Nigeria is strategically positioned to lead Africa’s digital and creative transformation, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has said.
Speaking at the opening of the third edition of the Omniverse Africa Summit in Lagos, Mignot said Nigeria’s youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit and expanding innovation ecosystem give the country a strong advantage in driving digital growth and economic development.
He described the digital and creative economy as a major opportunity for young Nigerians, saying the country’s tech-savvy generation is well placed to develop solutions and compete globally.
“The new economy, digital and creative, offers a fantastic opportunity,” the Ambassador said, stressing that innovation, technology and creativity are key drivers of future growth.
The summit brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers and development partners to discuss ways technology and collaboration can accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.
Mignot revealed that the European Union has prioritised digital development as a key area of cooperation with Nigeria, noting ongoing support across infrastructure, skills development, entrepreneurship and digital governance.
He highlighted a €45 million agreement between the EU and Nigeria on digital development, support for the expansion of fibre-optic infrastructure, contributions to Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure agenda, and backing for the Three Million Technical Talent initiative.
The EU Ambassador also referenced programmes including the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, supported by the EU and German Government, as well as the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, which connects young graduates with professional opportunities.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, said the future would be shaped through cooperation across sectors and borders, describing Nigeria as home to one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems.
“Nigerian innovators are not simply adapting to global trends. They are shaping them,” she said.
Mignot noted that the strength of Omniverse Africa lies in bringing together policymakers, investors, creatives, researchers and entrepreneurs to build practical solutions.
He urged stakeholders to convert ideas into partnerships by connecting innovation with investment, policy with practice, and Nigerian talent with global opportunities.
The summit featured discussions on artificial intelligence, green technology, future skills, research collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovation financing, with the EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation and youth development.
