The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on Thursday wrapped up a landmark visit to Lagos, Nigeria—his first official trip to sub-Saharan Africa—as part of a broader effort to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Africa’s largest economy.
The visit, described as historic, highlighted Nigeria’s rising profile in the UK’s international trade and investment strategy. It also marked the first time a sitting Mayor of London has visited the region.
Leading a 27-member trade delegation of London-based companies specialising in fintech, enterprise technology, and sustainability, Mayor Khan spotlighted Nigeria’s vibrant innovation landscape and expressed a commitment to deepening long-term partnerships across sectors including finance, technology, education, health, the creative industries, and sustainability.
“Africa has the world’s fastest-growing populations and major economic potential. The time to build strong partnerships is now,” Khan said, emphasising the strategic significance of the mission.
During his visit, Khan paid tribute to Londoners of African heritage, calling them “vital to the city’s identity.” He also co-hosted a “Lagos Canvas Reception” alongside media mogul Mo Abudu at EbonyLife Place, celebrating the strength of Nigeria’s creative sector. The reception affirmed Lagos and London as global cultural hubs and explored future collaborations in art, fashion, music, and film.
As part of his engagements, Khan participated in the “Bridging Borders” panel, where he encouraged Nigerian tech innovators to consider London as a launchpad for international growth and investment.
British officials who accompanied the Mayor underscored the strategic importance of the visit. British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening ties through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), while UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, described the visit as a “milestone moment” for UK-Africa relations.
Mayor Khan’s visit to Lagos is part of a wider African tour that includes stops in Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, aimed at positioning London as a leading global hub for investment, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.
