Mayor Leads Landmark Trade Mission to Africa Aiming to Unlock £50 Billion in Opportunities

London’s Mayor Takes the World Tour to Africa

Hold onto your hats – Sadiq Khan is stepping out of the capital’s office and into the bustling streets of Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. With a suitcase full of ambition and a calendar packed tight, he’s on a mission to turn London into the go-to spot for investors exploring Africa’s booming markets.

Four Cities, Five Days, One Big Goal

Lagos, Nigeria – the city that’s been crowned the world’s top emerging tech hub.
Accra, Ghana – where innovation meets academia.
Johannesburg, South Africa – the place to honor Mandela Day with a twist of business.
Cape Town, South Africa – where tech talk meets sea‑side vibes.

Why Africa? Why Now?

London’s relationship with Africa is no secret whisper. Trade between the UK and the continent hit £50 bn in 2024, and London leads the pack with the most companies venturing out there. A new splash of growth with exports up 6% year-on-year shows that this is the moment to cement the partnership.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

Remember how Nigeria is the eighth most common country of birth for Londoners? Or that Ghana ranks in the top 30 fastest‑growing populations in the city? London’s diverse heritage isn’t just a statistic – it’s a thriving tapestry of food, music, art, sport, and brushstrokes that have built the city’s heartbeat.

What’s on the Itinerary?

Lagos: Tech & Creativity Unleashed

At a flagship event hosted by London & Partners, Sadiq will shout out to Nigerian tech pioneers to consider London as their next playground. He’ll drop a visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, meet budding entrepreneurs, and ring the ceremonial bell to close the day – because nothing says “investment potential” like a giant bell.

To top it all off, a culture & creative industries reception will celebrate Lagos’ position as a creative powerhouse, inviting artists, musicians, and filmmakers to mingle with London’s own vibrant scene.

Accra: Innovation, Education, and a Gala Speaking Boost

In Accra, Sadiq will address students at the University of Ghana – a hothouse for science and technology research. He’ll launch a new business campaign from the British High Commission, aiming to turn universities into launchpads for startups.

Johannesburg: Mandela Day Meets Business

With Mandela’s birthday on the calendar, the mayor will commemorate the legacy that once drew the South African icon into London. He’ll sponsor a cultural centre dedicated to anti‑apartheid history, proving that historical remembrance and modern commerce can coexist proudly.

Cape Town: Tech Summit & Sporting Spirit

At the London & Partners’ London x Cape Town Tech Summit, lauded opportunities will blossom between the two cities’ tech sectors. Plus, Sadiq will soak up the thrilling synergy between sport and community, from local pitches in London to the cheering crowds in Cape Town.

Let’s Hear the Mayor Say It

“I’m thrilled to be the first Mayor of London to head to Africa. This tour isn’t just about trade; it’s a shout‑out to our African heritage, to the vibrant cultures that make London shine. Over the next decade, we’ll dive into finance, tech, education, health, and sustainability – building a fairer, richer city for everyone.”