The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has urged Nigeria’s tech ecosystem to capitalize on opportunities provided by international collaborations to strengthen its global presence.
Dr. Tijani made the call on Friday while speaking at the Nigerian-French Technology Roundtable in Lagos. He emphasized that Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming Viva Technology (VivaTech) Conference 2025 in Paris represents a pivotal moment for the country’s digital economy.
According to him, platforms like VivaTech offer an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s innovations and position its tech startups as leaders on the global stage. He highlighted the importance of leveraging France’s technological strengths, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability, to enhance Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The minister also announced plans for a joint technology market to foster innovation and revealed that a 90-kilometer fiber-optic cable project is underway to strengthen the nation’s internet infrastructure.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in creating an environment where our tech startups can thrive, attract venture capital, and generate opportunities for economic growth,” Dr. Tijani said.
The Consul General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier, also spoke at the event, describing technology as a key driver of Nigeria’s growing international influence.
“France is proud to collaborate with Nigeria in this journey. Events like VivaTech are vital for fostering global partnerships and expanding Nigeria’s role in the digital economy,” Favier said.
The roundtable, hosted in partnership with the French Embassy and Globacom, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives from VivaTech to explore opportunities for collaboration. Discussions centered on how Nigeria’s participation in VivaTech could attract investments, foster innovation, and bolster the country’s global standing in technology.
The event underscored Nigeria’s growing role as an emerging hub for technological advancement and innovation.
VivaTech is an annual technology conference and trade show held in Paris, France. It serves as a global meeting point for startups, investors, and established companies to discuss and showcase the latest technological innovations.
Globacom, the sponsor of the roundtable, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. The company’s sustained investments and initiatives continue to position Nigeria as a leader in the tech space.
