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The European Union (EU) under its Gateway Initiative is planning to invest about 820 million Euros in the Nigerian Digital Economy sector over the next three years.
This disclosure was made today by the Executive Vice President of the Union, Her Excellency, Margrethe Vestager, during a working visit to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami at the Digital Economy Complex in Abuja.
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A statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, noted that Mrs. Vestager while extolling the exemplary leadership style of Pantami and the need for stronger partnerships has brought global attention to the country’s digital economy sector;
She enumerated the Union’s intervention in the sector to include; digital infrastructure investments, digitalisation of public services, digital entrepreneurship,digital skills and digital governance.
“Nigeria has immense potential for digitalization and with a combination of One Hundred and Sixty Million Euros in grants and Six Hundred and Sixty Million Euros in loans, the European Union aims to comprehensively support Nigeria’s digitalization strategy” she emphasized.
Professor Pantami in his reponse, expressed delight for the intervention and reiterated the federal government’s willingness to partner with the EU.
“Africa has always looked up to Europe in the area of technological advancements and this partnership is a welcome development that will project the digitalization aspirations of our country. Professor Pantami was particular about digital entrepreneurship and the immense impact it will bring to bear on the nation’s economy,” said Pantami.
He added: “This partnership with regards to digital entrepreneurship, will address the challenge of unemployment and unemployability alongside the Nigeria Startup Bill which also aims to address a myriad of issues within the ecosystem.”
The Minister further informed the delegation that Nigeria hopes to achieve the paperless office by the year 2030 and it is on track, taking into cognizance the rate at which public institutions are embracing the digital economy drive.
The EU intervention is in alignment with the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), a digital roadmap initiated and championed by Professor Pantami towards the economic digitalization drive of President Muhammadu Buhari.
