The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has successfully concluded a landmark visit to Lagos, underscoring the growing strategic importance of Nigeria in the United Kingdom’s global trade, investment, and cultural landscape.

In what marks the first official visit by a sitting Mayor of London to sub-Saharan Africa, Khan led a high-profile trade delegation comprising 27 London-based companies in fintech, enterprise technology, and sustainability. The mission, organised by his economic development agency, London & Partners, aimed to foster deeper economic collaboration and celebrate the shared cultural dynamism between Lagos and London.

The delegation held a series of engagements with Nigerian policymakers, investors, and creatives, highlighting sectors such as innovation, creative industries, and green tech as areas of mutual opportunity. The Lagos stop also included the announcement of a new strategic technology partnership between the two cities, designed to boost innovation and inclusive digital development.

Khan emphasized the shared potential of the two tech powerhouses. “London is Europe’s tech capital, and Lagos is Africa’s. This partnership brings together the power of British capital and Nigerian creativity,” he said. “We are here as partners, to build wealth, create jobs, and shape the future of technology globally.”

Lagos Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, welcomed the collaboration, calling it the beginning of a robust “innovation corridor.” He added, “This is about co-creation, not just exports. Lagos brings dynamic energy, and London brings capital and regulatory experience.”

The visit also featured a reception at EbonyLife Place, co-hosted with media mogul Mo Abudu, celebrating Nigeria’s burgeoning creative sector and the cultural ties between both cities. Khan’s Africa tour continues with upcoming stops in Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, aiming to further position London as a global hub for innovation, culture, and investment.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, hailed the visit as a significant milestone in UK-Nigeria relations. “This mission reaffirms our commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties. The collaboration between our countries continues to drive innovation and inclusive growth,” he said.

UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, also lauded the initiative, describing it as “a powerful demonstration of long-term partnership rooted in mutual respect and opportunity.”

As London looks to deepen its ties with African economies, Khan’s visit highlights a renewed UK focus on fostering sustainable, inclusive growth across the continent through innovation, trade, and cultural diplomacy.