London Nigeria trade mission sparks fresh investment talks as 27 UK firms explore fintech and innovation opportunities in Africa’s largest economy

The just-concluded London Nigeria trade mission led by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has opened new investment talks between over two dozen UK companies and Nigerian innovators in fintech, sustainability, and enterprise tech.

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According to a statement by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the British Deputy High Commission on Thursday, 27 London-based companies were part of the delegation, which held strategic meetings with Nigerian officials, investors, and creatives during Khan’s visit to Lagos.

The delegation was coordinated by London & Partners, the Mayor’s international growth agency, and was aimed at unlocking business opportunities across the continent while strengthening bilateral trade relationships.

Participating firms included 13 companies focused on enterprise and sustainability—such as Envopap, The Washing Machine Project, MOONHUB, and TIPA Solar—and 14 fintech players including Sumsub, Revenir, Allica Bank, Knabu, Fondy, and Eversend.

Mayor Khan, on his first visit to Nigeria, described the trip as historic and essential for deepening ties between London and African cities.

“I am delighted to be visiting Nigeria and Africa this week, the first visit of its kind by a Mayor of London, to bang the drum for the capital and further develop the strong ties between our countries,” he said.

“Africa has the world’s fastest-growing populations and is seeing major economic growth. Over the next decade, there are huge opportunities to deepen partnerships with London.”

He added that the trade mission would focus on core sectors such as tech, education, finance, and sustainability, stressing that Nigerians in London had played a key role in shaping the capital’s identity.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, noted that the London Nigeria trade mission was a bold signal of growing momentum in UK–Africa engagement.

“The Mayor of London’s visit underscores the UK Government’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Nigeria,” Baxter said.

“From trade to fintech and fashion, our collaboration is driving innovation and growth.”

The UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership continues to play a pivotal role in creating platforms for cross-sector investment, Baxter added, pointing to the trade mission as a clear step in that direction.

UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, welcomed the visit as a visible commitment to building long-term relationships on the continent.

“Sir Sadiq’s visit marks an exciting moment for the UK’s relationship with countries across Africa and is a strong demonstration of our commitment to deepening our ties with the continent,” Collins said.

“Strengthening our trade, investment, and cultural ties is not only vital for shared economic growth but also for fostering long-term partnerships that are rooted in respect and open up opportunities for all.”

The Mayor’s Lagos engagements included curated forums where UK startups and innovators interacted with Nigerian entrepreneurs, regulators, and tech ecosystem leaders.

The London Nigeria trade mission highlighted Lagos as a priority destination for British capital, particularly in the fintech and creative economy sectors.

Both governments reaffirmed their support for inclusive, innovation-led growth through policies and partnerships.

Khan is now set to continue the trade tour in Ghana and South Africa, visiting Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town to strengthen ties with more African cities.

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His Lagos visit marks the growing importance of Nigeria in the UK’s global investment strategy, especially as London positions itself as a partner for African innovation and development.