Digital Economy: EU Backs Nigeria’s Innovation Drive

Nigeria is strategically positioned to lead Africa’s digital and creative transformation, according to Ambassador Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

Speaking at the opening of the third edition of the Omniverse Africa Summit in Lagos, Ambassador Mignot stated that Nigeria’s youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit, and expanding innovation ecosystem provide a solid foundation for digital transformation, innovation, and economic growth.
“The new economy, digital and creative, offers a fantastic opportunity,” he said, adding that young Nigerians are particularly well placed to drive innovation because they belong to a generation that has grown up with digital technologies and tools.
The summit gathered innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, investors, creatives, and development partners from across Africa and beyond to examine how technology, innovation, and collaboration can accelerate economic growth and create opportunities for young people.
Ambassador Mignot noted that the European Union and Nigeria have identified the digital and creative sectors as key priorities within their partnership and highlighted ongoing investments aimed at supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“In Nigeria, the EU supports the entire digital value chain, from governance to infrastructure, from skills to entrepreneurship,” he said.
He highlighted several initiatives currently being implemented, including a recently signed €45 million agreement between the European Union and Nigeria on digital development, support for the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide, contributions to Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure agenda, and support for the Three Million Technical Talent initiative.
The Ambassador also referenced programmes focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development, including the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, which is co-funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by GIZ. The programme promotes digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption among young Nigerians and businesses.
He further highlighted the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The initiative helps connect young graduates with workplace opportunities and practical experience.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, stressed the importance of collaboration, saying, “The future will not be built in silos. It will be built through cooperation across sectors, institutions and borders. The future will be connected.”
She described Nigeria as home to one of Africa’s most vibrant innovation ecosystems and noted that Nigerian entrepreneurs are increasingly influencing global trends in areas such as financial technology, artificial intelligence, agribusiness, health innovation, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
“Nigerian innovators are not simply adapting to global trends. They are shaping them,” she said.
Ambassador Mignot stated that one of the strengths of Omniverse Africa lies in its ability to bring together the entire innovation ecosystem in one place.
“Policymakers, founders, investors, creatives, researchers, development partners and business leaders are all here, all together,” he said.
“Because Nigeria’s digital future will not be built in silos. Technology, creative industries, finance, education, manufacturing, agriculture and public services are no longer separate worlds. They are converging.”
According to him, the summit offers an opportunity to transform conversations into partnerships and ideas into practical solutions that can drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
“The future is connected, but connection must be turned into impact,” Ambassador Mignot said.
“Let us connect innovators with investors, policy with practice, creativity with technology, and Nigerian talent with global opportunities.”
The summit featured discussions on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, green technology, future skills, research collaboration, and innovation financing, underscoring the growing importance of partnerships in shaping Africa’s economic future.
The European Union partnered with Omniverse Africa as part of its broader commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and youth opportunities in Nigeria and across the African continent.