Nigeria is well positioned to become a major driver of Africa’s digital and creative economy, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has said.
Speaking at the third Omniverse Africa Summit in Lagos, Mignot said Nigeria’s large youth population, fast-growing innovation ecosystem, and strong entrepreneurial culture give it a natural advantage in shaping Africa’s digital future.
He described the emerging digital and creative economy as a “historic opportunity” for growth and job creation, noting that young Nigerians are already at the centre of innovation because of their early exposure to technology.
According to him, Nigeria’s tech-driven youth demographic places the country in a strong position to lead innovation across Africa if properly supported through investment, infrastructure, and skills development.
The summit brought together policymakers, investors, startups, creatives, researchers, and development partners to explore how collaboration can accelerate digital transformation and expand economic opportunities.
Mignot highlighted the European Union’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s digital sector, including a €45 million digital development partnership and investments aimed at expanding fibre-optic connectivity across the country.
He also pointed to EU-backed programmes focused on digital governance, entrepreneurship, and skills development, including the Three Million Technical Talent initiative, the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria implemented with Germany’s GIZ, and the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, also stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, saying the future of innovation depends on connected ecosystems rather than isolated efforts.
She described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most vibrant innovation hubs, noting that its entrepreneurs are already influencing global trends in fintech, artificial intelligence, agriculture, healthcare, and creative industries.
Mignot said platforms like the Omniverse Africa Summit are essential for turning ideas into partnerships and innovation into measurable impact.
He added that Nigeria’s digital future will depend on stronger coordination between government, private sector, and development partners to unlock its full potential.
“The future is connected, but connection must translate into impact,” he said.
The summit featured discussions on artificial intelligence, green technology, entrepreneurship, research collaboration, and future skills, reflecting growing momentum around Africa’s innovation-driven economy.
The European Union reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation and youth empowerment across the continent.