France’s minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, says his country is deepening collaboration with Nigeria in technology, innovation, and the creative industries.

Mr Barrot said the partnership aims to drive sustainable development and cultural exchange across Africa.

He disclosed this on Friday in Lagos during the second edition of the Forum Création Africa, which promotes creative and cultural industries across the continent.

The minister said the forum showcased exceptional talents from 42 African countries in video games, extended reality, webtoons, and digital design.

He said: “We are seeing strong participation of creative talent across Africa.

“I am happy that France contributes to this success. France leads in creative industries in Europe, while Nigeria leads in Africa.”

Mr Barrot said both countries could achieve more by connecting creative talents and entrepreneurs to co-develop industries that strengthen their economies.

He stressed that technology remains a key area of partnership, underscoring shared commitment to innovation and multilateralism.

He said both nations aim to create regulatory frameworks that promote creativity while preventing misuse of technology.  

“Technology is one field where France and Nigeria have much to achieve together.

“We share a common vision of development, multilateralism, international law, and technology. We want to build strategic digital economies,” he said.

He explained that effective regulation should encourage creativity while preventing misuse that threatens collective interests.

Mr Barrot reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative and technological ecosystems.

On bilateral ties, he described France–Nigeria relations as long-standing and mutually beneficial, citing increased visits, partnerships, and collaborations.

He recalled that President Emmanuel Macron visited Nigeria in 2018, while President Bola Tinubu visited France last year, deepening ties further.

“There has been strong interaction between administrations, companies, and civil societies from both countries,” he said.

Highlighting a key outcome, Mr Barrot recalled the recent inauguration of the ‘Omi Eko’ Project, promoting sustainable water transport in Lagos.  

“We have inaugurated the ‘Omi Eko’ Project to deliver decarbonised water transportation in Lagos,” he said.

The project, he noted, will deploy 78 electric boats and open 15 new waterways spanning 140 kilometres.

He said it would help Lagos cut carbon emissions and adapt to rising sea levels.

Mr Barrot said the initiative, supported by the European Union, involves a total investment of 410 million euros. 

(NAN)