On July 15, 2025, the 'Bridging Borders' summit in Lagos gathered technology representatives from London and Nigeria with the aim of strengthening economic and technological collaboration.
Overview of the Summit
The summit 'Bridging Borders: How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Tech' took place at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. Organized by 'London & Partners', it marked the historic first trade mission of Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to Africa. High-profile representatives from the tech ecosystems of both cities attended, signifying a significant step in collaboration between London and Lagos.
Topics and Discussions
The summit addressed the complexities of cross-border operations, seeking partners, and fostering collaboration. Key speakers included Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, who emphasized the entrepreneurial spirit driving Nigeria’s tech sector. A major focus was on Nigeria’s fintech advancements, such as widespread POS systems and mobile banking, which outpace many traditional markets. A key concern was that even large Nigerian startups face hurdles in accessing banking services in the UK.
Future of Collaboration
The delegation set ambitious goals, expecting to see business agreements signed between London and Nigerian companies within the next 12-24 months. A key target project is the creation of a 'bridge' to support collaboration, including the implementation of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System. The summit marked a pivotal moment in UK-Africa relations, strengthening London's position as a key partner for Nigerian tech.
The 'Bridging Borders' summit in Lagos marks the beginning of a new relationship between London and Nigeria in the tech sector. Both cities are ready for active collaboration aimed at innovation development and overcoming barriers to partnership.
