*The British High Commission in Nigeria discloses the UK businesses join Lagos Mission to explore investment opportunities and growth in the FinTech sector of the economy

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has successfully concluded his visit to Lagos, Nigeria.

The British Deputy High Commission Thursday, July 16, 2025, stated Khan’s Lagos visit was aimed at strengthening the UK-Nigeria economic relationship while聽 celebrating the deep cultural ties, shared vibrancy, and global influence of two dynamic cities – London and Lagos.

The British Mission disclosed that his recent visit marked the growing importance of Nigeria as a key partner in the UK鈥檚 global trade and investment strategy, particularly in sectors, such as Financial Technology (FinTech), innovation, and the creative economy.

The statement also noted besides the visit, the Mayor of London led a trade delegation of 27 London-based companies in FinTech, enterprise technology, and sustainability, supported by the Mayor鈥檚 growth agency, London & Partners.

Under the leadership of Howard Dawber, OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, the agency facilitated a series of high-level engagements in Nigeria.

It is delegation connected with Nigerian policymakers, investors, and creatives through curated events aimed at fostering collaboration and unlocking new business opportunities across Africa.

The UK Government further noted Khan’s visit marked the first official trip by a sitting Mayor of London to sub-Saharan Africa.

This development underscores “London鈥檚 commitment to building long-term, cross-sector partnerships that support inclusive growth, digital transformation, and cultural exchange,” it said.

The Mission stated Mayor Khan鈥檚 engagements in Lagos commenced with participation in a panel discussion at the 鈥淏ridging Borders: How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Tech鈥�, a tech event where he highlighted how London and Lagos could jointly shape the future of global innovation, and he encouraged Nigerian tech businesses to invest in London.

The Mayor of London as well attended the Lagos Canvas Reception, a celebration of Nigeria鈥檚 flourishing creative sector which he co-hosted with Mo Abudu at the Ebony Life place.

The reception celebrated the status of Lagos and London as cultural and creative industry powerhouses and looked to encourage even greater ties between the creative industry ecosystems in both cities.

From the arts to fashion, music and film – central to the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) – which is expanding trade and unlocking new opportunities in the creative economy.

Rounding off his visit to Lagos, the statement disclosed the Mayor of London would continue his historic trade mission with stops in Accra, Johannesburg and Cape Town to bang the drum for the capital as a place for investment, innovation, and cultural exchange – strengthening ties with countries across the African continent for economic growth.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 鈥淚 am delighted to be visiting Nigeria and Africa this week 鈥� the first visit of its kind by a Mayor of London 鈥� to bang the drum for the capital and further develop the strong ties between our countries.

鈥淎frica has the world鈥檚 fastest growing populations and is seeing major economic growth across many of its economies.”

He stated: “Over the next decade there are huge opportunities to deepen partnerships with London. “I will be working tirelessly throughout this visit to drive trade and investment across critical sectors including finance, education, health, tech creative and sustainability.”

Khan said: 鈥淟ondoners of African heritage have played, and continue to play, a huge role in making London the greatest city in the world.

“This trip is an opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage, history and culture with the African continent – as we build a better and fairer city for everyone.鈥�

Mr. Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, in Lagos, said: 鈥淭he Mayor of London鈥檚 visit underscores the UK Government鈥檚 commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Nigeria.

“From trade to fintech and fashion, our collaboration is driving innovation and growth.”

Baxter noted: 鈥淭hrough the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, we鈥檙e committed to unlocking new opportunities that benefit both our economies, and this visit is a powerful step forward in that journey of inclusive growth.鈥�

Likewise, Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa, said: 鈥淪ir Sadiq’s visit marks an exciting moment for the UK’s relationship with countries across Africa and is a strong demonstration of our commitment to deepening our ties with the continent.

“Strengthening our trade, investment, and cultural ties is not only vital for shared economic growth, but also for fostering long-term partnerships that are rooted in respect and open up opportunities for all.”

About London and Partners

London & Partners鈥痠s the growth agency for London.

Its mission is to create economic growth that is resilient,鈥痵ustainable,鈥痑nd inclusive.

The agency also offers a range of programmes and initiatives to drive business growth in London and internationally.

There is a total of 27 companies on the trade mission.

These include Enterprise and Sustainability (13) 鈥� Algomarketing, Chekkit, Climbing Trees, Deepsearch Labs, Envopap, Humble AI, iWarranty, MOONHUB, Oktopost, Tech1M, The Washing Machine Project, TIPA Solar, UpSkill Universe

Fintech (14) 鈥� Abound, Advai, Allica Bank, CLOWD9, E-Doc Online, Eversend, Fondy, Hoptroff, Knabu, Ozone API, meCash, Revenir, SaaScada and Sumsub.

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