Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has highlighted the need to translate the state’s growing global profile into practical opportunities, infrastructure and shared economic benefits for residents.
Epe Insights reports that Sanwo-Olu made the remarks while participating in discussions at the Global Africa Business Initiative’s Unstoppable Africa 2026 in New York.
The 2026 edition of Unstoppable Africa was held on September 20 and 21 at the New York Marriott Marquis, bringing together government leaders, investors, business executives and other stakeholders to discuss Africa’s economic future.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Lagos is increasingly attracting global attention, but such interest must translate into tangible benefits for people living in the state.
He said the state’s growing international reach should create practical opportunities for Lagos residents while supporting the development of critical infrastructure.
The governor said governing a state with more than 22 million people requires balancing long-term ambitions with the everyday needs of residents.
He identified transportation, healthcare and support for young entrepreneurs among areas requiring continued attention.
Sanwo-Olu said the government’s focus is to create an environment where residents can pursue opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic development.
The governor also highlighted infrastructure development as an important part of Lagos’ efforts to respond to its growing population and economic activities.
He said global partnerships could help the state advance projects capable of supporting residents and strengthening the wider economy.
The governor’s participation at the New York gathering provided an opportunity to present Lagos’ development priorities within a broader African economic conversation.
Unstoppable Africa 2026 was organised under the theme, “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future,” with discussions focused on investment, infrastructure, trade, energy, digital transformation, creative industries and other areas of economic development.
The organisers said the event was designed to bring African and global leaders together to mobilise capital, build partnerships and create opportunities for African businesses and economies.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos intends to use its international visibility to attract partnerships that can support development within the state.
He stressed that global interest in Lagos should ultimately produce outcomes that residents can experience at home.
The governor also pointed to the need for continued investment in public infrastructure as Lagos manages increasing demands on its transport, healthcare and economic systems.
On entrepreneurship, he said supporting young people remains part of the state’s broader effort to create opportunities for residents.
Young entrepreneurs require access to an enabling environment, infrastructure and partnerships that can help them develop their businesses and contribute to economic activity.
The governor’s remarks also placed emphasis on partnerships as a means of moving development initiatives forward.
He said Lagos is actively building relationships that could support the state’s economic development and infrastructure priorities.
The Global Africa Business Initiative provided a platform for such conversations, with more than 2,000 African and global business leaders and heads of state expected at the 2026 gathering.
The organisers said the forum was focused on turning Africa’s resources, markets and opportunities into scalable economic outcomes through investment and cross-border partnerships.
For Lagos, the discussions offered an opportunity to highlight the state’s economic ambitions and its efforts to attract international interest.
Sanwo-Olu said the objective should go beyond attracting attention and focus on converting that interest into infrastructure and opportunities for residents.
The governor’s position also reflects the importance of partnerships in financing and delivering large-scale development projects.
Lagos has continued to promote itself as an investment destination, with state officials highlighting opportunities across infrastructure, technology, finance, agriculture and trade.
The state’s investment drive has included efforts to attract local and international capital through initiatives designed to connect Lagos with global investors.
At the New York event, Sanwo-Olu said the government would continue to pursue partnerships capable of supporting the state’s economic development.
He noted that the scale of Lagos requires continued attention to both major development projects and the everyday needs of residents.
The governor also linked the state’s global engagement to its responsibility to deliver practical outcomes for its people.
According to him, infrastructure and shared opportunities should remain central to Lagos’ engagement with global partners.
The discussions in New York came as African leaders, investors and business executives examined ways to strengthen investment, infrastructure and economic growth across the continent.
Unstoppable Africa 2026 was held alongside the opening period of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, further placing Lagos’ message within a wider international policy and investment environment.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would continue working to build partnerships that can support its development objectives.
He added that the ultimate goal is to ensure that global attention and investment interest produce practical benefits for residents.
