Sanwo-Olu in Atlanta: Lagos Open for Business, Seeks Georgia Partnership in Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Tech

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has declared Lagos open for business and investment, while calling for deeper partnership with the State of Georgia, USA in areas including infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology, and the creative industries.

The Governor made this commitment on Thursday at the US–Nigeria Policy and Trade Forum, held alongside FNITCC-AFRICON 2025 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.

Sanwo-Olu, addressing lawmakers, diaspora leaders, and investors, emphasised that Lagos and Georgia share common strengths.

“Atlanta is a logistics and technology hub for the American South, and Lagos serves as the gateway to West Africa. Both cities thrive at the intersection of trade, innovation, and culture. When we rise together, both Nigeria and the United States prosper together,” he said.

Lagos–Georgia Synergies

The Governor outlined strong complementarities between Georgia’s expertise in logistics, agribusiness, film, and technology and Lagos’ priorities in trade, innovation, and sustainability.

He proposed the creation of a sister-city framework between Lagos and Atlanta, backed by diaspora-led investments and policy cooperation.

“Our diaspora is our greatest export. Nigerians in Georgia—entrepreneurs, academics, professionals—are bridges of trust and innovation. We invite you to invest, mentor, and connect with Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Lagos: Africa’s Investment Magnet

Sanwo-Olu showcased Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost investment destination, citing:

• $5.95bn in foreign inflows in 2024, representing two-thirds of Nigeria’s total.
• $2.56bn in Q1 2025 alone, despite global economic headwinds.
• A projection that by 2030, Lagos will be the world’s 9th largest city economy, with over 30 million people.

He also highlighted landmark infrastructure projects including the Blue and Red Rail Lines, the 68km Green Line Metro, Lekki Deep Seaport, and the new Lagos International Financial Centre.

Tech and Sustainability Leadership

The Governor stressed Lagos’ leadership in Africa’s digital economy, with 2,500+ startups and unicorns such as Flutterwave and Andela.

He further pointed to Lagos’ pioneering role in climate-resilient development:

• First African subnational to issue a Green Bond.
• Expanding electric mobility and clean energy markets.
• Partnering with Afreximbank, MOFI, and global financiers to unlock billions for sustainable infrastructure.

“Our vision is clear: Lagos is not only Africa’s economic capital but also its sustainability leader. We are deliberately positioning as a global city ready for business,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.

The event was attended by lawmakers from the Georgia African Legislative Caucus, business leaders, and the Nigerian diaspora.