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The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has concluded a landmark visit to Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at strengthening the longstanding UK-Nigeria economic relationship and celebrating the cultural ties and shared global influence between London and Lagos.
The visit reinforced Nigeria’s strategic importance in the United Kingdom’s trade and investment ambitions, especially across the fintech, technology and creative sectors.
During the visit, Khan led a delegation of 27 London-based companies drawn from fintech, enterprise technology and sustainability sectors. The trade mission was supported by the mayor’s official growth agency, London & Partners, under the leadership of the deputy mayor for business and growth, Howard Dawber, OBE. The delegation’s time in Lagos featured a series of curated high-level engagements with Nigerian investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives, designed to spark collaboration, unlock investment pipelines and advance cross-sector innovation between both economies.
This visit was particularly significant as it marked the first official trip by a sitting Mayor of London to sub-Saharan Africa. It underscored London’s commitment to establishing long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that support digital transformation, cultural exchange and inclusive economic growth on both sides. The mayor’s engagements aimed to position London as a key destination for Nigerian innovators, creatives and investors looking to expand globally.
One of the highlights of the Lagos leg was the mayor’s participation in a panel discussion at the “Bridging Borders: How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Tech” forum. At the event, Khan emphasised the shared role both cities can play in driving global technological advancement. He encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators to explore opportunities in London’s thriving tech ecosystem, citing its openness, diversity and global network as advantages for startups seeking international reach.
In another engagement celebrating Nigeria’s creative industry, the Mayor co-hosted the Lagos Canvas Reception alongside Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu. Held at the EbonyLife Place, the reception spotlighted Lagos’s dynamic creative scene and its parallels with London’s creative industries. It served as a platform to deepen connections between the creative sectors in both cities, including film, music, fashion and the arts, while reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) which continues to unlock new opportunities in the cultural economy.
Khan’s visit to Lagos was the first stop in a broader African trade mission that will also include Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The objective of the mission is to promote London as a global capital for investment, innovation and culture while solidifying economic cooperation with African nations. The mayor said he hoped to strengthen ties with African cities through cross-border trade and creative collaboration, offering benefits to businesses and communities alike.
Reflecting on his visit, Khan stated: “I am delighted to be visiting Nigeria and Africa this week – the first visit of its kind by a Mayor of London – to bang the drum for the capital and further develop the strong ties between our countries. Africa has the world’s fastest-growing population and is seeing major economic growth across many of its economies. Over the next decade, there are huge opportunities to deepen partnerships with London. I will be working tirelessly throughout this visit to drive trade and investment across critical sectors, including finance, education, health, tech, creative and sustainability.”
He added that the contributions of Londoners of African heritage have been integral to shaping London into one of the most dynamic and inclusive cities in the world. He said the trip also served as an opportunity to celebrate shared heritage and build deeper connections rooted in mutual respect and collaboration.
Also speaking during the visit, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter remarked: “The Mayor of London’s visit underscores the UK Government’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Nigeria. From trade to fintech and fashion, our collaboration is driving innovation and growth. Through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, we’re committed to unlocking new opportunities that benefit both our economies and this visit is a powerful step forward in that journey of inclusive growth.”
UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury echoed similar sentiments, stating: “Sir Sadiq’s visit marks an exciting moment for the UK’s relationship with countries across Africa and is a strong demonstration of our commitment to deepening our ties with the continent. Strengthening our trade, investment, and cultural ties is not only vital for shared economic growth, but also for fostering long-term partnerships that are rooted in respect and open opportunities for all.”
Khan’s historic visit not only elevated UK-Nigeria relations but also laid the groundwork for more integrated engagement across sectors vital to the future prosperity of both nations.
Nkechi Isaac with agency report
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