Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu brought Lagos State’s economic ambitions to American soil on September 18, 2025, launching the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC) at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta—a strategic move positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier investment destination for the Nigerian diaspora and global investors.
Why Atlanta? Why Now?
The three-day summit, running from September 18-20, wasn’t just another trade mission. It attracted over 3,000 participants including investors, trade agencies, exporters, and diaspora professionals, with projected trade and investment deals exceeding $500 million. Atlanta’s selection was strategic: Georgia offers world-class logistics infrastructure, a vibrant diaspora community, and progressive trade policies that make it a natural gateway for Nigerian exporters entering the U.S. market.
Lagos: Africa’s Economic Powerhouse
In his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu presented compelling numbers that demand diaspora attention. Lagos attracted $5.95 billion in foreign capital inflows in 2024 alone—over two-thirds of Nigeria’s total. Even in Q1 2025, despite global economic headwinds, Lagos drew $2.56 billion in investments.
The Governor’s vision extends beyond current achievements. By 2030, Lagos is projected to become the ninth-largest city economy globally, with a population exceeding 30 million and one of Africa’s most vibrant consumer markets. For tech-savvy diaspora Nigerians, the numbers are even more impressive: Lagos is home to over 2,500 startups, including unicorns like Flutterwave and Andela, establishing the city as the heartbeat of Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Beyond Oil: Nigeria’s Economic Transformation
Fidelity Bank Plc, the summit’s host, is driving Nigeria’s shift from oil dependency to export diversification. Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the bank’s Managing Director and CEO, noted that while Nigeria’s non-oil exports currently stand under $5 billion annually, the potential is immense. Lagos alone contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and hosts thousands of export-ready businesses spanning agriculture, fashion, creative industries, and professional services.
What This Means for the Diaspora
This marks FNITCC’s third global edition after successful summits in London and Houston that unlocked over $500 million in export business. For Nigerian professionals in America, particularly in Georgia’s thriving diaspora community, Sanwo-Olu’s visit represents tangible opportunities to invest in Lagos’s transformation, partner with export-ready businesses, and participate in Africa’s fastest-growing economy.
The message from Atlanta is clear: Lagos is open for business, and the diaspora is invited to lead the charge.
Interested in Lagos investment opportunities? Follow Tribes of Andrew for diaspora business insights.