Lagos Leads Global Tech Growth Rankings in 2025
Lagos, Nigeria, has been named the world’s fastest-growing emerging technology ecosystem in 2025, according to a newly released report by Statisense, a global AI-powered data analytics firm. The report, published on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), positions Lagos ahead of other rapidly developing tech hubs, reflecting its rise as Africa’s innovation capital.
Global Tech Ecosystem Rankings 2025 – Top 10 Cities
According to the Statisense Emerging Tech Ecosystem Report 2025, the top 10 fastest-growing ecosystems are:
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Pune, India
- Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Mumbai, India
- Curitiba, Brazil
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Chennai, India
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
These rankings were determined based on key indicators such as:
- Enterprise value
- Unicorn count
- Funding growth
- GDP per capita
- Cost of living
Why Lagos Topped the List
Lagos emerged as the frontrunner due to a combination of robust startup activity, strong government support, and a growing pool of tech talent. According to the report:
- Lagos-based startups raised over $1.2 billion in 2023, accounting for 75% of all startup investments in Nigeria.
- The city’s low cost of living compared to other global tech hubs makes it attractive to entrepreneurs and developers.
- An expanding infrastructure for digital finance, logistics, and e-commerce continues to drive innovation and international attention.
Government Support Boosts Tech Growth
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the recognition, attributing the success to intentional government policies and targeted investments.
“We have created an enabling environment where technology can thrive. From policy reforms to infrastructure and funding support, Lagos is fully committed to the tech ecosystem,” — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The governor noted that Lagos is not only attracting global venture capital but also building homegrown unicorns poised for global scale.
Other Cities on the Emerging Tech List
In addition to the top 10, the Statisense report featured several notable emerging ecosystems:
- Kyiv (Ukraine)
- Mexico City (Mexico)
- Vilnius (Lithuania)
- Jakarta (Indonesia)
- Bengaluru (India)
- Zagreb (Croatia)
- Dhaka (Bangladesh)
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Santiago de Chile (Chile)
- Kampala (Uganda)
These cities are rising fast in venture capital attraction, talent development, and startup scalability, signalling a shift in global innovation from traditional Western hubs to emerging markets.
Key Takeaways
- Lagos is now the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem (2025).
- The city leads in startup funding, unicorn growth, and innovation policy.
- Over $1.2 billion in funding was raised by Lagos startups in 2023.
- The State government continues to foster a pro-innovation environment.
- Lagos joins the global stage alongside tech cities like Istanbul, Mumbai, and Riyadh.
