In a remarkable achievement, Lagos has been named the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem for 2025 by the Netherlands-based research firm Dealroom.co, according to its just-released Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2025 report. This recognition solidifies Lagos’s position as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa and the world.
Lagos’s Rising Tech Prominence
Lagos’s impressive growth is underscored by its success in creating five unicorns—Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay, and Moniepoint—and its ecosystem valuation has grown 11.6 times since 2017, despite Nigeria's smaller economy. This rapid expansion makes Lagos a compelling destination for startups, investors, and technology entrepreneurs looking to tap into Africa’s largest market.
The report places Lagos under the ‘Rising Stars’ category, which highlights emerging cities that are rapidly developing their tech ecosystems. The city’s vibrant entrepreneurial environment, coupled with a growing digital economy, positions Lagos as a leader in fostering innovation in emerging markets.
Other Top Cities
Following Lagos in the rankings are Istanbul, Turkey and Pune, India, which are also experiencing explosive growth in their tech sectors. The list includes a diverse set of cities such as Belo Horizonte and Curitiba in Brazil, Mumbai, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Dealroom.co emphasizes that the ‘Rising Stars’ category focuses on ecosystems that show rapid growth in enterprise value and unicorn creation, adjusted for local GDP per capita and cost of living. This approach sheds light on emerging markets that are making significant strides in digital innovation and startup development.
Nigeria’s Position on the Global Stage
While Lagos leads Nigeria’s charge into the global tech scene, it's noteworthy that Nigeria as a country does not yet feature among the ‘Global Champions’ — a category comprising the world’s most established startup ecosystems such as the Bay Area, New York City, and Boston in the United States. These global champions rank highly based on aggregate venture capital, enterprise value creation, unicorns, and university collaborations.
Nonetheless, Lagos’s ascension as a ‘Rising Star’ signals a promising future, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa as a whole, as it continues to attract innovation and investment.
The Future of Africa’s Tech Ecosystem
The growing recognition of Lagos as a key global tech hub reinforces Africa’s potential for digital transformation and economic development. As more young entrepreneurs and startups emerge, alongside increasing foreign investment, Lagos is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping regional and global tech landscapes.
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