France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, says his country is strengthening collaboration with Nigeria in technology, innovation, and the creative industries to drive sustainable development and cultural exchange across Africa.
Barrot disclosed this on Friday in Lagos during the second edition of the Forum Création Africa, an event that promotes creative and cultural industries across the continent.
The minister said the forum showcased exceptional talents from 42 African countries in areas such as video games, extended reality, webtoons, and digital design.
“We are seeing strong participation of creative talent across Africa.
I am happy that France contributes to this success. France leads in creative industries in Europe, while Nigeria leads in Africa,” he said.
Barrot emphasized that both countries could achieve more by connecting creative talents and entrepreneurs to co-develop industries that strengthen their economies.
He noted that technology remains a key area of cooperation, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to innovation and multilateralism.
“Technology is one field where France and Nigeria have much to achieve together.
We share a common vision of development, multilateralism, international law, and technology. We want to build strategic digital economies,” he added.
According to him, effective regulation should encourage creativity while preventing the misuse of technology that could threaten collective interests.
Barrot reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative and technological ecosystems.
On bilateral relations, he described France–Nigeria ties as long-standing and mutually beneficial, citing increased high-level visits, partnerships, and collaborations between both nations.
He recalled that President Emmanuel Macron visited Nigeria in 2018, while President Bola Tinubu visited France in 2024, both moves that further deepened diplomatic and economic relations.
“There has been strong interaction between administrations, companies, and civil societies from both countries,” he said.
Highlighting a major outcome of the partnership, Barrot mentioned the recently inaugurated ‘Omi Eko’ Project, which promotes sustainable water transportation in Lagos.
“We have inaugurated the ‘Omi Eko’ Project to deliver decarbonized water transportation in Lagos,” he said.
He explained that the project, supported by the European Union, will deploy 78 electric boats and open 15 new waterways spanning 140 kilometers across the city.
The initiative, he added, involves a total investment of €410 million and will help Lagos cut carbon emissions while adapting to rising sea levels.
