Frank Okon

No fewer than 117 African companies are now listed on the London Stock Exchange, more than on any other stock exchange globally, while African businesses have invested over £30 million in London through foreign direct investment in the past year.

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The figures were unveiled as the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, hosted City Hall’s first-ever London-Africa Business Summit, bringing together more than 200 business executives, investors and political leaders from across the continent to strengthen trade and investment ties between London and Africa.

The landmark summit follows Khan’s historic 2025 trade mission to Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa—the first official African trade mission undertaken by a London mayor—and reflects growing economic engagement between the UK and African markets.

Held in the City of London, the event attracted senior government and business representatives, including Ghana’s Minister of Trade for Agribusiness and Industry, alongside delegates from the Nigerian Exchange Group, London Africa Network, Ventures 54 and the SOAS University of London.

According to City Hall, the 117 African firms listed on the London Stock Exchange span sectors ranging from telecommunications and finance to energy and technology, reinforcing London’s status as a leading global financial hub for African enterprises.

Among the prominent African companies listed are Airtel Africa and Seplat Energy.

The Mayor disclosed that African businesses have channeled more than £30 million into London’s economy through foreign direct investment since his African trade mission in 2025, highlighting the growing commercial links between both regions.

The summit comes amid expanding UK-Africa trade relations, with bilateral trade estimated at about £52 billion in 2025, while UK exports to the continent rose to nearly £26.2 billion despite global economic headwinds.

Africa’s rapid urbanization, population growth and expanding consumer markets are increasingly making the continent one of the world’s most attractive long-term investment destinations, while London remains Europe’s leading destination for African foreign direct investment and the second largest globally outside Africa, behind only Dubai.

Speaking at the summit, Khan said the event was designed to showcase London as the preferred destination for African companies seeking international expansion and access to global capital.

“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.”

He added that the success of his African trade mission had already translated into increased inward investment and stronger economic partnerships.

The summit also highlighted opportunities for collaboration across financial services, digital technology, infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy transition and the creative industries.

Country Director for Nigeria and Anglo West Africa at the UK Department for Business and Trade, Mark Smithson, said the forum had reinforced London’s role as a global gateway for African enterprise while creating new opportunities for sustainable growth and job creation across both regions.

Among the major developments announced was the planned secondary listing of Dangote Cement on the London Stock Exchange, a move expected to further strengthen financial and investment ties between London and Africa.