Ovaltine has taken a major step into Africa’s manufacturing space with the launch of a £24 million production facility in Lagos, a move set to create jobs and expand exports across West Africa. The investment signals growing confidence among British companies in Nigeria’s fast-rising consumer market.
The company confirmed that the Lagos plant will serve as its first manufacturing base on the continent. As a result, the facility will strengthen local production capacity while supporting regional distribution. It will also create more than 100 direct jobs, adding momentum to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Executives say the new plant will help Ovaltine meet rising demand in Nigeria and neighbouring markets. In addition, the company expects improved supply chain efficiency and faster delivery timelines across West Africa. This expansion highlights Lagos as a strategic hub for multinational investments.
Meanwhile, the development comes amid stronger UK–Nigeria trade relations. British firms are increasingly entering the Nigerian market, driven by population growth and expanding consumer demand. At the same time, Nigerian businesses continue to explore opportunities in the UK.
Peter Kyle подчеркed the importance of the partnership, noting that both countries are leveraging enterprise and innovation to drive economic transformation. He explained that current investments are already delivering measurable benefits for businesses and citizens in both nations.
Beyond manufacturing, several new initiatives are set to deepen bilateral ties. For instance, fintech company Wise is preparing to secure its first Nigerian licence, a move that will allow it to expand into the country’s growing remittance market. This step reflects Nigeria’s increasing role in global financial flows.
Additionally, the UK government plans to roll out programmes aimed at supporting creative industries. The SCALE Creative Entrepreneur Award Programme will empower young talents from both countries to expand internationally. At the same time, the UK Advertising Exports Group is preparing a partnership with Nigeria’s advertising sector, including a joint summit and talent exchange initiative.
Cultural collaboration is also gaining traction. The British Council and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy will deliver a UK–Nigeria Season of Culture in 2028. This initiative will bring together industry leaders and creatives to strengthen cross-border collaboration.
In the industrial sector, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has partnered with Asset Green Ltd on a large-scale dairy project. The initiative aims to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports, further supporting Nigeria’s food security goals.
Education partnerships are also expanding rapidly. Institutions such as the University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos are collaborating on programmes in Applied AI and Global Surgery. Similarly, the London School of Economics has launched a data science partnership with Nile University.
Looking ahead, new projects continue to emerge. Wellington College International Lagos is scheduled to open in 2027, while edtech company EStars is partnering with the Lagos State Government to deliver digital learning programmes to millions of students.
Furthermore, the UK government is scaling support for Nigerian manufacturing through its Manufacturing Africa programme. In partnership with TLG Capital, it launched a $200 million fund to help local businesses expand production capacity. Early beneficiaries include Terra Aqua, an aluminium recycling firm seeking $7.5 million in financing to create hundreds of jobs.
Agriculture is also receiving attention. Through British International Investment, the UK has committed $7.5 million to agritech firm Babban Gona. The funding aims to support up to 140,000 smallholder farmers by 2029, strengthening rural livelihoods and food production.
Overall, Ovaltine’s Lagos factory stands as a clear signal of Nigeria’s growing appeal to global investors. As more international companies enter the market, the country’s manufacturing sector is expected to gain strength, creating jobs and driving economic growth across West Africa.
