Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has called on the nation’s tech ecosystem to leverage international collaborations to accelerate growth and innovation. Speaking at the Nigerian-French Technology Roundtable in Lagos on Friday, Tijani underscored the strategic importance of Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming Viva Technology (VivaTech) Conference 2025 in Paris.
According to Tijani, VivaTech provides a global platform to showcase Nigeria’s innovative potential and position its tech startups as leaders in the digital economy. He highlighted the benefits of tapping into France’s expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability to further enhance Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The minister also revealed plans for a joint technology market aimed at fostering innovation. Additionally, a 90-kilometer fiber-optic cable project is in progress to strengthen Nigeria’s internet infrastructure, creating a more enabling environment for tech startups to thrive, attract venture capital, and drive economic growth.
“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,” said Tijani.
Laurent Favier, the Consul General of France in Nigeria, highlighted technology as a key driver of Nigeria’s international influence, reaffirming France’s commitment to collaboration. “Events like VivaTech are vital for fostering global partnerships and expanding Nigeria’s role in the digital economy,” he noted.
The roundtable, hosted in collaboration with the French Embassy and Globacom, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives from VivaTech to explore avenues for collaboration. Discussions centered on how Nigeria’s participation in VivaTech could stimulate foreign investment, foster innovation, and bolster the nation’s global standing in technology.
Globacom, the event’s sponsor, emphasized its commitment to initiatives that position Nigeria as a leader in the digital economy.
