London Goes Global: Mayor Khan’s African Adventure
What’s the buzz? Sadiq Khan is leading a leg‑and‑solid trek through Africa—Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town—to drum up business, boost cultural ties, and prove London can’t just talk about being the city that never sleeps; it can be the city that never stops growing.
So, Where’s the Road Trip?
- Lagos, Nigeria – The city that’s been crowned the world’s top emerging tech hub, according to fresh Dealroom data.
- Accra, Ghana – The place where you’ll hear “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” echo through the halls of the University of Ghana.
- Johannesburg, South Africa – The city that stands for Mandela Day celebrations and the history of the Anti‑Apartheid Movement.
- Cape Town, South Africa – The final stop with an epic tech summit to merge London’s and South Africa’s tech dynamos.
Why London Needs Africa
London is home to one of the biggest African diasporas in the world, a community that keeps our food, music, art, and sports shining. In 2024, UK‑Africa trade was a whopping £50 bn, with UK exports up 6 % YoY. Londoners of African heritage have helped shape the city’s vibrancy; Nigeria sits as the eighth most common country of birth, while Ghana is in the top 30 fastest‑growing populations.
London‑ Partners Takes the Lead
The city’s growth agency, London‑ Partners, has assembled a 27‑company trade delegation, packed with businesses itching to broaden horizons into this hotbed of opportunity.
Highlights by Country
Lagos: Tech, Finance, Culture
He’ll skip straight into a flagship tech event supercited by London‑ Partners, encouraging Nigerian tech firms to settle in Britain’s capital. The mayor also plans to visit the Nigerian Stock Exchange—so if you’ve been waiting for that ceremonial bell ring, ask them to not miss it. A standout moment: the recent listing of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc on the London Stock Exchange—showing the deep, real‑world link between London and Nigeria.
Accra: Innovation & De‑Bk – He’ll talk about tech, trade, and tacos.
Next stop: a speech at the University of Ghana. Imperial College London will co‑host, sharing its new Amsterdam‑style research partnerships and laudable science and tech mission in Africa.
Johannesburg: Mandela Legacy & Cultural Union
On 18 July, the city hums to “Mandela Day.” The mayor will be there celebrating that same factor that helped blow up the British anti‑apartheid movement’s “funds.” It’s a perfect place to welcome a new anti‑poverty initiative—and a reminder that the UK and South Africa were in the same nook of history.
Cape Town: Tech Vision & Sporting Concurrence
The London‑x‑Cape Town tech summit ensures London and South Africa keep playing catch‑up. And the mayor is remembering the role of sport in knitting communities together—via football—”so keep playing, keep building, keep celebrating.”
Say What?
If you’re wondering how this is going to help London’s interest in tourism and generic main‑stream culture of Africa: this is the raw “dynasty” of partnership. The London roster and Lagos creative vibrancy index are lauded worldwide, and soon London can do at the same level.
Quotes from the King
“I am delighted to be visiting 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.”
“I’ll be working tirelessly to steer trade and investment across finance, education, health, tech, creative and sustainability.”
“Londoners of African heritage help make London the greatest city in the world, and this trip celebrates shared heritage and history with Africa.”
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