On Monday, in a bid that strengthens deeper economic cooperation and long-term strategic interest, Sweden officially launched its largest innovation hub in Africa—right in the heart of Lagos.
The decision wasn’t just a ceremonial gesture; it was business. Sweden is looking to Nigeria—not just as Africa’s largest economy, but as a place to build. Build tech. Build trade. Build trust.
The Swedish Crown Princess, Victoria, currently on a three-day state visit, sat down with Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Discussions went from tech to trade, from culture to climate. And both countries are ready to push this relationship forward.
Vice President Shettima said: “Nigeria will continue to be a dependable ally of Sweden in all seasons.” He spoke of a partnership “anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by our shared determination to uplift communities and secure prosperity for generations to come.”
Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, spoke about what’s driving the move: opportunity. “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.”
And with that came confirmation—Sweden’s physical trade office in Nigeria is set to officially open on Tuesday. After 65 years of bilateral relations, Sweden is betting big, and betting long-term, on Nigeria.
Princess Victoria added weight to the moment, saying, “It’s wonderful to see the opportunities that are here. I think this is especially important in the times we live in right now.”
She’s not wrong. Nigeria is trying to shift its economic gears, and Sweden is offering a toolkit—through tech, investment, and knowledge exchange.
There was also a focus on commitments already made. One of them is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria and Swedish tech giant Ericsson. Shettima made it clear—Nigeria is ready to get the wheels turning. “We are a large nation with a tech-savvy population. Many of Africa’s tech unicorns are Nigerian-based. The future is Nigeria.”
Ericsson’s team, led by Patrick Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa, came calling at the Villa too. They’ve been here before, helping Nigeria build its digital backbone long before most international companies saw potential in the country’s tech scene.
“She has remained a faithful partner in progress and a collaborator in our transformation journey,” Shettima said, referring to the company’s consistent presence in Nigeria.
It didn’t end there.
Majda Lahlou Kassi, another Ericsson executive, emphasised why Nigeria continues to be a priority. “Ericsson believes in Nigeria’s potential and is proud of the existing relationship, especially the possibilities for growth in the local market and entrenchment of a digital culture among the citizenry.”
There was also conversation around education and social development. The VP praised SchoolTry, a Swedish edtech company working to improve education outcomes in Nigeria. It’s another proof point that Sweden isn’t coming in for extractive purposes—they’re bringing tools, tech, and teaching.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, used the moment to highlight even more: green energy, agriculture, skilled employment, and ICT outsourcing. According to him, Nigeria is already holding talks with countries like Sweden to ensure skilled workers can access structured opportunities abroad. “This will reduce irregular migration,” he said.
So, yes—it was a packed Monday. But this wasn’t diplomacy as usual.
This was Sweden looking at Nigeria not just as a partner, but as a huge force in Africa’s sustainable development. And it was Nigeria, in return, revealing that it’s not just open for business, but ready to lead from the front.
