Photo credit: The guardian
Nigeria and Sweden have renewed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations, focusing on trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange. This was the major outcome of a high-level meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, who is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria.
A Strategic Partnership Anchored in Innovation and People
Vice President Shettima hailed the relationship between both nations as a growing partnership “anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by a shared determination to uplift communities and secure prosperity for generations to come.”
He described the Crown Princess’s visit as the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Nigeria and Sweden—one that would foster deeper institutional ties and greater cultural understanding.
Recalling his own visit to Stockholm in October 2023, Shettima highlighted it as a key moment that paved the way for this renewed diplomatic and economic engagement.
Crown Princess Victoria: “It’s Time to Do More Together”
Crown Princess Victoria emphasized the opportunities she sees in Nigeria, saying:
“It’s wonderful to see the opportunities that are here. And I think it’s specifically important during the times that we live right now.”
She also called for the establishment of a permanent Swedish trade office in Nigeria, noting that such a step should have been taken much earlier.
This vision is set to become reality, as Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, announced that the trade office will be formally opened during the visit.
Highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two countries, Carlson said:
“Sweden and Nigeria share a 65-year history of strong bilateral relations, particularly in the business sector.”
He praised Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem and mentioned the establishment of five Swedish innovation hubs across Africa, with the largest located in Lagos.
Carlson also pointed to potential areas of collaboration including health, agriculture, and digital innovation.
Green Energy, Agriculture, and Skilled Workforce Exchange
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, outlined key areas of cooperation discussed with the Crown Princess. These include Trade and investment, Agriculture, Green energy (solar and green hydrogen), ICT and business outsourcing and Employment opportunities for skilled Nigerian workers
He also revealed that the ministry plans to work with international partners through the Technical Aid Corps to help structure legal and safe migration pathways for Nigerian professionals.
Nigeria-Ericsson Partnership: Tech, Innovation, and Youth Empowerment
In a related development, Vice President Shettima also hosted top executives from Swedish tech giant, Ericsson, affirming Nigeria’s commitment to operationalize a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company.
Shettima commended Ericsson’s role in laying the foundation for Nigeria’s tech industry and applauded its continued investment in: Innovation hubs, small business support and Digital infrastructure
“We are a large, tech-savvy nation. A good number of Africa’s unicorns are Nigerian-based. The future is Nigeria,” the VP said.
Ericsson’s Senior Vice President for EMEA, Patrick Johansson, echoed the sentiment, stressing the company’s focus on grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, Majda Lahlou Kassi, VP of Customer Units for West and South Africa, noted that Nigeria remains central to Ericsson’s growth strategy in Africa.
From diplomacy and trade to tech and talent, Nigeria and Sweden are forging a multifaceted partnership with long-term impact. With the opening of a new Swedish trade office, investments in innovation, and a shared focus on sustainable development, both nations are positioning themselves for a prosperous future—together.
