The European Union (EU) has said its motivation to support Nigeria’s digital sector transformation through investments in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, skills development, and e-governance was driven by the enormous potentials and talents in Nigeria.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, who disclosed the EU’s plan to extend the support beyond 2025, noted that Nigeria’s digital sector holds enormous potential to drive sustainable growth and development across the country.
Team Lead for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, noted that the Omniverse Summit, which was held in Lagos, was a transformative platform designed to unite Africa’s most influential players, startups, policymakers, and innovators into one seamless digital ecosystem.
She said, “In February 2022, we announced an €820 million digital economic package for Nigeria, the EU-Nigeria digital economy package.
“This package also contributes, in part, to the Omniverse event. It wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology; and other public and private sector partners, with leadership from GIZ and the Innovation Support Network (ISN).
“The Digital Transformation Centre (DTC), funded by the EU, co-funded by Germany, and implemented by GIZ, is the first project launched from this digital economy package in Nigeria. It focuses on the digital economy and innovation ecosystem in the private sector.
“We saw the potential and talent in Nigeria, and this was the best starting point for our journey. This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the Innovation Support Network (ISN), who have led this initiative for the second time in a row.”
Stefanowicz emphasized the importance of working closely with Nigerian partners, saying, “We are working intensively with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology; and other public and private sector partners to ensure that Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow and innovate.”
Stefanowicz further explained that through the Global Gateway Strategy, the EU was supporting Nigeria’s digitalisation blueprint.
“A key part of our mission is to bring the internet to every corner of Nigeria. The 90,000 km of fibre optics cable being rolled out by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy is a vital part of this.
“We are providing technical expertise to the project and exploring ways to support it financially, helping lower the cost of the entire enterprise.
“This initiative will not only ensure internet access for Nigerians, but it will also benefit local economies and businesses by enhancing connectivity, which in turn can lead to job creation.”
Commenting on the focus on public services, she said, “We are working on the digitalisation of public services to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to information.
“Digital literacy is also a priority so that every citizen and business can fully leverage the opportunities the digital economy provides, as well as the more efficient public services that will emerge”
