This week, Tommie Edwards, CEO of Tech1M.ai, joins a historic trade mission to Africa led by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, and London & Partners. As part of the Grow London Global programme, this five-day mission marks the first time a sitting London Mayor has led a business delegation to Africa, beginning in Nigeria, with stops planned in Ghana and South Africa.
The mission brings together 27 high-growth London-based companies, all selected for their potential to expand globally and collaborate with Africa’s fast-growing innovation ecosystems. For Tech1M.ai, this is more than a business trip. It’s an opportunity to bridge tech, talent, and trade between London and key African markets, starting with Lagos.
Why This Mission Matters
Backed by the Grow London Global programme, this trip aims to deepen investment, innovation, and trade links with Africa’s high-growth markets. Lagos, known as the commercial and tech capital of Africa, is the heartbeat of the continent’s digital revolution, making it a natural destination for UK tech entrepreneurs looking to build meaningful international partnerships.
As a delegate, Tommie Edwards brings her global voice and practical leadership to the table, championing inclusive hiring, AI-powered innovation, and the future of work across borders.
Tech1M.ai: Building the Future of Global Hiring, Now
As an AI-powered hiring platform, Tech1M.ai is transforming how companies find, assess, and onboard talent across borders. The platform blends automation with human insight to speed up recruitment, reduce bias, and unlock access to skilled professionals, especially from underrepresented and emerging markets.
With products like:
- 1M Elite – a reverse job board where pre-vetted global talent attracts company applications
- AI Hiring Suite (Ammie) – a conversational AI for screening, shortlisting, and interviewing
- 1M Aptitude – assessment tools that test both soft and technical skills
- 1M CDR – a full-stack global compliance and payroll system
Tech1M.ai is solving the real hiring challenges of modern, distributed teams, and Africa plays a big part in that future.
Trade, Culture, and Collaboration
As part of the Lagos itinerary, delegates attended the Lagos Canvas event co-hosted by London-born media mogul Mo Abudu, celebrating the creative ties between London and Lagos. The Mayor announced a London edition of Canvas to be held later this year, deepening cultural and economic exchanges between the two cities.
Sir Sadiq also highlighted the vital role Nigerian businesses play in London’s growth. With Nigerians ranking among the fastest-growing populations in the UK and Nigeria being the eighth most common country of birth for Londoners, the links run deep, and the potential runs even deeper.
Beyond creative industries, the delegation will participate in a flagship tech event hosted by London & Partners, where Nigerian tech companies will be encouraged to explore opportunities in London.
Africa Is Not an Emerging Market: It’s an Essential One
The trip will continue in Accra, where the Mayor is expected to speak at the University of Ghana on entrepreneurship and innovation, and then on to South Africa, with stops in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
In Johannesburg, the Mayor and the delegation will commemorate Mandela Day, an international day of service and reflection held annually on 18 July, honouring the legacy of Nelson Mand. Each city reflects different strengths across finance, education, sustainability, and tech.
Tommie Edwards’ participation in this mission underscores Tech1M.ai’s commitment to building a truly global hiring platform, one that doesn’t just serve businesses in the UK or Europe but connects them to high-performing talent wherever they are in the world.
Looking Ahead
As the mission continues, Tech1M.ai remains focused on forging meaningful partnerships with Africa’s tech and business communities. The goal isn’t just to expand, but to collaborate, co-create, and build ecosystems where talent and innovation move freely.
This trip represents a powerful alignment of business, policy, and vision and a reminder that tech done right is people-first, borderless, and built with purpose.
