Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pitched the state as a prime destination for global investment.
He urged the 56-member nations of the Commonwealth to bring capital, innovation, and expertise to Africa’s commercial hub.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the opening of the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit at Mansion House.
The governor framed Lagos not just as a vast market, but as a reliable partner with a modern governance structure built for today’s global economy.
Sanwo-Olu made a strong case for Africa’s growing importance in global commerce while addressing the theme, “The Commonwealth’s Advantage.”
With projections showing that one in four people worldwide will be African by 2050, he argued that the Commonwealth must place the continent at the heart of its trade agenda.
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He stressed that emerging markets should no longer be seen as passive recipients of foreign investment, but as equal partners shaping their direction.
In a period marked by shifting global alliances and economic uncertainty, he said the Commonwealth’s shared legal systems and long-standing relationships offer a stable foundation for business.
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Sanwo-Olu outlined key reforms and infrastructure projects designed to make Lagos more attractive to investors.
These include the operational Blue and Red rail lines, marking West Africa’s first metro system, as well as ongoing upgrades to ports, airports, and transport corridors.
Revenue systems
He also highlighted progress in digitising land administration and revenue systems, alongside investments in healthcare, including a major children’s hospital nearing completion.
According to the governor, these efforts are anchored in the state’s development blueprint, the THEMES+ Agenda, which focuses on transportation, health, education, economic growth, security, and social inclusion.
He noted that Lagos is steadily evolving into a standalone economy with the scale to rank among the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
Summit
In a move to deepen international engagement, Sanwo-Olu announced that the next edition of the state’s flagship investment forum, Invest in Lagos 3.0.
It will take place on 8–9 June 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island.
The summit will, for the first time, be organised in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, signalling Lagos’ intent to strengthen its position within the Commonwealth’s trade ecosystem.
Describing the initiative as more than just a talk shop, the governor said the platform is designed to connect investors directly with viable, bankable opportunities across key sectors.
The London summit drew a high-level audience, including Lord Marland, Shirley Botchwey, Ian Borg, and Susan Langley.
During a panel on mobilising capital for emerging markets, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, expanded on the state’s policy framework and investment priorities.
She reinforced the message that Lagos is open, prepared, and ready for serious business.
