London Mayor Sadiq Khan has embarked on a five-day trade mission to Africa, starting in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was warmly received as the city’s guest. During his visit, Khan described Lagos as “Africa’s economic powerhouse and cultural capital,” highlighting the city’s thriving markets, booming startups, Nollywood, and Afrobeats. He emphasized the potential benefits of collaboration between London and Lagos, stating that “by working together to showcase our creativity, develop new partnerships, and learn from each other, we can drive our economies forward, unite our communities, and inspire young people”.
Khan attended Lagos Canvas, a creative showcase co-hosted by EbonyLife CEO Mo Abudu, which brought together top players in Nigeria’s entertainment and creative sectors. The event provided a platform for cultural exchange and highlighted the potential for collaboration between London and Lagos in the creative industry.
The mayor also met with Nigerian tech entrepreneurs, promoting London as a hub for startups to scale internationally. He highlighted Lagos as the “world’s top emerging tech hub” with a 40% growth rate since 2019, underscoring the city’s potential for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Khan led a delegation of 27 London-based companies exploring opportunities in Africa, including tech firms like Abound, which has partnered with African fintech unicorn LemFi. The visit aims to strengthen London’s economic, cultural, and innovation ties with Lagos, with a focus on fintech, enterprise, and sustainability sectors.
During his visit, Khan emphasized the importance of deepening cultural ties between London and Lagos, celebrating what unites the two cities. He noted that “Africa is the world’s most rapidly urbanizing region and home to the globe’s youngest and fastest-growing population, so this visit has huge potential for London’s businesses to reach and tap into new markets.”
The visit reflects London’s growing commitment to deepening global relationships beyond Europe and celebrates the historical and contemporary connections between the UK capital and Africa. By working together, London and Lagos can drive economic growth, promote cultural exchange, and inspire young people.
