Sweden has announced the opening of its largest innovation hub in Africa, located in Lagos State.
This announcement was made on Monday during a meeting between the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
Both parties used the opportunity to declare their firm resolve to deepen bilateral relations through trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.
Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria, is said to be on a three-day official visit to Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Sweden and Nigeria.
In his remarks, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, stated that his country’s government has identified opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in the innovation and tech sectors, as well as in other areas where both countries can learn from each other.
He added, “This will shape a better future for tomorrow for our people.”
“We also recognize the strong relationship in the business sector, particularly the partnership with Nigeria in the MoU signed during your visit to Stockholm. We have opened five innovation hubs in Africa, with the largest one in Nigeria, in Lagos. So, I see a lot of opportunities in other sectors as well, such as health, agriculture, and more,” he added.
“We have been talking about Nigeria and Sweden for a few days now, and it’s wonderful to see the opportunities that are here. I think this is especially important in the times we live in right now,” the Crown Princess stated.
She said that Sweden’s physical trade office in Nigeria would be a wonderful development for both countries.
On his part, Vice President Kashim Shettima said that Nigeria would continue to be a dependable ally of Sweden in all seasons.
“We are particularly excited about opportunities in renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion—areas where Sweden has much to offer, and Nigeria is eager to learn,” the VP stated.
He stressed that beyond the digital frontier, Swedish enterprises continue to invest in Nigeria’s human capital and sustainable development.
He also applauded SchoolTry, the Swedish edtech company, for its ongoing work in transforming educational outcomes in Nigeria.