A New Era of African-Inspired Dining in the United States
Nuli, a pioneering fast-casual restaurant that highlights African superfoods and locally grown produce, has officially launched its first U.S. location inside The Square food hall at 1850 K Street NW in Washington D.C. This grand opening marks a significant milestone for Nuli’s founder and CEO, Ada Osakwe, who has long envisioned bringing African cuisine to a global audience.
Osakwe, a celebrated Nigerian entrepreneur and investor, shared her vision during the event: “My plan for Nuli was never to remain only in Nigeria. From the very beginning in Abuja, where we opened our first store in 2015, my dream was simple yet audacious: to present indigenously-grown fresh produce, grown by smallholder farmers, with pride and excellence—first to Nigerian consumers, then to the world.”
The event attracted a diverse group of distinguished guests from government, business, and international development sectors, highlighting the significance of this moment for Nigerian entrepreneurship on a global scale.
Key Figures in Attendance
The Special Guest of Honour, Olawale Edun, Honourable Minister of Finance of Nigeria and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, was represented by Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to Nigeria’s President on Finance & the Economy. Other notable attendees included:
- Ndiamé Diop, World Bank’s Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa
- Arunma Oteh, Oxford University Academic Scholar and Former Director General Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Bolaji Balogun, CEO, Chapel Hill Denham
- Ndidi Nwuneli, President, ONE
- Aloysius Ordu, Member, Monetary Policy Committee, Central Bank of Nigeria
- Nathalie Akon, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Division Director for the West Africa Gulf of Guinea
- Dr. Kingsley Obiora, Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria
These leaders gathered to celebrate the bold step forward for African entrepreneurship and innovation.
A Culinary Journey Across Africa
Nuli D.C. introduces American residents and visitors to a fresh, nutrition-forward take on African-inspired cuisine through farm-fresh meals and beverages filled with Africa’s bold flavors and nutritious superfood ingredients. The menu draws inspiration from culinary traditions across Africa’s 54 countries, showcasing the continent’s rich diversity.
From the Mediterranean North, spreading across Morocco to Tunisia, to the Indian-influenced Eastern countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Nuli reveals the confluence of cultures on the continent, celebrating our inherent connectedness with the rest of the world.
African-grown crops such as Fonio, Moringa, Cassava, Hibiscus, Egusi, and Baobab can be found throughout the menu, ensuring these nutrient-dense, climate-resilient indigenous crops, sourced directly from smallholder farmers in Africa, are presented to an international customer base.
Purpose and Vision
Speaking about Nuli’s purpose, Osakwe emphasized the urgency to ensure that Africa’s economic diversification and export competitiveness is amplified. “Through Nuli, we are not only enhancing economic opportunities, but we are also changing narratives on what African brand excellence means in our world,” she said.
The inaugural Washington D.C. location represents more than just an expansion—it serves as a symbol of patient execution, nearly ten years in the making. Osakwe expressed gratitude for the critical support she received from the Nigerian Embassy of the United States, particularly the former U.S. Consular General and the U.S. Counselor for Commercial Affairs who facilitated Nuli’s participation at the Select USA conference in D.C. in 2024.
A Vibrant Celebration
The event’s atmosphere was vibrant, elegant, and purposeful. Guests mingled over Nuli’s signature dishes, including Africa Magic Jollof rice bowls, Fonio jollof bowls, Suya chicken wings, Couscous, Cassava naan bread wraps, and Nuli’s signature cold-pressed juices, including Zobo.
Nuli D.C. reflects Osakwe’s vision of transforming African crops into the next generation of global superfoods. What began as a small juice company in Lagos has evolved into an international lifestyle brand showcasing nutrient-rich indigenous African ingredients such as Fonio, Moringa, Cassava, and Baobab.
Conversations centered around the power of African entrepreneurship, the importance of sustainable food systems, and the rising global appetite for authentic African cuisine. The atmosphere was both celebratory and deeply inspiring, as Nuli’s story became a living example of what’s possible when purpose meets focused execution.
A Bridge Between Continents
Nuli represents more than a business expansion; it is a bridge between continents, connecting African farmers to global consumers through food that is healthy and sustainable. The company’s expansion to the United States comes at a time when global conversations about food security, climate action, and inclusive growth are more urgent than ever.
By championing indigenous ingredients and empowering local farmers, the brand offers a model of how African-led innovation can nourish both people and the planet at scale.
Nuli is open to the public at The Square, 1850 K Street NW, Washington D.C., operating Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The unique menu features customizable bowls, salads, and wraps, alongside cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Learn more at www.nuliusa.com. Follow on Instagram at @nuliusa for updates.