London Mayor Sadiq Khan Launches First Official Trade Mission to Nigeria Focusing on Tech Collaboration

London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently visited Lagos, Nigeria, to bolster cultural and economic ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on the tech sector. This visit marked the first official London trade mission to Nigeria, underscoring the increasing interest in tech collaboration between the two cities. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced this during a Tech Summit organized in Lagos, with the theme ‘Bridging Borders: How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Technology.’

Khan commended Lagos as a remarkable city, likening it to Africa’s tech capital, much like London is in Europe. He highlighted London’s African diaspora as a “secret weapon” for enhancing cooperation between London and African countries, particularly Nigeria. Khan encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators to view London as a familiar and welcoming hub for expansion. Lagos Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, advocated for a robust London-Lagos innovation corridor. He described both cities as capitals of creativity and commerce, with Lagos thriving despite challenges such as erratic power and heavy traffic. Alake emphasized the need for strong connections, stronger than broadband, to unlock full potential. He envisioned a partnership where London’s financial power meets Lagos’s dynamic innovation landscape. The commissioner noted that the collaboration aims to shape the future, not just pursue profit. “Nigerian startups are building global solutions from local realities,” he said, adding that excellence can emerge from any environment. He said the partnership aims to advance digital finance, promote ethical data use, and establish a North-South tech highway, anchored in Lagos and London. Alake cited successful collaborations, such as Moneypoint, which tested fintech models in Nigeria’s challenging yet feedback-rich markets. He noted Lagos has laid over 4,000km of fibre optic cables and launched tech hubs in underserved areas, prioritizing girls’ STEM education. “We’re inviting partners to co-invest, co-build, and co-lead with visionary governments,” he said. He warned that delays caused by regulatory hurdles might allow the next unicorn to emerge from Kigali instead. Alake urged Nigerian tech leaders to form alliances, stressing that two per cent of something is better than 100 per cent of nothing. “True bridges emerge when Nigerian spirit meets London structure, British capital fuels Nigerian creativity, and everyone stops waiting for permission,” he said.

Howard Dawber, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, described the mission as a major step for trade and innovation. He said the mission supports London firms expanding into Nigeria and positions London as a launchpad for African business growth. Future Africa’s Founding Partner, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, compared Lagos to London as a global melting pot of talent and creativity. He expressed optimism that the visit would spark a lasting transatlantic innovation partnership. The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos said the Mayor’s visit highlights the UK’s commitment to deeper ties with Nigeria. He said the UK-Nigeria trade partnership is opening new opportunities, and this visit represents a step toward inclusive economic growth. The trade mission presents opportunities for London and Lagos companies to collaborate on technology, financial services, and skills, benefiting communities in both regions.