London Meets Lagos: Mayor Sadiq Khan Leads Major Tech & Trade Mission to Strengthen UK-Nigeria Innovation Ties

London & Partners, London’s growth agency, has this week brought 26 high-growth enterprise, sustainability, and fintech companies to Nigeria through its Grow London Global programme, as part of a wider trade mission led by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.

The trade mission aims to strengthen London’s economic, cultural, and innovation ties in Lagos and is supported by the British Deputy High Commission and the Department for Business and Trade, in Lagos. The exciting delegation of companies includes leading London high-growth companies including across fintech, enterprise, and sustainability sectors.

The group includes: Algomarketing, Chekkit, Climbing Trees, Deepsearch Labs, Envopap, Humble AI, iWarranty, MOONHUB, Oktopost, Tech1M, The Washing Machine Project, TIPA Solar, UpSkill Universe, Abound, Allica Bank, CLOWD9, E-Doc Online, Eversend, Fondy, Hoptroff, Knabu, Ozone API, meCash, Revenir, SaaScada, and Sumsub.

Kicking off this Monday 14^th of July, delegates attended a series of meetings and roundtables focused on how to do business in Nigeria and a ‘meet the corporate’ session led by the Dangote Group and Reckitt.

The two-day programme involved leading Nigerian ecosystem players including corporates, scale-ups, and government officials with sessions focused on:

• Climate Innovation in Nigeria with Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, Coca Coca, and Itana
• Corporate Investment in Technology with IHS Towers, Sterling Bank, Innovate UK, and KTN
• Unlocking Lagos Talent with Unilever, Lonadek Global Services, Impact Investors Foundation, and Acumen West Africa

On Tuesday 15^th of July, London & Partners hosted, alongside the Mayor of London, a major tech summit: Bridging Borders – How London and Lagos can shape the future of global tech. The event gathered together leading Nigerian and London business and tech players at the John Randle Centre in Lagos.

Attendees heard from speakers including:

• Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
• Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (E)Founding Partner, Future Africa
• Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, Founder, Beyond Limits
• The Honourable Commissioner Olatubosun Alake
• Kristin Wilson, Managing Partner, Innovate Africa Fund
• Gbite Oduneye at ODBA

This visit presents a unique opportunity for London and Lagos fintech, enterprise, and sustainability companies to explore joint initiatives in areas such as technology, financial services, and skills – helping to build lasting partnerships that benefit communities across our cities.

Thanks to these partnerships, members of both London and Lagos tech ecosystems will be able to share and gain access to a wealth of expert advice and guidance on practical issues including commercial, financial, global HR, legal, taxation, technology, and digital solutions, as they explore opportunities in each market.

Strengthening Global Tech Ties: London Leaders Champion Innovation, Trade, and Partnership in Africa

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan is visiting Lagos in Nigeria, Accra in Ghana, and Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa this week to build on extensive connections between the region and the capital’s growing African diaspora, and boost trade links with London.

Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, said: “This trade mission is a huge opportunity to promote cross ecosystem innovation, trade, and investment, between Lagos and London. We’re here to support London-based companies looking to expand into the Nigerian markets and showcase London as a leading global city for African business expansion as well.”

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (E), Founding Partner, Future Africa said: “We are delighted to welcome London’s finest business leaders and the Mayor of London to Lagos – Africa’s startup capital. Like London, Lagos is a melting pot of global talent with a history of creativity, commerce and innovation that spans centuries.  We hope this visit will reignite a new transatlantic partnership that will transform global innovation.”

Commenting on the trade mission, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, said:“The Mayor of London’s visit underscores the UK Government’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Nigeria. From trade to fintech and fashion, our collaboration is driving innovation and growth.

“Through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, we’re committed to unlocking new opportunities that benefit both our economies, and this visit is a powerful step forward in that journey of inclusive growth.”

Dr Ruby Pillai, CEO and Founder of iWarranty said: “I’m so pleased to be part of this fantastic Grow London Global delegation that London & Partners has brought to Lagos. It has provided an excellent opportunity to learn all about the Nigerian market.  We were able to meet incredible companies and potential partners like Dangote and Reckitt who gave us a huge insight into doing business in Nigeria, providing a solid platform for market entry.”

Sara French, Director of Grow London Global, said: “London is a global hub for innovation and we’re thrilled to bring some of the city’s most dynamic enterprise and sustainability companies to Nigeria as part of this exciting trade mission led by the Mayor of London. We’re looking forward to supporting the building of lasting business relationships and unlocking new opportunities in trade, technology, and skills for both our regions.”

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