President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between African economies and global financial institutions, stressing that deeper partnerships are essential for unlocking investment opportunities, expanding infrastructure and driving inclusive economic growth across the continent.

The appeal was made on Wednesday during the official opening of trading at the London Stock Exchange, where African leaders gathered to strengthen economic and investment ties between Africa and the United Kingdom.

The event attracted heads of government, finance ministers, senior policymakers, investors, business executives and representatives of major financial institutions from Africa, Europe and other regions.

Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at promoting stability, supporting private sector growth and boosting investor confidence.

He said closer cooperation between African nations and global financial institutions remains vital to attracting investments, improving infrastructure and accelerating sustainable development across the continent.

The market-opening ceremony also served as a platform for African leaders to showcase the continent’s economic potential and highlight ongoing reforms designed to create a more attractive environment for business, innovation and capital inflows.

Following the ceremony, participants attended a private executive breakfast session themed “Navigating a World in Transition,” where discussions focused on the impact of global economic shifts, geopolitical developments and emerging investment trends.

The session provided an opportunity for African policymakers and international business leaders to exchange ideas on strengthening economic resilience and attracting long-term investments.

Discussions also explored opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure financing, capital market development, trade facilitation and technology-driven growth—key sectors considered crucial to Africa’s long-term transformation.

Participants emphasised the need for stronger links between Africa and global financial centres to unlock the capital required to support development priorities across the continent.

The engagement formed part of broader efforts by African governments to deepen economic diplomacy, expand access to international capital and build strategic partnerships that promote shared prosperity.

For Nigeria, the event reinforced the Federal Government’s commitment to working with international partners to advance its economic reform agenda and sustainable development goals.

The meeting concluded with a shared pledge by African leaders, investors and business executives to strengthen economic cooperation, increase investment flows and foster lasting partnerships between Africa and the United Kingdom.