Sanwo-Olu pitches Lagos as Africa’s business gateway at global summit
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has presented the state as a strategic gateway for global investment into Africa, calling for stronger partnerships to translate the continent’s growing international attention into tangible economic opportunities.
Sanwo-Olu made the call while speaking at the Global Africa Business Initiative’s Unstoppable Africa 2026 in New York, where global business leaders, investors, policymakers and heads of government gathered to discuss ways of powering African businesses and scaling economies.
The 2026 edition of the event was held on Sept. 20 and 21 at the New York Marriott Marquis, on the sidelines of the opening of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Addressing the high-level audience, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the scale and potential of Lagos, a state with more than 22 million people, whose expanding market, infrastructure needs, entrepreneurial base and strategic location offer opportunities for investors seeking to participate in Africa’s growth.
He said Lagos’ global relevance must translate into practical benefits for residents, with investments directed towards infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, enterprise development and other sectors capable of improving quality of life and expanding economic opportunities.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed the state’s openness to international capital, strategic partnerships and private-sector participation, stressing the need to build partnerships that deliver measurable economic value and create opportunities across the Lagos economy.
The engagement followed the Invest Lagos 3.0 summit held in Lagos in June under the theme, “Lagos: The Business Gateway to Africa”. The summit brought together global investors, policymakers, development institutions and business leaders to explore opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, trade, finance and the creative economy.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, said the ministry would build on the momentum generated by Invest Lagos 3.0 by taking Lagos’ investment proposition to strategic global platforms and connecting investors with opportunities in priority sectors.
