The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has arrived in Lagos as part of a five-day trade mission to Africa and said the city is Africa’s economic powerhouse and cultural capital.
Khan confirmed his presence in Nigeria on Tuesday through posts on his verified social media accounts, where he shared several photos of himself at key locations in Lagos, including one standing beside a mural with the inscription “This is Lagos.”
In his post, Khan said, “This is Lagos: Africa’s economic powerhouse and a cultural capital. From booming startups to thriving markets, Nollywood to Afrobeats, Lagos drives innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent. Great to be here to strengthen business ties and unlock new opportunities.”
The London mayor, who is leading a UK trade delegation, noted that Lagos is the first stop on a four-city tour aimed at boosting trade and investment between the United Kingdom and key African economies.
“Great to be here in Lagos with our trade delegation. Over the next five days, I’ll visit four cities, promoting trade and investment opportunities across key sectors such as finance, education, healthcare, technology, the creative industries and sustainability,” he wrote in a follow-up post.
As part of his engagements, Khan attended Lagos Canvas, a creative showcase co-hosted by EbonyLife CEO, Mo Abudu, and held at EbonyLife Place on Victoria Island. The event brought together top players in Nigeria’s entertainment and creative sectors, including film, music, fashion, and visual arts.
In a statement published on Tuesday on the official website of the Mayor of London, Khan noted that Nigeria’s creative sector contributes approximately $5.6 billion to the country’s GDP and stands as the nation’s second-largest employer.
“The Nigerian government is aiming for the sector to generate $100 billion by 2030. I want London to be part of that journey,” he said in the statement.
Khan described Lagos and London as two of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world, saying closer collaboration could unlock economic growth, unite communities and create opportunities for young people.
Figures shared by the Mayor’s office show that London’s creative economy generates more than £63 billion annually and supports one in five jobs in the city.
He also acknowledged the growing influence of Nigerian culture in the UK, including the rise of Afrobeats and Burna Boy’s record-setting stadium performance in 2023.
Although details of Khan’s meetings with Nigerian government officials or business leaders have not yet been made public, he is expected to hold strategic sessions with key stakeholders across multiple sectors during his visit.
Khan’s visit is part of ongoing efforts by London to deepen economic and cultural ties with cities across Africa.
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