London Mayor Sadiq Khan Deepens UK-Nigeria Ties in Historic Lagos Visit
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has concluded a significant and historic visit to Lagos, Nigeria, marking the first official trip by a sitting Mayor of London to sub-Saharan Africa. The mission was explicitly aimed at strengthening the economic relationship and celebrating the deep cultural ties, shared vibrancy, and global influence between the dynamic cities of London and Lagos.
Mayor Khan's agenda in Lagos underscored Nigeria's growing importance as a key partner in the UK's global trade and investment strategy. The primary focus areas for collaboration were the fintech, innovation, and creative economy sectors.
During his engagements, Mayor Khan led a delegation of 27 London-based companies specializing in fintech, enterprise technology, and sustainability, with support from London & Partners, the Mayor's official growth agency. The delegation participated in a series of high-level meetings with Nigerian investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives, all designed to foster collaboration and unlock investment opportunities.
A key highlight of the Lagos visit was Mayor Khan's participation in a panel discussion titled "Bridging Borders: How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Tech." Here, he emphasized the joint potential of both cities in driving global technological advancement and actively encouraged Nigerian tech businesses to consider investing in London. He acknowledged Nigeria as the "tech capital of Africa" and expressed London's desire to partner with Nigerian "unicorns" (startups valued at over $1 billion).
Beyond technology, the Mayor's visit heavily emphasized the creative industries, including film, music, fashion, and the arts. He co-hosted a "Lagos Canvas Reception" with media entrepreneur Mo Abudu at EbonyLife Place, celebrating Nigeria's thriving creative sector and affirming Lagos and London's shared status as global cultural powerhouses. Khan highlighted that closer collaboration could unlock economic growth, unite communities, and create opportunities for young people, referencing Nigeria's ambition for its creative economy to generate $100 billion by 2030.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, reiterated the UK Government's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This partnership serves as a crucial platform for expanding trade and unlocking new opportunities, particularly in the cultural economy.
Reflecting on the historic trip, Mayor Khan expressed his delight at being the first Mayor of London to lead such a mission to Africa, stating his intention to "bang the drum for the capital and further develop the strong ties between our countries." He also acknowledged the immense contributions of Londoners of African heritage to the city's vibrancy.
Following his successful visit to Lagos, Mayor Khan is continuing his historic trade mission with stops in Accra (Ghana), Johannesburg, and Cape Town (South Africa), with the overarching goal of promoting London as a global capital for investment, innovation, and culture, and solidifying economic cooperation across the African continent.
The Mayor's office also announced plans to host the first-ever mayoral London-Africa business summit next year, aiming to further deepen trading ties by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and trade groups from across the continent to promote London as a premier destination for African businesses.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
