Lagos — The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting African innovation and enterprise at Moonshot by TechCabal 2026, Africa’s flagship technology and innovation gathering held in Lagos.
The event, themed “Courage & Conviction: Building for a New World,” brought together founders, investors, policymakers and business leaders from across the continent.
The UK said its participation focused on helping ambitious Nigerian and African businesses to scale, attract investment, build strategic partnerships and compete globally through founder showcases, investor matchmaking and policy dialogue.
Ahead of the conference, the UK, through UK-funded FSD Africa, supported the TECA Demo and Pitch Days delivered by BFA Global, where Nigerian innovators showcased solutions to real-world challenges and pitched investment-ready businesses to investors.
Through the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, it also supported the Magna Investor Connection Drive, which brought together 25 vetted founders and 15 active investors in curated, pre-matched meetings designed to unlock investment and new partnerships.
A highlight of the UK’s participation was the engagement of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long, who joined founders, investors and ecosystem leaders to explore opportunities shaping Africa’s next generation of globally competitive businesses. Discussions focused on scaling innovation, attracting investment and expanding into international markets.
Discussions throughout the week also centred on digital trade, access to finance, climate resilience and innovation-led growth.
Alongside Moonshot, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, convened founders, investors and ecosystem leaders at a reception ahead of the African Prosperity Summit 2026, hosted by Venture Platform, to discuss how innovation and stronger partnerships can accelerate economic growth across Africa.
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The UK also highlighted opportunities for high-growth businesses through its network of investors and programmes, including the Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP), which supports international companies seeking to establish a UK headquarters or research and development presence.
Country Director of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub at the British Deputy High Commission, Oyinkan Akinola-Bello, said Nigeria remains home to some of Africa’s most ambitious entrepreneurs.
“Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs. Through our partnerships with founders, investors, policymakers and ecosystem builders, we are helping create the conditions businesses need to grow, attract investment and access international opportunities,” she said.
“The UK is proud to be a long-term partner for innovation and enterprise. We want to see more Nigerian businesses scaling successfully, building global connections and driving sustainable economic growth.”
The UK said its engagement at Moonshot 2026 forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening UK-Nigeria commercial ties, supporting entrepreneurship and connecting African businesses to the investment and expertise needed to drive growth and shared prosperity.
