Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations to channel more investment into Africa—especially Lagos—by bringing in capital, technology, and expertise.
He assured potential investors that Lagos offers more than just a market full of opportunities; it provides a platform for meaningful partnerships and long-term relationships.
According to the governor, the real strength of the Commonwealth lies not only in its shared language, legal systems, or history, but in its people. He emphasized that this advantage is most vibrant and impactful in Africa.
Sanwo-Olu made these remarks while delivering a keynote address at the opening of the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit held at Mansion House in London, where he reaffirmed that Lagos is open and ready to build strong partnerships with global investors.
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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations to channel investments into Africa—especially Lagos—by bringing in capital, technology, and expertise. He assured potential partners that beyond profit and market access, Lagos offers long-term collaboration and meaningful relationships.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit held at Mansion House, London, where he delivered the keynote address, the governor emphasized that the Commonwealth’s true strength lies not just in shared systems or history, but in its people. According to him, Africa best reflects this strength with its energy, diversity, and growing influence.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos as a ready and willing partner for global investors, stressing that the state is positioning itself as a hub for international collaboration. The event, themed “The Commonwealth’s Advantage,” drew high-profile attendees including Lord Marland, Shirley Botchwey, Ian Borg, and Susan Langley, alongside global business leaders and policymakers.
He pointed out that Africa is home to the world’s youngest population and projected that by 2050, one in every four people globally will be African. With the Commonwealth already spanning 56 countries and over 2.7 billion people, he argued that Africa must be central to its economic future—and Lagos should play a leading role in that vision.
Addressing current global economic uncertainties, Sanwo-Olu noted that the Commonwealth offers a unique platform built on trust, shared values, and open markets—qualities that make it attractive for business. He urged a shift in mindset, encouraging investors to see emerging markets not as passive recipients but as active partners shaping investment outcomes.
The governor also highlighted initiatives like blended finance and support for the African Continental Free Trade Area, describing it as a transformative framework capable of creating the world’s largest single market. He stressed that Lagos is laying the groundwork for investment through major infrastructure projects, including upgrades to ports, airports, rail systems, and digital networks.
Reinforcing Lagos’ economic strength, Sanwo-Olu described it as Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse, contributing about a third of the nation’s GDP. He noted that the state is pushing forward with its vision of becoming a modern megacity, backed by projects like the Blue and Red rail lines, healthcare expansion, and digital reforms in governance.
He explained that development in Lagos goes beyond public funding, with the government actively pursuing public-private partnerships to drive growth across sectors such as transportation, health, education, security, and tourism under its THEMES+ agenda.
Looking ahead, the governor announced that Lagos will host the third edition of its flagship investment summit, Invest in Lagos 3.0, scheduled for June 8–9 at Eko Hotels and Suites. The event, organized in collaboration with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, is designed not just as a conference but as a deal-making platform connecting investors with real opportunities in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu concluded by reaffirming that Lagos is open for business, inviting global investors to be part of its growth story. Meanwhile, the state’s Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, provided further insights during a session on mobilizing capital, outlining Lagos’ priorities and expectations from the international community.
