By Janefrances Chibuzor
The United Kingdom and Nigeria are strengthening economic and cultural ties through a wave of new investments, partnerships and education initiatives designed to create jobs, grow businesses and expand opportunities across both countries.
At the forefront is EbonyLife Group, one of Nigeria’s leading creative industry brands, which is set to launch EbonyLife Place London. The project will create up to 40 new jobs while reinforcing the UK as a global hub for African storytelling and creative talent.
To further empower the creative sector, the British Council, in partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, is rolling out the SCALE Creative Entrepreneur Award Programme. The initiative will support emerging Nigerian and UK creatives to scale their businesses internationally and build long-term collaborations that benefit both economies.
In advertising, the UK Advertising Exports Group is entering a strategic partnership with Nigeria’s advertising sector. Plans include a UK–Nigeria Advertising Summit later this year and a talent exchange scheme aimed at deepening industry connections and knowledge sharing.
Cultural diplomacy is also gaining momentum. The British Council, alongside Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, will deliver the UK/Nigeria Season of Culture in 2028. The programme will feature a series of collaborative events and creative projects showcasing innovation from both countries.
At a high-level Creative Industries Roundtable hosted at Lancaster House, alumni, Chevening scholars and creative leaders will convene to strengthen networks and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.
Beyond the creative space, major business investments are set to boost Nigeria’s economy. Ovaltine, owned by Associated British Foods, will establish a £24 million manufacturing facility in Lagos—its first in Africa—creating over 100 direct jobs and expanding exports across West Africa.
In the financial sector, Wise is expected to secure its first Nigerian licence, positioning it to tap into the country’s growing remittance market and improve cross-border payment services. Agriculture is also receiving a boost.
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has partnered with Asset Green Ltd to explore a large-scale integrated dairy project. The initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain, reduce dependence on imports and improve national nutrition outcomes.
Education remains a key pillar of the partnership, with leading UK institutions expanding their footprint in Nigeria. The University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos have signed a new agreement to deliver programmes in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Digital Communications and Global Surgery—fields critical to future workforce development.
Meanwhile, the London School of Economics and Political Science has launched a Data Science partnership with Nile University of Nigeria. The University of the West of England is also expanding its presence with a dedicated office in Lagos.
Looking ahead, Wellington College International will open a new campus in Lagos in 2027, providing places for up to 1,500 students and positioning itself as one of West Africa’s flagship British curriculum schools.
In digital education, EStars will collaborate with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to introduce esports-based learning programmes to approximately three million students, equipping young people with future-ready digital skills.
With bilateral trade between the UK and Nigeria now at a record £8.1 billion annually, these developments highlight a growing partnership built on shared growth, innovation and opportunity.
From creative industries to education and manufacturing, both nations are demonstrating that stronger collaboration can deliver tangible benefits for businesses, talent and communities alike.
