The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on Thursday hosted the first London-Africa Business Summit, bringing together over 200 business leaders, investors and policymakers to strengthen trade and investment relations between London and African countries.
The summit, held in the City of London, attracted representatives from government agencies, financial institutions, stock exchanges and private sector organisations across Africa and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the event, Khan said the summit was aimed at positioning London as the preferred destination for African businesses seeking international expansion and investment opportunities.
He noted that more African companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange than on any other stock exchange globally, highlighting London’s strong economic ties with the continent.
According to the mayor, African businesses have invested more than £30 million in London through foreign direct investment since his trade mission to Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa in 2025.
Khan added that the summit would create new opportunities for collaboration in key sectors, including financial services, technology, education, healthcare, energy, infrastructure and the creative industry.
He said, “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.”
Also speaking, the UK Department for Business and Trade Country Director for Nigeria and Anglo West Africa, Mark Smithson, said the forum had strengthened partnerships that would drive sustainable growth and create economic opportunities across both regions.
Representatives of financial institutions and investment firms at the summit also expressed confidence in London’s position as a gateway for African businesses seeking access to global markets.
Organisers said the event builds on growing economic relations between the UK and Africa, with total trade between both sides estimated at about £52 billion in 2025.
