● Khan: London best city for African companies to expand; £30m FDI recorded since 2025 trade mission
Mayor Sadiq Khan on Wednesday convened the first-ever London-Africa Business Summit at City Hall, bringing together over 200 investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs from Africa and the UK amid intensifying global competition for the continent’s markets.
The landmark gathering marks a new chapter in London-Africa economic relations as both sides seek to capitalize on growing trade, rising investment flows and Africa’s emergence as a major engine of future growth.
*London positions as Africa’s financial hub*
Addressing delegates, Khan described Africa as one of the world’s most dynamic growth regions and reaffirmed London’s commitment to supporting African companies seeking global expansion.
“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,” the mayor said.
The summit is a major outcome of Khan’s 2025 trade mission to Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa — the first official African trade mission by a serving Mayor of London. Officials said African companies have invested more than £30 million in London through foreign direct investment since that visit.
*117 African firms listed in London*
The event underscored London’s dominance as the leading international marketplace for African businesses. According to figures presented, 117 African companies are currently listed on the London Stock Exchange, more than on any other exchange worldwide. Fewer than 20 African firms are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Listings span telecommunications, banking, energy, mining, technology and infrastructure, reflecting London’s role as a bridge between African enterprise and global capital.
*UK-Africa trade hits £52bn*
Participants also examined opportunities in technology, renewable energy, healthcare, education, creative industries, agribusiness and infrastructure. Representatives from Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Nigerian Exchange Group, London Africa Network, SOAS University of London and investment firms joined discussions.
Economic experts noted Africa’s transformation is now viewed as a strategic economic opportunity. With a population expected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050 and some of the world’s fastest-growing cities, the continent is a focal point for global investors.
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Despite a challenging global economy, total UK-Africa trade reached approximately £52 billion in 2025, while British exports to African countries climbed to nearly £26.2 billion.
Mark Smithson, Country Director for Nigeria and Anglo West Africa at the UK Department for Business and Trade, said the forum created a platform to translate ambition into tangible economic outcomes. FirstBank UK CEO Olukorede Adenowo added that London remains a critical gateway for African businesses seeking international expansion.
Under London’s Growth Plan, the city aims to attract investment that adds £107 billion to its economy by 2035 and creates 150,000 new jobs by 2028. African investment is expected to play an increasingly important role in those targets.
