In just six days, Sir Sadiq Khan has traveled to three nations and five cities in Africa, racking up quite a few miles. The mayor of London is the first to embark on a trade mission to the continent, visiting Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.

Accompanying him were around 30 business representatives along with members from London and Partners, the city’s development agency focused on attracting investments.

Much like his predecessors, Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson, who conducted similar trade missions, Khan has faced backlash from critics for spending time abroad instead of attending to local issues in London.

However, he has defended his journey, asserting that it is essential for showcasing London to the emerging markets.

What has been on his agenda during this whirlwind tour?

The journey kicked off in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, where he engaged with several companies within the burgeoning tech scene. Khan’s message was unmistakable: collaborate with London’s tech sectors and engage in business opportunities together.

This sentiment mirrors the repeated assurances during the COVID-19 pandemic that “London is open.”

He reiterated this theme as he arrived in Accra, Ghana, where, while addressing students, he took a pointed jab at his Labour comrades in the government by criticizing plans that could require universities to pay a tax on fees from international students.

Khan emphasized “the tremendous contributions international students make to London and the UK” and cautioned against “shutting our nation off from global talent, viewing it as an act of significant self-destructive economic harm.”

He concluded his remarks with an announcement of the inaugural business summit between Africa and London, set to take place in the capital next year.

John Dickie, the CEO of BusinessLDN, expressed support for this initiative and praised Khan’s African expedition, stating that “London is a vibrant mix of communities, workers, and enterprises from around the world.”

He continued, “The mayor is right to advocate for deeper connections with pivotal high-growth markets. Strengthening trade and investment ties with countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa will benefit the residents of London.”

As the mission began, Conservative MP and shadow chancellor Mel Stride suggested that the mayor should focus on pressing concerns back home, like tackling shoplifting that impacts small businesses.

Although BBC London is not part of the current mayor’s African tour, I have previously accompanied Sir Sadiq as well as his predecessors, Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone, on similar endeavors.

What stands out is the reception they typically receive, reflecting the esteemed nature of the mayoralty of London and the city’s reputation as a truly global hub.

This perception can sometimes contrast sharply with local sentiments towards their mayors.

There have certainly been hiccups in the past. For instance, Livingstone’s planned visit to Venezuela to meet Hugo Chavez ended prematurely in Cuba.

Johnson also had to cancel a scheduled trip to the West Bank due to concerns over potential protests.

Nonetheless, such visits will persist with future mayors, as will the debates over the tangible benefits these trade missions offer to London.