News Highlights:
- London’s Mayor Leads Landmark Trade Mission to Lagos
- Major UK-Nigeria Tech Summit Sparks Cross-Border Partnerships
London & Partners, the city’s official growth agency, has this week brought 26 high-growth companies operating across enterprise, sustainability, and fintech to Nigeria as part of its Grow London Global programme.
This initiative forms a major part of a broader trade mission led by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
With a clear focus on strengthening London’s economic, cultural, and innovation ties with Lagos, the mission is supported by the British Deputy High Commission and the Department for Business and Trade in Lagos.
Among the companies represented in this vibrant delegation are some of London’s fastest-growing enterprises, all active in fintech, sustainability, and enterprise innovation.
The participating companies include 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 on Monday, July 14, the delegates engaged in a packed programme of roundtables and networking sessions centred on doing business in Nigeria. Notably, they took part in a ‘meet the corporate’ session hosted by local giants, the Dangote Group and Reckitt, which provided first-hand insights into the Nigerian market.
Over two days, delegates interacted with Nigerian corporates, scale-ups, and government representatives.
The programme featured key discussions on topics such as Climate Innovation in Nigeria, with contributions from the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, Coca-Cola, and Itana; Corporate Investment in Technology, involving IHS Towers, Sterling Bank, Innovate UK, and KTN; and Unlocking Lagos Talent, in collaboration with Unilever, Lonadek Global Services, the Impact Investors Foundation, and Acumen West Africa.
On Tuesday, July 15, London & Partners, together with the Mayor of London, hosted a landmark tech summit titled Bridging Borders – How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Tech, held at the John Randle Centre in Lagos. The summit brought together top-tier players in the Nigerian and London tech and business ecosystems.
Speakers at the summit included Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London; Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (E), Founding Partner of Future Africa; Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, Founder of Beyond Limits; The Honourable Commissioner Olatubosun Alake; Kristin Wilson, Managing Partner at Innovate Africa Fund; and Gbite Oduneye of ODBA.
This visit has provided a rare platform for fintech, enterprise, and sustainability players from both London and Lagos to explore collaborative initiatives spanning technology, financial services, and workforce development—paving the way for enduring partnerships that benefit communities in both cities.
These partnerships offer mutual access to expert insights on commercial strategy, finance, global HR, legal frameworks, taxation, digital transformation, and technology implementation, helping companies explore new markets with confidence.
Sadiq Khan’s visit to Lagos is part of a wider tour of Africa, including stops in Accra, Ghana, and Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. The visit aims to deepen trade and cultural links with the region, particularly in light of the capital’s growing African diaspora.
Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, commented: “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 of Future Africa, added: “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.”
Also reflecting on the significance of the visit, the 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, who was part of the delegation, shared her experience: “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, echoed the enthusiasm of the delegation: “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.”