The Swedish business delegation which was in Lagos and Abuja last week, is taking steps to boost Nigeria’s digital economy and e-governance projects.
The team is identifying business opportunities in Nigeria for Swedish companies by developing sustainable and smart societies in the country using Swedish innovations in finance, ICT, transport, energy, health and agriculture. These sectors were earlier identified by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as key in its plan to promote smart cities project through the cash-less banking initiative.
The Swedish group, in collaborating with Federal Ministry of Communications Technology, wants to see how Swedish companies like Ericsson, would promote the country’s strong tradition in innovation and technology to different sectors of the Nigeria’s economy. The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Sweden are working together to improve business relationship between the two countries.
Swedish Minister for Trade & European Union Affairs, Mrs. Ann Linde said the team would identify business opportunities in Nigeria for Swedish companies by developing sustainable and smart societies using Swedish innovations in ICT, transport, energy, health, agriculture and finance.
In Abuja, the delegations met with government officials, representatives of trade and industry and other key decision makers, with the intention of strengthening trade relations, identifying investment opportunities and suitable business partners.
Key Swedish companies like Ericsson, ABB, Scania and other partners showcased the Smart City concept and shared their experience of how smart solutions can change cities and societies.
“We hope we would be able to share experiences on how collaboration can strengthen competitiveness and contribute to a sustainable development.
“By bringing some of Sweden’s largest, most innovative global companies, we can together create an even stronger Swedish – Nigerian connection that will benefit both countries,” she added.
She said that Nigeria is the largest and fastest growing ICT market in the world and has the fastest growing middle class globally. “Hence, the need to strengthen commercial ties goes beyond single business opportunities and industry sectors, but extends to strategic collaborations with not only private businesses but also public sector and academia,” she said.
Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria, Johan Jemdahl, said “Ericsson is deeply committed to Nigeria, as it is one of the most important markets for us in sub-Saharan Africa. We recognise that the country needs to attract business and one key element that will facilitate international trade is access to efficient broadband service. This is one of the core areas we seek to support and offer our expertise.”
