UK-Africa trade ties hit £52bn in 2025

The bi-lateral trade between the United Kingdom (UK) and Africa reached £52 billion in 2025, reflecting the progress of trade between them despite continued global economic uncertainty. This was disclosed during the inaugural London–Africa Business Summit which brought business leaders, investors and policymakers from across both regions to strengthen trade and investment ties, and to […]

The bi-lateral trade between the United Kingdom (UK) and Africa reached £52 billion in 2025, reflecting the progress of trade between them despite continued global economic uncertainty.

This was disclosed during the inaugural London–Africa Business Summit which brought business leaders, investors and policymakers from across both regions to strengthen trade and investment ties, and to position London as a leading global gateway for African enterprise.

In a statement, it was said during the summit that UK exports to Africa increased to nearly £26.2 billion, reflecting rising demand for UK goods and services across African markets.

“Africa is increasingly recognised as one of the world’s most important long-term growth regions, driven by rapid urbanisation, infrastructure investment, population growth and expanding consumer markets,” the statement..

During the summit, the Mayor’s London Growth Plan identified the need to attract more foreign direct investment to help grow London’s economy by £107 billion by 2035 and support the creation of 150,000 good jobs by 2028. 

“London continues to lead as the top destination for African foreign direct investment in Europe and the US, ranking second globally outside Africa behind only Dubai,” the statement reads.

The summit also highlighted major opportunities for collaboration across sectors, including financial services, digital technology, education, healthcare, energy transition, infrastructure and the creative industries, with London well positioned to deepen its role as a strategic trade and investment partner for African markets.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, recalled his 2025 trade mission to Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, saying it yielded gains as more African companies listed on the London Stock Exchange than any other exchange signals global important growth regions. 

“I am delighted that my African trade mission last year has encouraged both inward investment and outward expansion, creating jobs and further strengthening the links between us. I look forward to more opportunities developing from this Summit as we continue to build a better, more prosperous London for everyone,” he said.

Mr. Mark Smithson, Country Director, UK Department for Business and Trade, Nigeria, and Anglo West Africa expressed commitment to deepen partnerships that drive sustainable growth, shared prosperity and long-term opportunity across both regions.

“The London-Africa Business Forum has brought together ambition, capital and creativity, reinforcing London’s role as a global gateway for African enterprise. As we look to the next chapter, In Nigeria, we are working closely with key partners, businesses and investors to unlock investment, create jobs and deliver tangible economic outcomes,” he said.

Soren Nikolajsen, Managing Director, Industry Engagement Defence and Trade at Natwest stressed that London remains one of the world’s leading destinations for international investment, underpinned by its deep financial expertise and global connectivity. 

Olukorede Adenowo, Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank UK, said the bank stands at the intersection to support the strengthening of the Africa–UK corridor, where growing demand for capital and expertise continues to drive cross-border opportunity.

“At FirstBank UK, we are focused on supporting cross-border trade and facilitating capital flows by connecting clients to global markets and structuring bankable opportunities. Through stronger collaboration, we can unlock greater investment and deliver sustainable growth across both regions,” he said.

Dylan Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Teybridge Capital said the firm’s expansion in London marks an important milestone for Teybridge Capital Europe and reflects the strength of our growth in the UK market.