On his first official visit to Nigeria — and the first ever by a London Mayor — Sadiq Khan is reaching out to Africa in a big way. As part of a broader tour that includes Ghana and South Africa,
Khan’s mission is clear: strengthen trade, tech, and cultural ties between London and the continent.
In Lagos, he connected with Nigeria’s vibrant arts and tech communities. At “Lagos Canvas”, a cultural showcase hosted by Mo Abudu at Ebony Place, Khan praised Abudu, saying, “They call Mo the Oprah of Africa. I call Oprah the Mo of the USA.” He also described Lagos as “the cultural capital of Africa” and emphasized building *bridges*, not *walls*, between Lagos and London.
He visited the renowned Nike Art Gallery, met with legendary artist Nike Okundaye, and engaged in a dynamic session with local tech innovators. Khan called Lagos the “tech hub of Africa,” likening it to London’s own booming startup scene. Nigeria’s fintech sector — home to multiple unicorns — clearly impressed him.
The UK-Nigeria trade relationship, however, could use a boost. In 2024, trade between the two nations dropped 7.6% to £7.2 billion. Khan’s visit aims to reverse that trend and deepen economic engagement.
Beyond trade, people are central. Nigerians are among the largest immigrant groups in the UK, with many professionals in tech, arts, and culture moving under the Global Talent visa. Khan’s message: "The UK needs your talent."
One major outcome? Khan announced that the first Africa-London Business Summit will be held in London next year. Photo by OpenUpEd, Wikimedia commons.