The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has pledged closer collaboration with Nigeria’s business and technology sectors to drive growth, expansion, and job creation.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday during a trade mission to Nigeria, Khan said the initiative aims to deepen economic, cultural, and innovation partnerships between London and Lagos. The trade mission includes 26 high-growth companies in sustainability and fintech, supported by the Grow London Global programme under London & Partners, the city’s official growth agency.
“This mission is about building lasting partnerships between London and Lagos in areas such as technology, financial services, and skills development,” Khan said during a panel session moderated by Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, founder of Beyond Limits.
“We came with 26 of London’s top businesses, from fintech to sustainability. London is the tech capital of Europe, and Nigeria is the tech capital of Africa. With over 120 unicorns in London and a growing number in Nigeria, we see great potential for joint growth,” he added.
Khan emphasized London’s intention to position itself as a preferred partner for Africa’s fast-developing cities, noting that the UK capital is ready to provide facilities and an enabling environment to attract African businesses.
“We want Nigerian and African companies to come to London—not Paris, New York, Singapore or Hong Kong,” he said, highlighting that over 120 African companies are already listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Also speaking at the event, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner of Future Africa, noted that Lagos is a launchpad for Africa’s top talent. “Lagos gives incredible African talent their first break, and through partnerships like the Global Talent Programme, we can do much more,” he said.
In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, described London as one of the world’s premier financial and innovation hubs, with deep capital and a strong legal framework.
He stated, “This partnership between Lagos and London is about shaping the future of global technology. It’s not just about new digital platforms, but inclusive digital finance and building a technology highway between the Global South and North—with Lagos and London as key anchors.”
