Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has highlighted the growing role of Lagos in shaping Africa’s urban future during a speaking engagement at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics in Boston, United States.
The event brought together policy experts, students, and global leaders to discuss the evolving dynamics of cities across Africa and the opportunities that come with rapid urbanisation.
Speaking during the forum, the governor explained that Africa’s urban transformation is already underway, with Lagos positioned at the centre of that growth.
According to him, the state government is taking deliberate steps to guide the city’s rapid expansion in ways that create opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the daily lives of residents.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the Lagos State Government is driving development through its THEMES+ agenda, which prioritises transportation, technology, tourism, security, and social inclusion. He referenced key infrastructure projects including the Lagos Blue and Red Rail Lines, as well as the rapid growth of the city’s technology ecosystem, describing them as indicators of the state’s long-term development strategy.
Providing economic insights, the governor revealed that Lagos generated about $821.9 million in internally generated revenue last year, representing roughly 35 percent of Nigeria’s total. He also disclosed that in the third quarter of 2025 alone, the state attracted approximately $2.73 billion in capital inflows, demonstrating increasing investor confidence in Lagos’ economic potential.
Sanwo-Olu further noted that Lagos now hosts more than 2,000 startups and has recently been recognised as the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem. He concluded by emphasising that beyond statistics, the focus remains on building strong partnerships and sustainable systems that will support the city’s growth while positioning Lagos as a key driver of Africa’s rising global influence.