Nigeria, Sweden strengthen ties in renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria and Sweden are poised to deepen their bilateral ties in key sectors such as renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion, as Vice President Kashim Shettima hosted Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in Abuja on Monday.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa, marks a significant advancement in diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. Crown Princess Victoria is on a three-day official visit aimed at reinforcing ties with Africa’s largest economy.
VP Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s view of Sweden as a valuable partner in sustainable development and innovation, emphasizing that both countries are committed to “a partnership anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by our shared determination to uplift communities.”
He outlined areas of collaboration, stating, “We are particularly excited about opportunities in renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion—areas where Sweden has a wealth of expertise, and Nigeria is eager to learn.”
The Vice President also referenced previous high-level engagements in Stockholm, including a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swedish telecom giant Ericsson to support 5G innovation in Nigeria, as an example of the growing foundation for further collaboration.
“Swedish enterprises are continuously investing in Nigeria’s human capital and sustainable development. These partnerships are foundational to a broader framework of cooperation—one that positions Sweden as a key partner in Nigeria’s efforts toward digital inclusion, educational reform, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy transition,” Shettima stated.
Crown Princess Victoria expressed optimism about the expanding relationship, saying, “It’s wonderful to see the opportunities here. It would be equally wonderful for Sweden to have a physical trade office in Nigeria—something that should have been done long ago.”
In support of this vision, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, announced the opening of Sweden’s trade office in Nigeria this week. He lauded the long-standing partnership between the two nations and highlighted Swedish-led innovation hubs, including the largest one in Lagos, as symbols of ongoing collaboration.
