Sanwo-Olu Unveils Invest Lagos Summit 3.0 to Drive Capital Flows, Global Partnerships

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially unveiled the Invest in Lagos Summit 3.0, the state government’s flagship international investment platform for 2026, in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

Sanwo-Olu disclosed details of the upcoming programme, scheduled for June, while addressing the media alongside CWEIC CEO Samantha Cohen at Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday.

Speaking at the media conference, the governor described Invest Lagos 3.0 as deliberately designed to consolidate the state’s position as Africa’s leading subnational gateway for capital flows, trade integration, financial innovation, and infrastructure development.

“Our ambition is clear. Lagos must not only attract capital, but it must also structure capital. It must not only host investment conversations, but it must also convert them into deployable pipelines,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He noted that the summit aligns with the state’s long-term development priorities under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052.

According to the governor, the previous two editions strengthened Lagos’ global investment visibility and catalysed structured engagement with capital providers. He added that this year’s edition is being scaled through a strategic partnership with CWEIC, a globally respected institution connecting governments, private sector leaders, and capital networks across the Commonwealth.

“With this expanded collaboration, we are strengthening our capacity to mobilise global capital, deepen cross-border trade relationships, and position Lagos State as a premier destination for large-scale, transformative investment,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that beyond capital attraction, the summit is structured to drive sustained private sector investment that expands GDP and strengthens internally generated revenue for both the state and Nigeria.

“Let me state clearly: Invest Lagos 3.0 is not a ceremonial gathering. It is a transaction-focused investment platform built for capital alignment and project conversion. Its architecture is intentional. Its processes are structured. Its outcomes are measurable,” he said.

He outlined key sectors targeted for investment, including transport infrastructure, logistics and port connectivity, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, housing development, healthcare delivery, and industrial growth corridors.

In her remarks, CWEIC CEO Samantha Cohen described Lagos as an important city in Africa and Nigeria, expressing readiness to work with the state.

“Lagos has built something exceptional as a CWEIC partner. The state investment programme enables trade facilitation, and we will be glad to showcase what Lagos has to offer as we jointly deliver a summit where policy meets capital,” Cohen said.

She added that the organisation would bring international investors to Lagos through the Commonwealth private sector hub spanning 56 countries.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada-Ambrose, noted that global capital increasingly gravitates toward jurisdictions demonstrating credible leadership, institutional clarity, and disciplined governance.

“Investment competition now extends beyond national positioning. Subnational governments like Lagos now compete directly by differentiating themselves through governance quality, policy coherence and transaction ecosystem strength. Lagos recognises this structural shift and has positioned itself to compete effectively within it,” she said.