For many Nigerians in the UK, finding authentic African ingredients can be a real challenge — especially outside major cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham. But for Onyinyechi Onyeiwu, that challenge turned into a thriving business opportunity.
Onyinyechi, who previously worked in financial services and venture capital for six years, swapped spreadsheets for spices when she launched The African Cart, an online African grocery and recipe box delivery service based in Moray, Scotland.
From craving Nigerian food to building a business
When Onyinyechi first moved to Moray, she quickly realised how difficult it was to find traditional African ingredients like yam tubers, long cap peppers, palm oil, and suya spices. Each time she wanted to cook a Nigerian dish, she had to make long trips to Aberdeen just to stock up.
But as the African community in Moray began to grow, she noticed more people asking where they could buy authentic ingredients. During her maternity leave, she decided to take the leap and start something new — and that’s how The African Cart was born.
“I realised there was a gap,” Onyinyechi says. “People kept asking where they could get Nigerian ingredients. I thought — maybe there’s an opportunity here to start something.”
Celebrating African cuisine in the heart of Scotland
What started as a small grocery project has now grown into a full-scale online business offering African grocery deliveries and immersive recipe boxes.
Each recipe box doesn’t just include the ingredients — it’s a full cultural experience, complete with country profiles, curated African music playlists, and postcards to introduce customers to the stories behind the meals.
“Many people in Moray had never tried African food,” she explains. “Through The African Cart, they get to cook and taste it at home — and understand that African cuisine isn’t just spicy; it’s diverse, flavourful, and full of culture.”
From the financial world to food entrepreneurship
Before diving into entrepreneurship, Onyinyechi managed start-up portfolios in London. But when her company restructured in 2023 and she was preparing for maternity leave, she decided to take it as a sign.
“I remember thinking — maybe this is my chance to try something different,” she says.
Running her own business hasn’t been easy, but the fulfilment is worth it.
“It’s a lot of work — your mind is on it 24/7,” Onyinyechi admits. “But seeing customers happy, especially Nigerians who no longer have to travel far for ingredients, makes it all worthwhile.”
What’s next for The African Cart?
Onyinyechi plans to expand her Recipe Box range to include dishes from other African countries and host African cooking classes at Oakwood Cookery School.
While The African Cart is currently online-only, she’s open to opening a physical store in the future.
“Right now, it’s about growing steadily,” she says. “But who knows? Maybe next year we’ll open a physical shop — a real taste of Africa right here in Moray.”
🇳🇬 A win for Nigerians in the UK
Onyinyechi’s story is one many Nigerians in the UK can relate to — blending professional experience with cultural passion to create something meaningful. The African Cart isn’t just a grocery service; it’s a celebration of home, heritage, and the growing African community in the UK.
🛒 Learn more or order from The African Cart: Visit The African Cart
📍 Based in Moray, Scotland | Delivering across the UK
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