Andreas Carlson, Sweden’s minister for infrastructure and housing has pledged his country’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) and innovation hub sectors.

Mr Carlson made the pledge in an interview with journalists in Abuja, on the sidelines of a three-day official visit by the  Crown Princess of Sweden, Victoria Désirée, to Nigeria.

The minister said that Sweden, as one of the most innovative countries in the world, was ready to deepen its cooperation with Nigeria in the areas of innovation, tech, sustainable transportation, agriculture and  green transition.

”Sweden may not be one of the most populous countries in the world as Nigeria, but we are one of the most innovative countries.

“We are happy to share knowledge and work together with the vibrant tech industry in Nigeria and you know the youthful population comes with a lot of opportunities.

“We see opportunities in ICT,  sustainable transport, mining, agriculture and a lot of other fields that we can cooperate with Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Carlson said he accompanied the Crown Princess of Sweden to Nigeria to deepen bilateral relations between both countries, and inaugurated a strategic trade office in Lagos to facilitate Swedish companies investment in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Crown Princess said the visit was a testament to the growing bilateral cooperation between both countries.

“Today, our collaboration spans many sectors—from renewable energy and sustainable transport to digital solutions.

“A testament to this deepening partnership is Sweden’s new trade office in Lagos, which I have the great privilege of inaugurating,” she said.

She emphasised the strong cultural exchange between Sweden and Nigeria, citing the impact of Nigerian art and literature on Swedish society.

Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund told NAN that Sweden sees vast potential for further collaboration, especially in digitalisation, innovation, the green transition, and the creative industries.

“We already have about 40 Swedish companies present in Nigeria today, including multinationals like Ericsson, Atlas Copco, SKF, Arla, Scania, and Volvo.

“With the opening of  the trade office in Lagos, we expect even more trade and investments,” she said. 

(NAN)