Twenty-six high-growth startups from London have landed in Lagos this week to explore opportunities in the country’s fast-growing market.
The visit, under the banner of the Grow London Global programme, is part of a wider trade mission led by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and backed by the British deputy high commission and the UK department for Business and Trade.
The two-day mission, designed to foster long-term business partnerships, trade, and talent exchange, brings together some of London’s most promising scale-ups in fintech, enterprise software, and climate-tech sectors. The initiative aims to build a robust Lagos–London tech bridge, enabling cross-border collaboration, innovation, and investment between the two global cities.
Participating companies include Algomarketing, Chekkit, Climbing Trees, Deepsearch Labs, Envopap, Humble AI, iWarranty, MOONHUB, Oktopost, Tech1M, The Washing Machine Project, TIPA Solar, UpSkill Universe, Abound, Allica Bank, Clowd9, E-Doc Online, Eversend, Fondy, Hoptroff, Knabu, Ozone API, meCash, Revenir, SaaScada, and Sumsub.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan is visiting Lagos in Nigeria, Accra in Ghana, and Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa this week to build on extensive connections between the region and the capital’s growing African diaspora, and boost trade links with London.
Deputy mayor for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber OBE, said, “This trade mission is a huge opportunity to promote cross ecosystem innovation, trade, and investment, between Lagos and London. We’re here to support London-based companies looking to expand into the Nigerian markets and showcase London as a leading global city for African business expansion as well.”
Founding partner, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (E), said, “We are delighted to welcome London’s finest business leaders and the Mayor of London to Lagos – Africa’s startup capital. Like London, Lagos is a melting pot of global talent with a history of creativity, commerce and innovation that spans centuries. We hope this visit will reignite a new transatlantic partnership that will transform global innovation.”
Commenting on the trade mission, British deputy high commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said, “The Mayor of London’s visit underscores the UK government’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Nigeria. From trade to fintech and fashion, our collaboration is driving innovation and growth. Through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, we’re committed to unlocking new opportunities that benefit both our economies, and this visit is a powerful step forward in that journey of inclusive growth.”
CEO and founder of iWarranty, Dr Ruby Pillai, said, “I am so pleased to be part of this fantastic Grow London Global delegation that London & Partners has brought to Lagos. It has provided an excellent opportunity to learn all about the Nigerian market. We were able to meet incredible companies and potential partners like Dangote and Reckitt who gave us a huge insight into doing business in Nigeria, providing a solid platform for market entry.”
Director of Grow London Global, Sara French, said; “London is a global hub for innovation and we’re thrilled to bring some of the city’s most dynamic enterprise and sustainability companies to Nigeria as part of this exciting trade mission led by the Mayor of London. We’re looking forward to supporting the building of lasting business relationships and unlocking new opportunities in trade, technology, and skills for both our regions.”
