The European Union (EU) is strengthening its support for Nigeria’s digital sector, recognizing its immense potential to fuel long-term economic growth and development. This was reaffirmed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, who highlighted the EU’s ongoing commitment to the country’s digital transformation.
Through investments in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, skills development, and e-governance, the EU is playing a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future, with plans to expand these efforts beyond 2025.
Speaking at the Omniverse Summit in Lagos, a premier gathering of Africa’s top startups, policymakers, and innovators, Inga Stefanowicz, Team Lead for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, shed light on the EU’s initiatives in the digital space.
€820 Million Digital Economy Package for Nigeria
Stefanowicz recalled the February 2022 announcement of the EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package, an €820 million initiative designed to accelerate Nigeria’s digital growth. This funding also supports the Omniverse Summit and is made possible through collaborations with key ministries, including the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, as well as various public and private sector partners, with leadership from GIZ and the Innovation Support Network (ISN).
“The Digital Transformation Centre (DTC)—the first project under this package—is funded by the EU, co-financed by Germany, and implemented by GIZ,” Stefanowicz noted. “This initiative is focused on fostering innovation in Nigeria’s private sector and strengthening the digital economy.”
She emphasized that Nigeria’s abundant talent made it the perfect place to kickstart this initiative. “Our journey would not have been possible without the Innovation Support Network (ISN), which has played a critical role in driving this project for the second consecutive year.”
Expanding Internet Access Across Nigeria
As part of its Global Gateway Strategy, the EU is actively supporting Nigeria’s digitalisation agenda, with a major focus on expanding internet connectivity across the country.
“A key part of our mission is ensuring widespread internet access,” Stefanowicz explained. “We are providing technical expertise and exploring financial support for the 90,000 km fibre optic cable rollout spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. This will significantly reduce costs and expand connectivity, creating new opportunities for businesses and local economies.”
Enhancing Digital Public Services & Skills Development
Beyond infrastructure, the EU is working closely with Nigerian stakeholders to digitalise public services, making them more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
“We are prioritizing digital literacy so that every Nigerian—whether a citizen or business owner—can fully participate in the digital economy,” Stefanowicz stated. “Our goal is to empower Nigerians to become digital content creators and innovators.”
Additionally, the EU is supporting Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, an initiative aimed at equipping the workforce with the digital skills needed to meet the growing demands of the ICT sector.
“The potential for Nigeria’s ICT sector to absorb skilled talent is enormous,” she said. “By investing in skills development, we are helping to create a pipeline of professionals who will drive Nigeria’s digital revolution.”
Collaboration for a Thriving Digital Ecosystem
The Omniverse Summit was made possible through partnerships with key stakeholders, including the EU, GIZ’s Sustainable Economic Development Cluster (SEED), the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Federal Ministry for Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
With continued EU support, Nigeria’s digital sector is poised for unprecedented growth, paving the way for a more connected and technologically advanced economy.
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