London Mayor Sadiq Khan has kicked off a historic five-day African trade mission in Lagos, Nigeria, aiming to deepen economic and cultural ties between the UK and key African cities. His visit, which began on July 15, 2025, focuses on partnerships in the tech, creative, and sustainability sectors.In Lagos, Khan met with Nigerian innovators, tech founders, and artists as part of efforts to build lasting trade and knowledge exchanges. The delegation includes over 24 British companies working in green technology, digital infrastructure, and innovation. This marks the first time a London mayor has led such a delegation to Africa.
“This is the fastest-growing tech cluster in the world. London is the tech capital of Europe, and Lagos is the tech capital of Africa,” Khan told participants at a tech and culture summit in Victoria Island. “We’re not here to act as patrons — we’re here as partners.” The event highlighted Nigeria’s booming digital economy, often dubbed “Silicon Lagoon.” Home to startups like Flutterwave and Paystack, Lagos has become a fintech hub, with over 60% of Nigeria’s startups headquartered in the city. Its creative industry — encompassing Nollywood, Afrobeats, and fashion — contributes over $4.5 billion to the national GDP annually, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, emphasized the importance of the partnership. “We’re building a bridge stronger than broadband in Victoria Island and faster than the Elizabeth Line,” he joked, underscoring Lagos’s ambition to become a global innovation capital. Industry leaders also welcomed the visit. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Future Africa, said: “From regulation and ethical AI to urban livability and infrastructure, London offers key lessons for Nigerian cities. We’re excited to learn and collaborate.”
Khan’s next stops include Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The tour comes at a time when UK-Africa trade is on the rise, with British exports to Nigeria valued at over £4 billion in 2024. The UK government hopes the trip will stimulate further investment and cultural diplomacy. “This is more than trade,” Khan concluded. “It’s about shared futures and shared solutions — between two of the world’s most dynamic cities.”
