The United Kingdom is deepening economic and tech ties with Africa, with Lagos at the center of this push, as highlighted by London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s recent visit.
- The United Kingdom is strengthening its economic and technological collaboration with Africa, focusing on Nigeria as a pivotal center.
- Lagos was highlighted as Africa’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem during the Mayor of London’s visit to the city.
- Discussions during the visit revolved around digital innovation, trade, and collaboration between UK and Nigerian businesses.
This growing alignment was highlighted during the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s recent visit to Lagos, where a high-level tech delegation met with Nigerian innovators and business leaders to explore collaborative ventures and partnerships.
It was the first official visit to the continent by a sitting Mayor of London — a symbolic and strategic gesture that highlighted the increasing importance British officials are placing on Africa’s fast-growing markets.
At the centre of discussions were digital expansion, trade facilitation, and cross-border innovation, with Lagos, Africa’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem positioned as a natural gateway.
Khan hails Lagos tech innovation
During his landmark visit to Lagos, London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the city’s booming tech scene, calling Yaba’s innovation hub “Yabacon Valley” and describing it as a symbol of Nigeria’s immense potential.
“We come not as patrons, not in a patronising way,” Khan told ARISE NEWS. “I recognise the history of the UK and Nigeria has not been an equal one in the past. The new government’s reset relations — we’ve come as partners.”
Accompanied by a delegation of top London firms in fintech, sustainability, and other sectors, Khan highlighted Lagos as “the fastest growing tech cluster in the world,” lauding its “ambition, energy and great ideas.”
UK-Nigeria business ties deepen
According to Mayowa Olugbile, CEO of Itana, Africa’s first Digital Special Economic Zone, British businesses are increasingly recognising Nigeria’s youthful talent pool, vibrant startup culture, and growing digital infrastructure as strategic advantages in today’s competitive global landscape.
“This is a relationship that has huge potential,”. “More businesses from London expand into Africa than from any other city in the world, while the bilateral trading relationship between the UK and Africa continues to rise.” he told Business Insider Africa
Olugbile added that the natural synergies between both regions are becoming more apparent, noting: “As the Mayor observed, Lagos is the fastest growing tech cluster anywhere in the world, while London is the largest tech hub in Europe and a global hub for trade and finance.”
As both governments lean into this evolving partnership, the Lagos visit is seen not just as a diplomatic mission but as a catalyst for long-term investment, joint innovation, and shared economic growth across both regions.
He added that they will continue working closely with UK partners to ensure London-based companies can seamlessly expand into Nigeria and fully tap into the opportunities available benefiting both sides.
