The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has wrapped up a historic trade and investment mission to Lagos, Nigeria, with a strong focus on strengthening UK-Nigeria ties through fintech collaboration, innovation partnerships, and cultural exchange. The visit, which marked the first-ever official trip by a sitting Mayor of London to sub-Saharan Africa, highlights London’s growing interest in Africa’s tech-driven economies.

Khan, accompanied by a 27-member delegation of London-based fintech, enterprise technology, and sustainability firms, held high-level meetings with Nigerian policymakers, investors, and tech entrepreneurs to explore trade and investment opportunities. The delegation, facilitated by London & Partners—London’s official growth agency—underscored the UK capital’s push to position itself as Africa’s top global partner for tech and creative industries.


Speaking on the sidelines of the visit, Khan described Lagos as a “tech and fintech powerhouse” and expressed excitement over the city’s role in shaping global digital transformation.

“Africa has the world’s fastest-growing population and is seeing major economic growth across many of its economies. Over the next decade, there are huge opportunities to deepen partnerships with London,” Khan said. “I am here to bang the drum for London, showcase our shared heritage, and build long-term partnerships in finance, creative tech, education, health, and sustainability.”

The London mayor also participated in a panel discussion at the “Bridging Borders: How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Tech” event, where he urged Nigerian fintech firms to consider London as an investment and scaling destination.


Lagos has become Africa’s undisputed fintech capital, hosting over 500 active fintech startups, according to data from StartupList Africa. The city leads the continent in venture funding, global recognition, and tech policy support, making it a natural hub for UK-African partnerships.

Industry experts say that this visit could open fresh trade opportunities under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, which has already laid the groundwork for bilateral cooperation in technology, creative industries, and sustainable energy.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, praised the visit, saying it underscores the UK Government’s commitment to driving economic growth through collaboration.

“The Mayor of London’s visit shows how serious we are about unlocking fintech, trade, and fashion opportunities with Nigeria,” Baxter said. “Through this partnership, we’re creating jobs, driving innovation, and boosting inclusive growth in both economies.”

Similarly, the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, described Khan’s trip as “a strong demonstration of the UK’s renewed interest in Africa’s emerging markets”, adding that “deepening trade and cultural ties will create sustainable opportunities for young people on both continents.”


After Lagos, Khan is expected to continue his African trade tour with stops in Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, further promoting London as a global hub for tech innovation, finance, and cultural exchange.



Analysts predict that the London Mayor’s visit could pave the way for:

More venture capital inflow from UK-based investors into Nigerian fintech firms.

Collaborative fintech regulatory frameworks between Nigeria and the UK.

New partnerships in education, digital health, and creative tech industries.

Greater global exposure for Nigerian startups looking to expand to Europe.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its position as Africa’s largest startup and fintech market, this renewed UK interest may accelerate Lagos’ rise as a global innovation hub.