Lagos state has announced its plan to establish a Lagos–Nordic Innovation Corridor, a partnership with the Nordic countries such as Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, in a framework designed to connect public institutions, research centres, and private sector partners for technology exchange and investment.
Samuel Egube, deputy chief of staff, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this during his address at the fourth annual Nordic Nigeria Connect (NNC) conference held in Lagos.
He called for a deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, emphasising that Lagos is moving from “invitation to implementation” as its partnerships with these economies begin to deliver tangible results.
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He vowed that Lagos will transform into the African launchpad for Nordic innovation, marking a strategic pivot towards sustainable technology, green energy, and digital transformation.
“Today, Lagos is ready to be the African launchpad for Nordic innovation, a city where sustainable technologies are tested, refined, and scaled to reach millions,” Egube said. “Let this year mark the transition from conversation to co-creation, from joint forums to joint facilities, from planning to scaling.”
He noted that Lagos is already implementing policies in clean energy, electric mobility, agriculture, and digital health, all of which align with the Nordic focus on sustainability and inclusion.
The conference began with a lineup of speakers, including Hon. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, H.E. Ifeanyi Ossai, the deputy governor of Enugu State, H.E. Lina Gandløse Hansen, state secretary for Trade and Investment for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark and H.E. Jarno Syrjälä, deputy minister for International Trade in Finland.
Other significant Nordic dignitaries present included H.E. Johan Frisell, deputy director-general and director for Africa at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, H.E. Sanna Selin, Ambassador-Designate of Sweden to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, H.E. Jens Ole Bach Hansen and the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baera.
The Nordics were joined by Nigerian dignitaries from Lagos and Enugu State governments and executives from central federal government agencies, as well as over a hundred companies from both regions.
There was an exchange of sectoral knowledge between leading experts, and a partnership platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation at the highest levels of public and private sectors.
Partnership on digital transformation and innovation
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Communication and Digital Economy of Nigeria and the Danish Embassy in Abuja signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Denmark on digital transformation and innovation.
A move heralded by both countries as “the beginning of a new era of technology-driven partnership”, the MoU aligns with Nigeria’s digital eonomy agenda and Denmark’s vision of green digital cooperation.
The Norwegian renewable energy finance and co-developer, Empower New Energy signed power support agreements for new solar and battery investment with Jendol Superstores and manufacturer Jeddy Bolema.
In his speech, Syrjälä noted that ‘’together we can co-create solutions that are not only commercially viable but socially and environmentally impactful’’.
This commitment was echoed in a later meeting with Tijani to discuss items on the bilateral agenda between Finland and Nigeria, including Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure development.
These agreements are founded on transparency, equality, and environmental responsibility – hallmarks of the Nordic business model that align closely with Nigeria’s development priorities.
Both parties agreed that by harnessing each other’s strengths Nigeria’s dynamic markets and talent, and the Nordics’ technological expertise and sustainable solutions, they can achieve shared prosperity with tangible benefits to citizens.
Nigeria and its Nordic partners are poised to deepen their collaboration across green energy, digital technology, health, and agriculture, forging partnerships that promise sustainable impact for years to come.
In his keynote address, Dr. Tijani, stressed that collaboration must advance shared prosperity through empathy and trust, leading to innovation that creates jobs and transforms lives.
He positioned the Nordic countries as crucial partners in building a knowledge-based, digitally driven Nigerian economy.
The minister also pointed to ongoing partnerships with Nordic nations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, satellite technology, and renewable energy, asserting that these will help Nigeria achieve long-term economic transformation.
He stressed that collaboration must “go beyond words” and be grounded in trust and empathy, translating into innovation that creates jobs and improves lives.
Africa’s century
Hansen described Nigeria as “a beacon of democracy, stability, and growth” in Africa, confirming that the Nordic nations are committed to deepening long-term partnerships.
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She highlighted Denmark’s new Africa strategy, themed Africa’s Century, which aims to build equal partnerships and drive investment in areas such as food security, digitalisation, and maritime logistics.
Jarno Syrjälä, deputy minister for international trade stressed that the NNC forum is “more than a business event” but a platform for dialogue and innovation, singling out digital transformation, health innovation, and the green energy transition as key collaboration sectors. “Together, we can co-create solutions that are commercially viable and socially and environmentally impactful,” he added.
Focus on digital economy and sustainable growth
During a panel session themed ‘Why Nordic, Why Nigeria: Unlocking Shared Value,’ Swedish and Norwegian officials further elaborated on their engagement.
Johan Frisell, Sweden’s deputy director-general for Africa, cited the digital economy, encompassing finTech and edTech, as the strongest link, noting that technology and sustainability are inseparable.
Baera offered lessons from his country’s transition from oil dependency, spotlighting the work of Norwegian firms in expanding solar investments across Nigeria.
The next Nordic Nigeria Connect will take place in 2027, but the way will be paved with more engagement across the regions as the partnerships forged this year come to life
