UK-funded GBB Accelerator Programme grows green industries in Nigeria

*The British High Commission in Nigeria and Manufacturing Africa host an Investor Night, as six innovative Nigerian startups from the UK funded Green Business Building Accelerator Programme pitched their sustainable manufacturing solutions to potential investors

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The United Kingdom-funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator aims to build a new generation of green industries in Nigeria.

The GBB Accelerator helps green manufacturing startups to unlock growth through tailored, expert led advisory, peer learning and investor access.

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The British High Commission Communications Office/Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in a statement Tuesday, November 25, 2025, said the first cohort of six Nigerian startups pitched innovations to investors at event, in Lagos.

The development followed 16 weeks of intensive business development training and mentorship.

The featured green businesses cover a broad range of industries extending from renewable energy, recycling, organic agriculture and electric mobility.

The statement noted the startups are GreenSpace Recycling, Sirius-X Energy, Auxano Solar, Taeillo, ZOOMe and Veggie Victory.

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According to BHC Nigeria, the select startups presented their business models and opportunities to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders.

It also said the pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships with potential investors.

Designed in a pitch den format, the evening included presentations from the cohort companies, offering insights into their innovative climate friendly business models and the potential for scaling their ventures to create lasting economic and environmental impact in the country.

The businesses also received real-time feedback from funders including potential offers for funding.

The statement further noted attendees at the event included Jonny Baxter, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, and other representatives from the British High Commission, prominent investors, and key stakeholders from the sustainable business ecosystem in the West African country.

Core objectives of GBB Accelerator

Designed to catalyse investment in Nigeria’s green industrial growth, the accelerator is part of the UK’s and Nigeria’s commitment to growing and scaling small, innovative businesses to deliver growth and create new direct and indirect jobs across green industries in the country.

Speaking on the programme, Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, in Lagos, said: “Manufacturing is Nigeria’s future — and these businesses show how it can also be greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive.

“I have nothing but confidence in the programme we’re funding. Every pitch tonight was professional, inspiring, and full of ambition.”

Kemi Onabanjo, Manufacturing Africa Nigeria Country Lead also said: “Tonight was all about celebrating progress and creating profitable connections.

“We are celebrating the progress these incredible founders have made on their journey with the GBB programme, as well as the impact they are already having.”

Onabanjo stated: “It was also about creating connections that bridge the gap between innovation and investment — connecting promising ventures with the capital, networks, and partners needed to scale their impact.”

Relating their experience, the startup founders commended the programme.

Jumoke Dada, CEO of Taeillo, was quoted to have said: “GBB is hands-on — they take the heavy lifting off you and help you execute.

“We now have real clarity on our next steps and a plan we can run with.”

In his remarks on the occasion, Adedayo Odunlami, CEO of ZOOMe said: “The level of diligence and attention to detail from the team was world-class.

“They’ve helped us evolve — as a business and as founders — and connected us to an incredible network.”

About the Green Business Building Accelerator Programme

Launched January 2025, the GBB Accelerator is a UK-funded initiative under the Manufacturing Africa programme.

The initiative aims to build a thriving green manufacturing ecosystem by identifying, funding, and scaling sustainable businesses.

The three-month programme provides hands-on advisory support to help startups raise capital and deliver pro-climate solutions.

Manufacturing Africa is a UK government-funded programme that transforms manufacturing and creates new sustainable jobs and growth in African countries.

As of July this year, the programme disclosed it had already helped companies to raise £2 billion in investment and created 100,000+ jobs supporting over 250 companies (exceeding our initial £1.2bn and 90,000 target).

It focuses support on manufacturing businesses operating in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Tanzania, and have previously provided support to Uganda.

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