***Says it’s ready to lead Africa’s $1.5bn smart city boom
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has made a bold pitch to U.S. partners to invest in Abuja’s transformation into a leading hub for smart cities, housing, and ICT innovation.
Speaking at the 8th U.S.–Africa Business Week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Mahmoud spotlighted Abuja’s potential as Africa’s smart city nerve centre, citing its prime location, modern infrastructure, abundant resources, and highly educated youth population.
Special Adviser on Media, Austine Elemue in a statement on Thursday quoted her to have pointed to flagship projects such as Centenary City and the World Trade Centre as proof of Abuja’s readiness, stressing that Africa’s smart city market is projected to hit $1.5 billion in 2025, with Abuja expected to play a commanding role.
“With over 70% of Abuja’s population under 35 and women increasingly driving economic change, the city is primed to harness technology and innovation to power inclusive growth,” Mahmoud declared.
She urged partnerships to deploy ICT solutions and smart grids, scale Nigeria’s innovative Land Swap housing model, and leverage youthful talent in tech hubs, data centres, and software firms.
Mahmoud said bridging American innovation with Nigerian resilience would create sustainable urban growth models capable of defining Africa’s future.
The high-level forum also drew the Governors of Zamfara and Plateau States — Dauda Lawal Dare and Caleb Mutfwang — alongside investors, policymakers, and global business leaders.