UK, Nigeria launch £15m programme to accelerate economic transformation

The UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, has announced a new £15 million Growth Programme for Nigeria. The announcement followed her two-day visit to Nigeria aimed at deepening cooperation in digital transformation and healthcare, during which she also visited communities benefiting directly from UK-supported initiatives. She met with Nigeria’s Minister of […]

The UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, has announced a new £15 million Growth Programme for Nigeria.

The announcement followed her two-day visit to Nigeria aimed at deepening cooperation in digital transformation and healthcare, during which she also visited communities benefiting directly from UK-supported initiatives.

She met with Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, where they discussed the new UK-Nigeria Growth Programme aimed at accelerating economic transformation, unlocking private investment and supporting Nigeria’s transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustained, reform-led growth over the next three years.

Alongside the Growth Programme, the UK announced deeper collaboration on Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative, delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.

SPRIRET will support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states, reducing regulatory barriers and enabling greater investment and innovation in broadband infrastructure, digital services and emerging technologies.

The minister said: “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.
“The UK-Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life by 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.”
Speaking at the end of the visit, Baroness Chapman said the trip had reinforced her confidence in the partnership between both countries.
“From launching our new Growth Programme 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,” she said.