Largest Innovation Hub To Be Open In Lagos

By Mohammed Adekola

Sweden has announced the opening of its largest innovation hub in Africa to be located in Lagos State.

The announcement was made on during a meeting between the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).

Both parties used the opportunity to declare their firm resolve to deepen bilateral relations through trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.

Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria, is said to be on a three-day official visit to Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Sweden and Nigeria.

In his remarks, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, stated that his country’s government has identified opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in the innovation and tech sectors, as well as in other areas where both countries can learn from each other.

He added, “This will shape a better future for tomorrow for our people.”
He said preparations were underway to officially open Sweden’s trade office tomorrow, Wednesday noting that both nations share a long-standing foundation of bilateral relations, with 65 years of robust partnership.

“We also recognize the strong relationship in the business sector, particularly the partnership with Nigeria in the MoU signed during your visit to Stockholm. We have opened five innovation hubs in Africa, with the largest one in Nigeria, in Lagos. So, I see a lot of opportunities in other sectors as well, such as health, agriculture, and more,” he added.

She said that Sweden’s physical trade office in Nigeria would be a wonderful development for both countries.