Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has advocated on the importance of leveraging France’s technological strengths, such as Artificial Intelligence and sustainability, to bolster the country’s innovation ecosystem, thereby, maximising opportunities presented by international collaborations.
He said that Nigeria’s participation at the upcoming Viva Technology (VivaTech) Conference 2025 in Paris is a pivotal moment for the nation’s digital economy.
He also said platforms like VivaTech provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s innovation and position its tech startups as leaders on the global stage.
The minister announced plans for a joint technology market to promote innovation and revealed that a 90-kilometre fiber-optic cable project is underway to strengthen Nigeria’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”, he said while speaking at the Nigerian-French Technology Roundtable on Friday 24th January, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Consul General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier, said that technology was a key driver of Nigeria’s international influence.
Favier said that France was proud to collaborate in the journey.‘’Events like VivaTech are vital for fostering global partnerships and expanding Nigeria’s role in the digital economy,” he said.
The roundtable was hosted in partnership with the French Embassy and Globacom.It brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives from VivaTech to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Discussants at the event focused on how Nigeria’s participation in VivaTech could stimulate investment, foster innovation, and expand the country’s global influence in technology.
The event highlighted Nigeria’s emerging role as a hub for technological advancement.VivaTech is an annual technology conference and trade show in Paris, France.
It is a global meeting place for startups, investors, and established companies to discuss and showcase the latest technological innovations.
Globacom, the sponsor of the roundtable, has consistently supported initiatives that position Nigeria as a leader in the digital economy. The company’s ongoing commitment to fostering growth in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is evident in its investments and various initiatives.