Lagos has been recognized as the fastest-growing tech city in the world for 2025, according to the Global Tech Ecosystem Index released by Dealroom.co. This accolade highlights the city’s rapid development in the tech sector, outpacing other global contenders like Istanbul and Pune.
Key Takeaways
- Lagos leads the Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2025, showcasing significant growth in its tech sector.
- The city has produced five unicorns: Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay, and Moniepoint.
- Lagos’s ecosystem valuation has increased 11.6 times since 2017.
- The ranking emphasizes the city’s potential as a hub for startups and venture capital.
Overview of the Ranking
The Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2025, compiled by the Netherlands-based research firm Dealroom.co, categorizes cities based on their tech ecosystem growth. Lagos has been placed in the ‘Rising Stars’ category, which focuses on cities that are rapidly expanding their tech landscapes relative to their economic size.
Following Lagos in the rankings are:
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Pune, India
- Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Curitiba, Brazil
- Mumbai, India
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Factors Contributing to Lagos’s Growth
Lagos’s rise as a tech powerhouse can be attributed to several key factors:
- Unicorn Creation: The city has successfully nurtured five unicorns, which are startups valued at over $1 billion. This achievement underscores the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Lagos.
- Investment in Startups: The Lagos State government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has made significant investments in the tech sector, including over ₦1 billion in grants to support local startups through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).
- Youth Engagement: Thousands of young people are actively involved in tech hubs across the city, working on innovative solutions to everyday challenges. This engagement is crucial for sustaining the growth of the tech ecosystem.
Government Support and Future Plans
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in the recognition, stating that the hard work of Lagos’s youth has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for tech experts and startups.
- Strategic Initiatives: The administration plans to continue supporting tech initiatives, aiming to position Lagos as a central hub for technology and innovation in Africa.
- Collaboration with Global Giants: The governor noted that if major tech companies like Microsoft and Google seek talent, Lagos will provide a substantial pool of skilled professionals.
Recognition Beyond Tech
In addition to its tech accolades, Lagos has also been recognized by Time Out Magazine as one of the top three African cities to visit in 2025. This recognition reflects the city’s growing appeal not only as a business hub but also as a vibrant cultural destination.
Conclusion
Lagos’s designation as the fastest-growing tech city in the world for 2025 marks a significant achievement for Nigeria and highlights the potential of emerging markets in the global tech landscape. With continued investment and support, Lagos is poised to further enhance its status as a leading tech ecosystem in the coming years.
Sources
- Lagos named world’s fastest-growing tech city for 2025, The Guardian Nigeria News · 24 hours ago.
- Lagos tops world’s fastest growing tech cities in the world 2025 [See top 5], Vanguard News · 22 hours ago.
- Lagos ranked world’s fastest-growing tech city in 2025, The Guardian Nigeria News.
- Lagos emerges the world’s fastest-growing tech city in 2025, Nairametrics · 3 days ago.
