Sanwo-Olu Urges Commonwealth Nations to Invest in Africa, Lagos

At the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made a compelling case for increased investment in Africa, positioning Lagos as a premier destination for global capital. Speaking at Mansion House, Sanwo-Olu articulated a vision where Africa, and specifically Lagos, moves from the periphery to the core of global investment discussions.

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The Commonwealth’s greatest advantage is not simply its shared language, shared laws or shared history but its people.

He underscored the demographic advantage of the continent, noting that by 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. This youthful population, he argued, represents a dynamic and consequential force that the Commonwealth, with its 56 member states and 2.7 billion people, should leverage. Sanwo-Olu framed the Commonwealth not just as a historical or linguistic bond, but as a vital engine for global trade and investment, asserting that Africa's centrality is crucial for its continued relevance.

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If the Commonwealth is to remain relevant, not merely as a sentimental compact, but as a genuine engine of global trade and investment, then Africa must be central to its strategy. And within Africa, Lagos must be part of that conversation.

In an era marked by global fragmentation and rising protectionism, Sanwo-Olu presented the Commonwealth as a unique network built on trust, offering a stark contrast to fear-driven global dynamics. He detailed Lagos's proactive steps in developing its infrastructure, including ports, airports, and technology, to create an environment conducive to foreign investment. The governor also highlighted Lagos's economic prowess, stating it generates a third of Nigeria's GDP and would rank among sub-Saharan Africa's top economies if it were a standalone nation.

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Africa is home to the world’s youngest population. By 2050, one in four people on this earth will be African.

From a Nigerian perspective, Governor Sanwo-Olu's address in London is a significant moment. It reflects a proactive approach to international engagement, seeking to attract the foreign direct investment crucial for Nigeria's economic development and job creation. While Western media might focus on the economic figures, the local perspective emphasizes the governor's ambition to elevate Lagos's status on the global stage and secure partnerships that will drive tangible progress for its citizens. This aligns with the national aspiration to harness Africa's potential and ensure its voice is heard in global economic forums.

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We live in an age of fracturing, of retreating globalisation, of tariff walls rising like storm barricades. In such a moment, the Commonwealth offers something rare and valuable: a network built not on fear, but on trust.