Glovo Appoints Reni Onafeko as New Country Managing Director for Nigeria

Glovo has named Reni Onafeko as its new Country Managing Director for Nigeria, replacing Lamide Akinola, who led the company’s operations in the country for over three years. Onafeko steps into the role as Glovo continues its rapid expansion in Nigeria, its fastest-growing market globally.

New Leadership for Glovo Nigeria

Glovo, the global on-demand delivery platform, has appointed Reni Onafeko as its new Country Managing Director for Nigeria. According to TechCabal, Onafeko replaces Lamide Akinola, who stepped down after more than three years in the role.

Onafeko will oversee Glovo’s growth strategy and expansion across key Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan. She has been steering Glovo Nigeria’s operations since the beginning of 2026, according to the same report.

Growth Under Akinola’s Tenure

Under Akinola’s leadership, Glovo Nigeria became the company’s fastest-growing market globally in 2025, delivering 38 million items during the year. Akinola joined Glovo in 2021 as Head of Q-commerce for Sub-Saharan Africa and later became General Manager of Glovo Nigeria in 2023.

During his tenure, Akinola built Glovo’s marketplace business for groceries, health, and retail, and launched and scaled dark stores across the region. Glovo has invested over ₦37 billion ($27 million) in Nigeria since entering the market.

In 2025, Glovo doubled its network of partner restaurants and shops, as well as the economic value delivered to those businesses.

Onafeko’s Background

Reni Onafeko joined Glovo in 2023 after an eight-year consulting career, which included a stint at Boston Consulting Group in London. She has held leadership positions at Glovo, including Head of Strategy & Finance and Head of Growth, before taking on her current role.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

This leadership change signals Glovo’s commitment to scaling its operations in Nigeria, its fastest-growing market globally. Onafeko’s background in strategy and growth—combined with her prior experience at Glovo—suggests a focus on consolidating the company’s recent gains and accelerating expansion in key cities. For founders and operators, this move underscores the importance of localized leadership with deep market knowledge, especially in high-growth but competitive markets like Nigeria. It also highlights the value of internal promotions, as Onafeko’s institutional experience could smooth the transition and maintain momentum.

Key takeaways

• Reni Onafeko replaces Lamide Akinola as Glovo’s Country Managing Director for Nigeria.
• Nigeria was Glovo’s fastest-growing market in 2025, with significant investment and delivery volume.
• Onafeko brings strategic and operational experience from her previous roles at Glovo.
• Glovo has expanded its network of partner restaurants and shops in Nigeria, doubling economic value delivered in 2025.
• Akinola’s tenure saw the launch and scaling of Glovo’s marketplace and dark stores in Sub-Saharan Africa.

FAQ

Why did Lamide Akinola step down from his role at Glovo Nigeria?

The reasons for Lamide Akinola’s departure have not been disclosed. He led Glovo Nigeria for over three years, during which the market became the company’s fastest-growing globally.

What are Reni Onafeko’s qualifications for this role?

Reni Onafeko joined Glovo in 2023 and has held leadership roles, including Head of Strategy & Finance and Head of Growth. She also has an eight-year consulting career, including experience at Boston Consulting Group.

How has Glovo performed in Nigeria under Lamide Akinola’s leadership?

Nigeria became Glovo’s fastest-growing market globally in 2025, with 38 million items delivered. Glovo also doubled its network of partner restaurants and shops during this period.

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