Nigeria has the capacity to become a continental leader in Africa’s fast-growing digital and creative economy, according to the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.
Speaking at the third Omniverse Africa Summit in Lagos, Mignot said Nigeria’s large youth population, expanding tech ecosystem, and strong entrepreneurial culture place it in a strategic position to shape the continent’s future digital transformation.
He said the emerging “new economy”—powered by digital technology, innovation, and creative industries—presents a major opportunity for growth, particularly for young Africans who are increasingly digital-native.
Mignot noted that young Nigerians are already part of a generation shaping innovation trends, stressing that the country’s talent pool gives it a competitive edge in Africa’s digital future.
The summit gathered policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, creatives, and development partners to explore ways of turning innovation into jobs, investment, and inclusive economic growth.
The EU envoy highlighted ongoing European Union support for Nigeria’s digital sector, including a €45 million digital development agreement, investments in fibre-optic infrastructure expansion, and programmes supporting digital governance, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
He also referenced initiatives such as the Three Million Technical Talent programme, the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria—run with Germany’s development agency GIZ—and the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme implemented with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), all aimed at boosting youth employability and innovation capacity.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, also reinforced the importance of collaboration across sectors, noting that future economic growth will depend on integrated ecosystems rather than isolated industries.
She described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation hubs, saying its entrepreneurs are increasingly influencing global conversations in fintech, artificial intelligence, agriculture, healthcare, and creative industries.
Mignot added that the Omniverse Africa Summit serves as a critical platform for connecting ideas, capital, and talent across the innovation ecosystem.
He said Nigeria’s digital future depends on stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and innovators to convert ideas into real economic impact.
“The future is connected, but connection must translate into impact,” he said.
The summit featured discussions on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, green technology, entrepreneurship, research, and future skills development, underscoring Africa’s growing focus on innovation-led growth.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and broader youth empowerment efforts across the continent.