Sweden has announced the launch of its largest innovation hub in Africa, situated in Lagos State, Nigeria. The announcement was made during a meeting between Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, with a focus on trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.
Crown Princess Victoria is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria aimed at boosting diplomatic and economic relations. Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, emphasized the country’s interest in Nigeria’s innovation and tech sectors, alongside other areas where both nations could collaborate. He also noted Sweden’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria, with the new innovation hub marking a continuation of that partnership.
The Swedish government has opened five innovation hubs in Africa, with the Lagos hub being the largest. Carlson highlighted the potential in sectors like health, agriculture, and renewable energy. Crown Princess Victoria expressed her excitement about the opportunities in Nigeria and the positive future of the partnership between both countries.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to being a reliable ally of Sweden, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in areas like renewable energy, healthcare, and gender inclusion. He also reflected on his previous engagement in Stockholm, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Ericsson to support 5G innovation in Nigeria. He praised Swedish companies, including the Swedish edtech company SchoolTry, for their contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
This visit is seen as a step towards deeper institutional ties, business collaboration, and increased cultural exchange between Sweden and Nigeria.
