Ericsson to build $19m tech hub in Nigeria as Shettima rakes in Swedish investments
An information and communications technology company, Ericsson, has revealed that it’s planning to build a technology hub worth $19 million in Nigeria.
Ericsson Nigeria’s managing director, Peter Ogundele, disclosed this when reeling out the company’s plans at the Nigeria-Sweden business forum, a gathering focused on trade, investment, digital economy, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Ogundele noted that Ericsson has been active in Nigeria since independence and was formally registered in 1978, adding that the company has partnered with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other organisations on capacity building for 25 years.
“We can train them, Ericsson will also take part in it, and some of them can be exported into the world,” he said.
Like Ericsson, Gluwa pledges investment in Nigeria
Also speaking at the event, Akinola Jones, director at Gluwa, a digital wallet service, highlighted the company’s plan to support some of the initiatives of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
Jones said Gluwa would train over 30,000 people under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the President.
He added that once the firm’s satellite launches this December, Nigerians would connect directly to it, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tech ecosystem.
Jones said his company has started training 1,000 people in Jigawa State and plans to spread the scheme across northern Nigeria.
“We have given about 100 million dollars in loans. It’s not just about disbursing loans or growing portfolios; it’s really about giving back,” he said.
“We are aiming for a lot of impact and are working with the government and presidency to train people on digital skills.
“And when it comes to funding, we’ve been very innovative. It’s not always about foreign funds; local solutions to local problems matter,” the Gluwa director said.
For his part, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led the federal government delegation to the forum, assured Swedish investors that Nigeria is ready for serious business, highlighting the global transition to a green economy.
He said the world’s economic focus is shifting towards Africa and that Nigeria could play a crucial role in the transition.
Shettima, who’s representing Tinubu at the two-day bilateral talks in Sweden, is expected to engage in high-level conversations with key government officials, including a meeting with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister.
“Nigeria, a country of 220 million people, will surpass the United States by 2050 to become the third most populous nation on earth.
“By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation. Population offers opportunities. People celebrate China for its population and ingenuity.
“The Nigerian digital ecosystem is eager for support and investment. Nigeria beckons— a new Nigeria is calling on you, and we are ready for business.”
Shettima also expressed confidence in Nigerian youths and urged investors to “seize the moment”.
“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this is the best time to invest in Nigeria,” Shettima said.
