Visiting four cities in five days, the Mayor will boost trade links with London and build on the extensive connections between the region and the capital’s growing African diaspora, and boost trade links with London.

With trade between the UK and Africa worth almost £50bn in 2024 and UK exports up seven per cent year on year, the Mayor will bang the drum for further investment in London and attract even more African companies to invest in London or expand even further. He will also build on the strong cultural links between London and the African continent.

He announced the news today at award-winning Nigerian restaurant The Flygerians, based in the Peckham Palms, as he spoke with business owners of African descent about the importance of London’s African community and his ambitions for the trade mission.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to announce that later this month I will be visiting Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa to bang the drum for further investment in London and strengthen the cultural ties we have with each country.

“With growing populations, rapidly advancing technology hubs and an appetite for boosting our trading relationships, this trade mission will be a fantastic opportunity to drive further investment here in London and further deepen our partnerships.

“Londoners of African heritage have played, and continue to play, a huge role in making London the greatest city in the world. It was great to be at The Flygerians today speaking with business owners and seeing first hand the impact they make here in the capital, building a better London for everyone.”

Jess and Jo Edun, co-founders of Nigerian restaurant The Flygerians, said: “We’re pleased Sadiq Khan has announced the first Mayoral trade delegation to Africa – it shows a commitment to the diaspora. As proud Nigerians we’re really excited to see how the visit unfolds.

“We’re also proud that London is home to the UK’s largest Nigerian population and are delighted to serve our community in Peckham and beyond.”