THE Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced plans to visit Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa as part of a trade mission aimed at strengthening cultural ties and boosting economic partnerships between London and Africa.
The announcement came during a visit to The Flygerians, a Nigerian restaurant in Peckham, where the mayor participated in preparing traditional dishes.
The trip, set to take place later this month, has stirred controversy, as critics accuse the mayor of neglecting pressing issues at home, such as the proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.
Susan Hall, leader of the City Hall Conservatives, criticized Khan for missing a London Assembly session to discuss Oxford Street’s redevelopment plans, commenting sarcastically, “Apparently the mayor is at a Nigerian restaurant. I hope he’s enjoying his jollof pot.”
Earlier that day, Khan had spent over two hours responding to transport-related questions at the Assembly. When asked about his absence for the Oxford Street discussion, he remarked, “I suspect I’m busy with other things.”
This upcoming tour marks the first time a sitting London mayor will lead a trade delegation to Africa.
The five-day trip will include stops in Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.
The goal, according to Khan, is to celebrate Africa’s deep connections with London’s growing diaspora and explore new opportunities for trade and collaboration.
“With rapidly growing populations and thriving tech hubs, this mission is a chance to promote London and strengthen our partnerships,” Khan said. “Londoners of African heritage have played a major role in shaping our city.”
Jess and Jo Edun, founders of The Flygerians, welcomed the announcement, calling it a positive step that reflects the value of the African diaspora.
“As proud Nigerians, we’re excited to see the mayor’s efforts to connect with Africa,” they said.
Accompanying the mayor will be several London-based businesses under the Grow London Global initiative, seeking to expand their reach into African markets.
Later this year, Khan is expected to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the 2025 C40 World Mayors Summit, marking his 20th foreign trip since assuming office in 2016.