The European Union, under its Gateway Initiative, has disclosed plans to invest £820 million in the Nigerian digital economy sector over the next three years.

The Executive Vice President of the EU, Margre Vestager, disclosed this in a statement signed by Uwa Suleiman, spokesperson to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, on Monday.

Mrs Vestager, who was on a working visit, listed the EU’s intervention in the sector to include digital infrastructure investments, digitalisation of public services, digital entrepreneurship, digital skills and digital governance.

She extolled the good leadership style of the minister and noted that the need for stronger partnerships had brought global attention to the country’s digital economy sector.

“Nigeria has immense potential for digitalisation and with a combination of 160 million Euros in grants and 660 million Euros in loans, the EU aims to comprehensively support Nigeria’s digitalisation strategy,” she said.

In his response, Mr Pantami expressed delight and appreciation for the intervention and reiterated Nigeria’s willingness to partner with the EU.

Mr Pantami emphasised digital entrepreneurship and its immense impacts on the nation’s economy.

He further informed the delegation that Nigeria was on track to achieve the paperless office by 2030. 

“Africa has always looked up to Europe in the area of technological advancements, and this partnership is a welcome development that will project the digitalisation aspirations of our country.

“This partnership with regards to digital entrepreneurship will address the challenge of unemployment and non- employability alongside the Nigeria Startup Bill, which also aims to address a myriad of issues within the ecosystem.

“The European Union intervention aligns with the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS),” he said. 

(NAN)