UK Moves To Connect Nigerian Businesses With Global Investors, Markets

The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed its commitment to helping ambitious Nigerian and African businesses attract investment, build strategic partnerships, expand into international markets and compete globally.

The commitment was highlighted during a week-long series of engagements with entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and business leaders at Moonshot by TechCabal 2026, Africa’s flagship technology and innovation gathering held in Lagos under the theme: “Courage & Conviction: Building for a New World.”

In a statement issued at the weekend by Ndidi Amaka Eze of the UK mission in Lagos, the UK said its participation was aimed at strengthening commercial ties, promoting innovation and creating opportunities for African businesses to scale.

Through the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, the country also supported the Magna Investor Connection Drive, which brought together 25 vetted founders and 15 active investors for curated, pre-matched meetings designed to facilitate investment, business growth and new partnerships.

A major highlight of the UK’s participation was the engagement of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long, alongside other UK representatives, with founders, investors and ecosystem leaders at Moonshot to explore opportunities shaping Africa’s next generation of globally competitive businesses.

The engagements advanced discussions on digital trade, access to finance, climate resilience and innovation-led growth, while promoting partnerships and investment connections needed to support business expansion and sustainable economic development.

Alongside Moonshot, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, convened founders, investors and ecosystem leaders at a reception ahead of the African Prosperity Summit 2026, hosted by Venture Platform.

The meeting focused on how innovation, investment and stronger partnerships could accelerate economic growth across Africa.

Throughout the week, the UK highlighted opportunities available to high-growth businesses through its network of investors, institutions and programmes, including the Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP).

The programme supports ambitious international companies seeking to establish a UK headquarters or research and development presence as part of their global expansion plans.

The Country Director of the UK-Nigeria Technology Hub at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Oyinkan Akinola-Bello, said Nigeria was home to some of Africa’s most innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs.

“Through our partnerships with founders, investors, policymakers and ecosystem builders, we are helping create the conditions businesses need to grow, attract investment and access international opportunities,” she said.

Akinola-Bello said the UK remained committed to supporting innovation and enterprise, adding that it wanted more Nigerian businesses to expand successfully, build global connections and drive sustainable economic growth.

“The real measure of success will be the partnerships, investments and opportunities that emerge long after this week has ended,” she said.

The UK’s participation at Moonshot 2026 forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen commercial ties between both countries, support entrepreneurship and connect ambitious African businesses with the investment, expertise and international partnerships needed to expand operations, create jobs and promote shared prosperity.