Lagos has been crowned the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem for 2025! This recognition comes from the newly released Global Tech Ecosystem Index by Netherlands-based research firm Dealroom.co, and it’s a game-changer.
EpeInsights reports that Lagos didn’t just make the list, it topped it in the “Rising Stars” category.
This ranking highlights emerging global tech hubs that are growing rapidly in startup value and unicorn creation. Since 2017, Lagos’ tech ecosystem has grown 11.6x in valuation, a staggering figure, especially given Nigeria’s broader economic hurdles.
What’s fueling this growth? Unicorns. Lagos now boasts five tech unicorns—Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay, and Moniepoint—more than any other African city, and more than many cities worldwide.
“Lagos is Africa’s Silicon Valley,” says Tomi Davies, President of the African Business Angel Network.
“This is a city with the talent, the market, and now the infrastructure to go global.”
Indeed, infrastructure has been a major part of the story. From fintech regulations to university incubator programs, Lagos has seen a surge in innovation-supporting policies.
Dr. Ifeoma Nwosu of TechPol Africa adds that while issues like power supply and internet penetration remain, “Lagos is making serious moves with public-private innovation hubs and startup-friendly initiatives.”
A lot of credit also goes to the government. Olatunbosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, highlighted how public-private partnerships have been key.
“We’ve worked to clear bottlenecks in areas like transport and e-commerce,” Alake shared.
“And through initiatives like the Lagos Innovation Masterplan, we’re helping homegrown startups scale globally.”
What makes the “Rising Stars” list unique is how it adjusts for factors like local GDP and cost of living, leveling the playing field for cities like Lagos. Other cities in this fast-rising club include Istanbul, Pune, Belo Horizonte, Mumbai, and Riyadh.
Of course, Lagos isn’t in the “Global Champions” club yet (think: Silicon Valley, NYC, Paris), which is based on sheer scale venture capital, top-tier universities, etc. But this new ranking proves Lagos is no longer just “on the rise” it’s leading the way for emerging markets.
