private sector investment, strengthen capital markets, support small businesses and enhance technical assistance frameworks between both countries.
According to the British High Commission, the programme reflects a broader effort to modernise the UK–Nigeria partnership and align it with emerging global economic priorities, particularly in digital innovation and sustainable growth.
A complementary initiative, SPRIRET, was also announced under the UK’s Digital Access Programme. It will support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states, reduce regulatory bottlenecks and expand investment opportunities in broadband infrastructure, digital services and emerging technologies.
Baroness Chapman described her visit as a clear demonstration of a strengthening partnership, saying engagements across Nigeria revealed a shared commitment to long-term economic development.
“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 genuinely delivering for both sides,” she said.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, said the Growth Programme reflects a shift from traditional diplomatic relations towards a more practical, development-focused partnership.
He noted that the initiative will play a critical role in supporting technology investment, capital market development and enterprise growth, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses.
“The UK–Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life,” he said. “It will support capital market development, technology investment, small businesses, and technical assistance.”
During the visit, discussions also covered progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), with officials emphasising the importance of sustained cooperation in driving economic resilience.
In Kaduna, Baroness Chapman met Governor Uba Sani to review over two decades of UK–Kaduna collaboration and explore new areas of partnership aimed at advancing shared development goals.
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The UK government said the initiative signals renewed commitment to strengthening economic ties with Nigeria while promoting inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for both nations.
