In a historic diplomatic and economic engagement, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has wrapped up a high-impact visit to Lagos, strengthening UK-Nigeria ties across technology, creative industries, and sustainable trade.
The visit — the first ever by a sitting Mayor of London to sub-Saharan Africa — underscores Nigeria’s growing significance in the UK’s global trade strategy, particularly in fintech, innovation, and the creative economy.
Leading a powerful delegation of 27 London-based companies in fintech, sustainability, and enterprise tech, Khan’s mission aimed to spark investment opportunities, promote cross-continental collaboration, and foster inclusive economic growth.
“We are deepening our friendship and economic ties with Nigeria, especially in tech, health, finance, and creative industries,” Khan said during a panel at the ‘Bridging Borders: How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Tech’ event.
The Mayor urged Nigerian startups to explore London as a global tech hub and gateway to international markets.
He emphasized Lagos and London’s shared vibrancy, innovation potential, and deep cultural synergy.
Creative Economy at the Forefront
Khan also co-hosted the Lagos Canvas Reception with media mogul Mo Abudu, celebrating Nigeria’s creative scene in film, fashion, and music.
The event spotlighted growing opportunities under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), which expands trade in the cultural sector.
From fashion runways to streaming platforms, Khan noted that both cities are “powerhouses of global creativity” and called for more partnerships between artists and entrepreneurs from both nations.
Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, stated that Lagos, being the first point of deep contact with Nigeria centuries ago, was critical in re-shaping the emerging Anglo-Nigerian relationship.
“The Mayor’s visit highlights our dedication to deepening UK-Nigeria trade ties, especially in fintech and fashion, with shared economic benefits,” he noted.
Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa, echoed this, calling the visit “a milestone in our enduring relationship with Africa.”
Strengthening Anglo-African Relations
As he heads to Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town next, the Mayor’s Africa trade tour continues to position London as a hub for global investment and innovation, while reinforcing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships across the continent.
UK #Fintech trade delegates had great meetings with @DeloitteNG, @FirstBankngr.@UBAGroup, @ZenithBank, @gtbank & @accessbank, exploring investment and partnership opportunities to grow 🇬🇧 and 🇳🇬 financial services.#GrowUKNG pic.twitter.com/CdVb0tYzNt
— UK in Nigeria🇬🇧🇳🇬 (@UKinNigeria) July 18, 2025
The 27 companies on the trade mission span multiple sectors:
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Fintech: SaaScada, Sumsub, Fondy, Allica Bank, CLOWD9, Eversend, and more.
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Enterprise & Sustainability: Chekkit, MOONHUB, Envopap, Deepsearch Labs, Tech1M, and others.