- Lagos Driving Africa’s Urban Transformation – Sanwo-Olu
- Showcases Lagos’ Tech, Rail Growth at Harvard Forum
- Says Lagos currently hosts more than 2,000 startup
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described Lagos as a major driver of urban transformation across Africa, noting that the city is playing a defining role in shaping the continent’s future.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Sanwo-Olu said the rapid expansion of African cities is changing economic patterns and urban development across the continent, with Lagos positioned at the centre of that transformation.
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The governor spoke while delivering a lecture at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics in Boston, United States. The event, themed “Africa’s Urban Future: Cities at the Crossroads of Growth and Resilience,” was co-sponsored by the Harvard University Center for African Studies and the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
According to the governor, Africa is experiencing a historic wave of urban expansion, with cities growing faster than in most parts of the world.
He noted that the continent is urbanising at about 3.5 per cent annually, driven largely by a youthful population and the rise of innovation hubs.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is already demonstrating how African cities can lead in economic growth, innovation and urban resilience.
He explained that through his administration’s THEMES+ development agenda, the Lagos State Government is implementing projects across several sectors, including transportation, tourism, technology, security and social inclusion.
The governor also highlighted some of Lagos’ recent developments, including the introduction of the Blue and Red rail lines, the growth of the state’s technology ecosystem and its increasing attractiveness to investors.
He said Lagos currently hosts more than 2,000 startups and was recently ranked among the fastest-growing technology ecosystems in the world.
According to him, the state attracted about $2.73 billion in capital inflows in the third quarter of 2025, accounting for about 45 per cent of Nigeria’s total capital inflows during the period.
Sanwo-Olu further noted that Lagos contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy through internally generated revenue, while its large youth population continues to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
The forum brought together global leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss how African cities can address challenges such as climate change, public health, governance and infrastructure while pursuing sustainable growth.
Among those in attendance was the Mayor of Monrovia, John-Charuk Siafa, alongside other international participants.
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