Nigeria is set to accelerate its digital transformation agenda with Vice President Kashim Shettima announcing full commitment to the swift implementation of the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with global tech leader, Ericsson. The pledge was made on Monday, April 7, during a high-level engagement at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as Nigeria strengthens ties with Sweden’s foremost telecommunications giant.
Welcoming a delegation led by Patrick Johansson, Ericsson’s Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, the Vice President emphasized the nation’s readiness to consolidate its role as Africa’s tech powerhouse. He noted that Ericsson has been pivotal in Nigeria’s tech evolution, playing a foundational role in the country’s telecom revolution over the past three decades.
Nigeria, which boasts over 222 million people, more than 60% of whom are under the age of 30, stands out as a major tech frontier. Vice President Shettima described the youthful population as “tech-savvy and hungry for innovation,” urging Ericsson and other global tech players to invest deeper into grassroots tech incubation, local enterprise development, and digital infrastructure.
Ericsson’s current rollout of innovation hubs and digital entrepreneurship projects across Nigeria was hailed by Shettima as a “true consolidation of partnership.” The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambition to become the continent’s digital services hub, a vision already reflected in the emergence of multiple billion-dollar tech startups—seven of which are Nigerian-led.
Johansson reaffirmed Ericsson’s long-term vision for Nigeria, stressing the company’s interest in promoting local talent, digital inclusion, and sustainable development. He noted that Nigeria remains central to Ericsson’s Africa strategy, particularly in the deployment of 5G networks, IoT infrastructure, and AI-powered solutions for industry and education.
Majda Lahlou Kassi, Ericsson’s Vice President for West and South Africa, reinforced this sentiment by describing Nigeria as “a historic and strategic partner” for the brand. She projected that deeper synergy between Nigeria’s entrepreneurial energy and Ericsson’s global expertise will “unlock a new wave of innovation” in sub-Saharan Africa.
Other officials present at the closed-door meeting included Efosa Aigbe, Ericsson’s Director of Public Affairs, and Senior Solutions Architect. Their discussions focused on policy alignment, private-sector collaboration, and next steps in localizing tech solutions that will power Nigeria’s economy through the next decade and beyond.
