Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Swedish technology giant, Ericsson, by swiftly implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties in 2024.
Shettima made this pledge on Monday while receiving a delegation from Ericsson, led by its Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Patrick Johansson, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima acknowledged Ericsson’s longstanding presence in Nigeria’s technology sector. He recalled that the company played a pioneering role in laying the groundwork for the nation’s tech industry.
Commending Ericsson’s continued investments, including the establishment of innovation hubs and support for small businesses, the Vice President described these efforts as a testament to the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
He urged Ericsson and other investors to leverage Nigeria’s immense potential, particularly its vibrant and tech-savvy youth population.
“We cherish our relationship with Sweden and your company, and I urge you to harness our manifest destiny. Nigeria is a large nation with a tech-driven population. We are making strides across various fields, and a significant number of Africa’s unicorn startups are based here. The future is Nigeria,” Shettima stated.
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In response, Johansson emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and Ericsson by promoting grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship, among other initiatives.
Also, Majda Lahlou Kassi, Ericsson’s Vice President and Head of Customer Units for West and South Africa, reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic significance to the company. He highlighted Ericsson’s belief in Nigeria’s potential and its commitment to fostering growth in the local market while advancing digital adoption among its citizens.
Also present at the meeting were Efosa Aigbe, Ericsson’s Director of Public Affairs, Government, and Industry Relations, alongside the company’s Senior Solutions Architect.
