London Mayor Sadiq Khan is embarking on a significant journey to four major African cities – Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. This tour is part of a UK-Africa engagement initiative aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and cultural collaborations between the United Kingdom and the African continent.
The upcoming visit underscores London’s commitment to expanding global relationships beyond Europe and acknowledges the historical and contemporary connections between the UK capital and Africa. City Hall has outlined that the purpose of the trip is to spotlight the contributions of African communities to London’s diversity and economy while establishing new partnerships in business, technology, and the creative industries.
Mayor Khan confirmed his travel plans, stating, “Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town; These will be my stops later this month on the first trade mission to Africa by a Mayor of London.” This announcement follows his recent visit to Flygerians, a Nigerian restaurant in Peckham, where he engaged with business owners to witness firsthand the impact of African entrepreneurs on the city’s economy.
The Africa trip, originally announced in December, is a strategic effort to deepen trade, environmental, and cultural ties between London and key African economies. Mayor Khan’s itinerary will take him to four major commercial hubs across Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa – cities known for being dynamic economic centers. The visit will include high-level meetings with political and business leaders, as well as engagements with cultural institutions and members of the African diaspora.
“I’m delighted to announce that later this month I will be visiting Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa to bang the drum for further investment in London and strengthen the cultural ties we have with each country,” Mayor Khan expressed. With a focus on growing populations, advancing technology hubs, and enhancing trading relationships, this trade mission aims to drive more investment in London and deepen partnerships.
In Nigeria and Ghana, Mayor Khan is expected to explore new collaborations in technology, fintech, education, and infrastructure. In South Africa, the emphasis will be on green investment and promoting city-to-city cooperation on urban sustainability and innovation. This visit aligns with London’s broader strategy to position itself as a global gateway for African investment and creativity, while honoring the longstanding ties shaped by migration, trade, and shared heritage.
