Vice President Kashim Shettima held a bilateral meeting with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok on the sidelines of the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, where discussions centred on security, governance, and key priorities shaping cooperation between Africa and Europe.
The leaders explored avenues to deepen Nigeria–Hungary relations, with particular emphasis on trade, investment, technology transfer, and educational partnerships. Officials highlighted the potential for Nigerian micro, small, and medium enterprises to benefit from enhanced access to European technology, skills development programmes, and cross-border business opportunities. By connecting Nigerian SMEs to European markets, the partnership aims to foster innovation, improve competitiveness, and expand sustainable economic activity.
Security cooperation was another key focus, as both leaders considered strategies for tackling transnational threats, promoting regional stability, and strengthening governance structures that underpin economic growth. The discussions also addressed the role of public-private partnerships in advancing infrastructure development and enhancing digital transformation across Africa, with Hungary offering technical and financial collaboration in sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and ICT.
Educational partnerships were highlighted as a long-term investment in human capital. Both nations agreed to expand scholarship opportunities, vocational training exchanges, and research collaborations that can equip young Nigerians with global skills relevant to technology-driven industries. Such programmes are expected to enable SMEs to adopt modern business practices, improve productivity, and accelerate job creation.
Engagements at the summit continued as African and European leaders worked to strengthen peace, boost innovation, and promote sustainable economic development. In addition to Nigeria–Hungary talks, the summit provided a platform for discussing investment facilitation, digital infrastructure, climate resilience, and strategies for integrating Africa’s growing workforce into global value chains.
By leveraging these partnerships, Nigerian SMEs stand to gain improved access to international supply chains, mentorship networks, and financing opportunities, creating pathways for inclusive growth and long-term resilience in the country’s private sector.
