Nairobi and Lagos have become two of Africa’s busiest business hubs – both come with heavy traffic and tight schedules, so a little planning saves real time on a short trip.
Getting from the airport
Book an airport transfer in advance rather than relying on a taxi rank – flight tracking means your driver adjusts to delays automatically, useful when a delayed landing could otherwise cost you a meeting.
Timing your meetings around traffic
Both cities see heavy congestion during roughly 7–9am and 4–7pm. Where possible, schedule cross-town meetings outside these windows, or build in significant buffer time if a meeting falls within them.
Staying connected from landing
Set up a local or regional eSIM before you fly so you’re online for email, maps and ride-hailing apps the moment you land – no time lost hunting for an airport SIM vendor.
Where to stay
Choose a hotel near your primary meeting district rather than the airport unless your schedule is airport-heavy – the time saved on daily commutes usually outweighs any convenience of an airport-adjacent stay.
FAQ
Is ride-hailing reliable in both cities? Yes, major ride-hailing apps operate widely in both Nairobi and Lagos – having data ready via an eSIM makes this far smoother from arrival.
Should I carry cash? Card and mobile payments are widely accepted in business districts, but keep some local cash for smaller vendors and tips.
Related
- Compare flights — fares to Nairobi and Lagos
- Compare hotels — stays for business trips