In a historic recognition of Africa’s digital momentum, Lagos has been named the , according to a new global report by Dealroom.co, a Netherlands-based research firm renowned for its data-driven insights on startups and tech ecosystems worldwide.

This prestigious ranking, revealed in Dealroom’s , places Lagos at the top of its category—signifying a city that is rapidly scaling both in innovation capacity and market impact.

According to the report, Lagos has seen a , now worth over . The growth is fueled by a robust startup culture, a youthful, tech-savvy population, and policy frameworks that increasingly support entrepreneurship and investment.

The city now boasts —startups valued at over $1 billion—an extraordinary achievement for an economy still navigating infrastructural challenges and macroeconomic constraints.

For CSR-focused observers, Lagos’s emergence as a global tech powerhouse holds deep . The tech boom is not just reshaping markets—it’s creating opportunities for youth employment, digital education, climate innovation, and financial inclusion.

“This is more than a headline; it is a validation of Africa’s capability to lead in innovation that matters to real people,” says Adeola Olayemi, a Lagos-based impact investor. “Startups here are tackling everything from climate resilience to mobile banking for underserved populations. That’s the real win.”

One notable feature of Lagos’s tech rise is the and . From fintech firms enabling access to banking for the unbanked, to cleantech startups addressing urban pollution and waste, the city’s ecosystem is blending profitability with public purpose—aligning perfectly with the values of modern CSR.

The Dealroom report also placed in second and third place respectively, acknowledging their rapid growth in global tech prominence. However, Lagos’s story stands out because of the .

In recent years, Lagos State Government has implemented pro-innovation policies including youth-focused tech programs, digital skills training, and partnerships with global accelerators—demonstrating how .

As Lagos cements its position on the global innovation map, the challenge—and opportunity—will lie in ensuring that its growth remains equitable and sustainable. Experts call for continued investment in infrastructure, education, digital rights, and green technologies to support a tech ecosystem that leaves no one behind.

Lagos’s recognition is not only a win for Nigeria but a signal to the world: Africa is not just participating in the digital revolution—it is helping shape its future.