Lamide Akinola is steering Glovo Nigeria’s growth through digital expansion and local market integration.
Lamide Akinola joined Glovo in 2021 as the Head of Q-commerce for sub-Saharan Africa. In that role, she was involved in expanding the company’s marketplace operations across groceries, health, and retail categories. Before joining Glovo, Akinola worked at McKinsey & Company as a consultant, where she advised large organisations across Africa and Europe. Her experience also includes a stint at Google X in product marketing. In July 2023, Akinola was appointed as the General Manager for Glovo Nigeria. Later in December 2023, she was promoted to the role of Director, General Manager.
About the brand
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Barcelona, Glovo is a multi-category delivery platform operating in 25 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. In Nigeria, the platform facilitates on-demand deliveries from restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers.
Lamide Akinola, a woman of impact
Under her leadership, Glovo has expanded its marketplace services beyond food delivery, integrating more than 6,000 shops and restaurants onto the platform. This move is part of the company’s broader effort to position itself as a one-stop platform for online retail purchases in Nigeria.
Akinola has also played a role in scaling Glovo’s dark store model across the region. These stores, designed to stock essential goods and facilitate faster deliveries, are part of the company’s strategy to enhance customer service and supply chain efficiency. According to Glovo, this model also provides a digital storefront for local vendors, helping them reach wider audiences.
Figures from Glovo’s “Yellow Effect Report” show that from 2021 to 2024, Glovo Nigeria generated over 71 billion naira (roughly $45 million) in revenue for more than 6,000 Nigerian businesses, including over 2,200 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The company also states that about 2,400 riders operate on the platform in Nigeria, with average monthly earnings reported to be two to three times above the national minimum wage.
To further support visibility for local businesses, Akinola oversaw the introduction of Glovo Ads—an in-app feature designed to boost brand exposure and drive sales. The company attributes part of its 350% year-on-year growth in 2024 to this advertising tool, as well as to geographic expansion into cities like Port Harcourt.
Beyond operational expansion, Akinola has been involved in social impact initiatives, particularly those aimed at bridging gender gaps in tech. In collaboration with the Lagos State Government and She Code Africa, Glovo launched the Women in Tech Bootcamp in Nigeria. The 12-week programme provided training and mentorship for 100 women, with a focus on building technical skills.
Through her leadership, Glovo Nigeria has not only expanded its footprint and diversified its offerings but also strengthened its positive impact on businesses, consumers, and gig workers across Nigeria. Her work continues to shape the future of retail and digital commerce in the country, setting a high standard for innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development in the tech sector.
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