The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has hosted the first-ever London-Africa Business Summit at City Hall, bringing together political leaders, investors and business executives from across the African continent to strengthen economic ties with the United Kingdom. The summit, held in the City of London, convened around 200 participants from……
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has hosted the first-ever London-Africa Business Summit at City Hall, bringing together political leaders, investors and business executives from across the African continent to strengthen economic ties with the United Kingdom.
The summit, held in the City of London, convened around 200 participants from government and the private sector, including representatives from Ghana’s Ministry of Trade for Agribusiness and Industry, the Nigerian Exchange Group, SOAS, Ventures 54 and the London Africa Network.
According to City Hall, the event builds on the Mayor’s 2025 trade mission to Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa — the first undertaken by a London Mayor — during which the summit was first announced.
Since that visit, African businesses have invested more than £30 million into London through foreign direct investment, underscoring growing confidence in the city as a global financial hub.
London’s position as a leading destination for African capital was further highlighted by the presence of 117 African companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, spanning sectors such as telecommunications, energy, finance and technology. This includes major firms such as Airtel Africa and Seplat Energy.
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City Hall noted that this figure far exceeds listings on other global exchanges, with fewer than 20 African companies on the New York Stock Exchange, reinforcing London’s dominance as a preferred international market for African firms.
Speaking at the summit, Khan said the initiative was aimed at positioning London as the premier global destination for African companies seeking international expansion and investment.
“I am proud to host City Hall’s first ever London-Africa business Summit, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs and businesses to showcase London as the best city in the world for African companies to expand internationally and attract investment,” he said.
“With more African companies listed on the London Stock Exchange than any other exchange, it is one of the most globally important growth regions. I am delighted that my African trade mission last year has encouraged both inward investment and outward expansion, creating jobs and further strengthening the links between us. I look forward to more opportunities developing from this Summit as we continue to build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
The summit comes amid rising economic engagement between the UK and Africa, with total bilateral trade reaching approximately £52 billion in 2025. UK exports to African markets also increased to nearly £26.2 billion, reflecting growing demand for British goods and services.
Officials say Africa remains a key long-term growth region due to rapid urbanisation, population expansion, infrastructure development and increasing consumer demand, with the UK maintaining trade agreements with 18 African countries.
London’s Growth Plan projects an economic expansion target of £107 billion by 2035 and the creation of 150,000 jobs by 2028, with foreign direct investment identified as a central driver. The capital is currently ranked as one of the top global destinations for African investment outside the continent.
Speakers at the summit highlighted opportunities for collaboration across sectors including financial services, digital technology, healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy transition and the creative industries.
Mark Smithson, Country Director for the UK Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria and Anglo West Africa, said the summit strengthened international partnerships.
“The London-Africa Business Forum has brought together ambition, capital and creativity, reinforcing London’s role as a global gateway for African enterprise. As we look to the next chapter, we are deepening partnerships that drive sustainable growth, shared prosperity and long-term opportunity across both regions,” he said.
Soren Nikolajsen, Managing Director for Industry Engagement Defence and Trade at NatWest, described London as a leading global investment hub.
“London remains one of the world’s leading destinations for international investment, underpinned by its deep financial expertise and global connectivity. Bringing together investors from across Africa in this way is a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships,” he said.
Olukorede (K.O.) Adenowo, Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank UK, said the institution was focused on expanding cross-border financial flows.
“FirstBank UK is proud to support the strengthening of the Africa–UK corridor, where growing demand for capital and expertise continues to drive cross-border opportunity. London remains a powerful gateway for African businesses seeking to scale internationally,” he said.
Dylan Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Teybridge Capital, also noted the importance of expanding operations in London to support growth and client demand.
