Lagos has officially emerged as the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem in 2025, according to the latest Global Tech Ecosystem Index published by Netherlands-based research firm Dealroom.co.
Lagos Tops ‘Rising Stars’ Category Globally
Ranked number (#1) in Dealroom.co’s “Rising Stars” category, Lagos outperformed other emerging tech hubs by demonstrating exponential growth in enterprise value and startup activity. The city has achieved a staggering 11.6x growth in tech ecosystem valuation since 2017, even with a comparatively smaller national economy.
Lagos is also home to five unicorn startups: Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay, and Moniepoint, making it a powerhouse for innovation in Africa.
“This year, Lagos is topping the list, having created 5 unicorns and grown its ecosystem valuation 11.6x since 2017 despite a smaller economy,” the report states.
Other Fast-Rising Global Tech Cities
Following Lagos, Istanbul (Turkey) claimed the second spot, while Pune (India) ranked third. The top 10 also included:
- Belo Horizonte (Brazil)
- Mumbai (India)
- Curitiba (Brazil)
- Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
Dealroom.co emphasised that these cities are evaluated based on enterprise value growth, unicorn creation, and local economic factors such as GDP per capita and cost of living.
Global Champions: The Established Tech Hubs
While Lagos leads the charge among rising ecosystems, it is notably absent from the “Global Champions” list—reserved for the world’s most mature startup ecosystems. This elite group includes:
- San Francisco Bay Area (#1)
- New York City (#2)
- Boston (#3)
- Paris (#4)
- London (#6)
- Tel Aviv (#10)
- Stockholm (#15)
These cities scored high on metrics like venture capital volume, enterprise value, university collaboration, and startup density.
Why Lagos Is Thriving as a Tech Hub
Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, attributes the city’s explosive tech growth to its
- Large and youthful population
- Pro-business regulatory environment
- Support for underserved sectors like AI and robotics
- Strong government-private sector partnerships
He highlighted that Lagos has implemented targeted support for tech firms, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and transportation tech, helping connect them with key regulatory bodies for smoother operations.
Key Highlights:
- Lagos ranks #1 globally among fast-growing tech ecosystems in 2025.
- Home to five tech unicorns and significant enterprise value growth.
- Recognised for its entrepreneur-friendly environment and government support.
- Still has room to grow before entering the elite Global Champions list.
