Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, has urged the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce to leverage the State’s growing status in the startup scene to build enduring tech and innovation hubs.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call during the French Week 2025 Business Forum held in Lagos, stating that the Lagos’ startup scene is dynamic, entrepreneurial, youthful and ambitious.
“Together we can build the France-Lagos innovation corridor,” said Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
According to the Lagos governor, the Franco-Nigerian Chamber has pivotal roles to play in connecting French accelerators with Lagos hubs, venture capital with startups and research, and development institutions across both nations.
“From Fintech to AI, health tech to digital agriculture; Lagos is now one of Africa’s leading tech and innovation hubs, attracting over $6 billion in startup investments between 2019 and 2024,” he stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also charged tech innovators across the divides to partner with the State for innovative solutions that address local demands.
“For French tech firms, investors and incubators, the opportunity is clear. Partner with Lagos innovators to co-create solutions for Africa and the world,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Guillaume Niarfeix, President, Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Chamber is committed to providing platforms for meaningful networking with all partners.
According to him, the Franco-Nigeria chamber is about deepening the partnership and advancing France-Nigeria business relations.
“We hope to see more Omi-Eko projects and greater collaboration between our two countries.
“Together we can shape the future that is more and more innovative, sustainable and mutually beneficial,” Niarfeix said.
He also commended the Lagos State Government on its investment drive, following the disclosure that there are currently about 260 billion USD PPP projects ongoing in Lagos. “It creates a lot of opportunities and potential business for partnership between the government.”
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