Nigeria has been identified as a leading force in Africa’s digital and creative transformation, with the European Union highlighting the country’s youthful population, innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurial drive as key advantages for future growth.
Speaking at the third edition of the Omniverse Africa Summit in Lagos, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness opportunities in the digital and creative economy.
Mignot noted that the country’s large youth population, combined with widespread digital adoption, provides a strong foundation for innovation-led growth. He described the digital and creative sectors as a “fantastic opportunity” for economic expansion, stressing that young Nigerians are well-equipped to drive innovation due to their familiarity with modern technologies.
The summit convened innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, researchers and development partners from across Africa and beyond to explore how collaboration and technology can accelerate economic growth and expand opportunities for young people.
Highlighting ongoing partnerships, Mignot said the European Union and Nigeria have prioritised digital and creative industries within their bilateral cooperation. He pointed to a €45 million digital development agreement, support for the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure, and contributions to Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure agenda.
He also referenced initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, implemented by GIZ, which supports innovation and technology adoption, as well as the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, funded by the EU and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Federal Government.
In her remarks, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, emphasised the importance of collaboration in shaping the future economy. She described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation hubs, noting that local entrepreneurs are increasingly influencing global trends in fintech, artificial intelligence, agribusiness, healthcare, manufacturing and the creative industries.
“Nigerian innovators are not simply adapting to global trends; they are shaping them,” she said.
Mignot further stressed that Nigeria’s digital future depends on cross-sector collaboration, noting that industries such as technology, finance, education, agriculture and manufacturing are increasingly interconnected.
He said the summit serves as a platform to transform ideas into actionable partnerships that can drive inclusive and sustainable development.
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“The future is connected, but connection must be turned into impact,” he said, urging stakeholders to link innovation with investment, policy with implementation, and Nigerian talent with global opportunities.
The European Union partnered with Omniverse Africa as part of its broader commitment to supporting digital transformation, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment across Nigeria and the African continent.
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