EU Partners With Nigeria’s Private Sector To Boost Digital Economy Growth

The European Union (EU) is advancing Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering partnerships with private sector stakeholders. In Lagos, the EU held a high-profile meeting aimed at enhancing investments in Nigeria’s digital space, aligning with the EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package, which seeks to transform Nigeria into a leading regional digital hub.

Key Investments Powering Nigeria’s Digital Future

Central to this initiative is the EU’s support for Nigeria’s massive 90,000 km fibre-optic expansion. This project is designed to improve connectivity across urban and rural regions, enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure. In addition, the EU focuses on improving digital public services and strengthening Nigeria’s ICT talent pipeline through initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program.

At the core of this collaboration is the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) commitment, which has already funneled €100 million to extend secure 4G networks in Lagos and Ogun states. The EIB is also providing technical assistance to scale up the fibre-optic network, enabling widespread connectivity while ensuring privacy, safety, and cybersecurity standards are upheld.

Boosting Digital Identity & Public Services

As part of efforts to enhance digital public services, the EIB is supporting the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with a €250 million loan to bolster Nigeria’s digital identity system. This project ensures that data protection meets global standards, fostering trust among citizens and businesses.

The EU is also actively collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) to streamline business registration processes for start-ups and MSMEs. This aims to ease entry for new businesses into Nigeria’s expanding digital ecosystem.

Empowering Nigeria’s Youth & Tech Start-ups

The EU’s long-term vision includes nurturing Nigeria’s future tech leaders. With a combined investment of €54.5 million in projects like the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) and the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), the EU is creating pathways for young graduates and women in tech. These programs offer hands-on training and open up employment opportunities within both Nigerian and EU companies.

Thuweba Diwani, Head of Project at GIZ-DTC Nigeria, highlighted that the initiative aims to create a bridge between Nigerian private sector players and EU digital markets, fostering global opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Strengthening Data Privacy & Cybersecurity

A vital component of the EU’s support is ensuring that Nigeria’s digital growth aligns with top-tier data privacy and cybersecurity standards. The EU played a significant role in the adoption of Nigeria’s Data Protection Law and has strengthened the capacity of the Data Protection Commission, bringing the country’s framework closer to EU regulations.

Driving Inclusive Growth in Nigeria’s Digital Space

Through its strategic investments and partnerships, the EU is not only enhancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure but also empowering local talent, supporting SMEs, and creating a thriving digital market that benefits all stakeholders.

European Union External Action Service