The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has released a report listing 58 Nigerian companies among the fastest growing private businesses in Africa from 343 companies in 42 African countries.

It described the Nigerian companies, including small business concerns that made the list, as the most exciting and promising.

According to the report, the 58 companies demonstrated the success of Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy.

The report declared: ‘Industry is the biggest sector to be represented in Nigeria, with 17 companies featuring on the list.

“This is closely followed by consumer services, where 11 providers have been selected, demonstrating the success of Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy.’’

Prominent among the companies listed by the report are Beloxxi Industries Limited, biscuit producers of popular brand Beloxxi Cream Crackers.

Also on the list are Interswitch, an electronic payment processer, Channels Television, Arik Air, FAN Milk International and CHAMS

Others are Mouka Limited, mattress manufacturers, and Sigma Pensions.

The report also listed online marketing concerns such as JUMIA, KONGA and St Nicholas Hospital  in the health sector.

It quoted LSE International Development Secretary, Priti Patel as saying: “LSE’s first-ever ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’ report is proof of the dynamism and vision of the City of London in supporting Africa’s growing economies.

“Now is the time for UK businesses to seize the opportunities offered by Africa, and the UK Government is supporting the City of London to become the global financial centre for the developing world.

“This will help Africa industrialise faster, trade more and create millions of jobs, driving the continent forward to a future of prosperity and helping some of the world’s poorest countries stand on their own two feet.”

Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive, LSEG  said: “… For the first time ever, we have identified hundreds of Africa’s most inspirational and dynamic private companies.

“The report demonstrates the huge role that small and medium size enterprises are playing as the driving force behind African economies: developing skills, creating high quality jobs and delivering growth.

“London Stock Exchange has made it a mission for over 300 years to support access to growth capital for small and large companies in all parts of the world.”

LSEG, according to Rolet, is proud to play its part in this great economic journey by shining a light on Africa’s success stories.