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Nigeria Set to Benefit from €150bn EU Development Fund Under Global Gateway Initiative

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Nigeria is positioned as a major beneficiary of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to invest €150 billion in Africa’s infrastructure development by 2027. The initiative focuses on key sectors such as digital transformation, climate and energy, transport, education, research, and health.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasized the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable investments in the region. He highlighted that between 2021 and 2024, the EU had implemented approximately €700 million in cooperation projects across Nigeria alone.

De Luca noted that the EU and its member states remain Nigeria’s largest development partners. He explained that the Global Gateway initiative, with a total funding pool of €300 billion, primarily targets Africa but also extends to Latin America and Asia. Unlike traditional aid programs, this initiative prioritizes long-term investments over one-time financial assistance.

“Instead of solely providing technical aid, we focus on sustainable investments that can be funded by either the private or public sector,” De Luca stated. He further emphasized that financing under the Global Gateway is structured to ensure project viability through a mix of loans and equity, rather than just grants or contracts.

The European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Nigeria is expected to play a key role in attracting European investors to the country. “EuroCham serves as a hub for European investors already present in Nigeria, helping to identify and support priority projects,” De Luca added.

One of the significant areas of EU-backed investment in Nigeria is digital transformation. The EU is collaborating with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to accelerate Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. Key focus areas include:

  • Expanding broadband infrastructure: The EU supports the deployment of 90,000 km of fibre optic cables to enhance internet connectivity nationwide. The project will be driven by private-sector investment, with the government establishing a special purpose vehicle to facilitate funding.
  • Advancing e-governance systems: The EU is working on developing the necessary software, hardware, and protocols to enhance interoperability in public administration.
  • Enhancing digital skills: In partnership with GIZ, the EU is supporting the Digital Transformation Centres programme. A key hub for this initiative, NitHub, is based at the University of Lagos, providing training and resources to equip Nigerians with in-demand digital skills.

Additionally, the EU has aligned its efforts with Nigeria’s ‘Three Million Technical Talents’ (3MTT) initiative, which aims to upskill the nation’s workforce. “We are facilitating peer-to-peer learning and supporting skill certification through internationally recognized programs and hands-on experience in the hubs we fund,” De Luca said.

With these strategic investments, the EU aims to drive economic development in Nigeria, enhance technological innovation, and strengthen the country’s position as a key player in Africa’s digital economy.

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