By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Nigeria is well positioned to lead Africa’s digital and creative transformation, according to the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.

Speaking at the third edition of the Omniverse Africa Summit in Lagos, Mignot said Nigeria’s youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit and expanding innovation ecosystem provide a strong foundation for digital transformation, innovation and economic growth.

“The new economy, digital and creative, offers a fantastic opportunity,” he said, noting that young Nigerians are uniquely positioned to drive innovation because they belong to a generation that has grown up with digital tools and technologies.

The summit brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, investors, creatives and development partners from across Africa and beyond to explore how technology, innovation and collaboration can accelerate economic growth and create opportunities for young people.

Mignot said the European Union and Nigeria have identified the digital and creative sectors as strategic priorities within their partnership, highlighting ongoing investments designed to support the country’s digital transformation.

“In Nigeria, the EU supports the entire digital value chain, from governance to infrastructure, from skills to entrepreneurship,” he said.

He cited several initiatives, including a recently signed €45 million digital development agreement between the European Union and Nigeria, support for the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide, contributions to Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure agenda, and backing for the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.

The ambassador also highlighted programmes supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development, including the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, co-funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by GIZ. The initiative promotes digital innovation, entrepreneurship and technology adoption among young Nigerians and businesses.

He further referenced the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Federal Government, which connects young graduates with workplace opportunities and practical experience.

Also speaking at the summit, Annett Günther said the future would be shaped through collaboration rather than isolation.

“The future will not be built in silos. It will be built through cooperation across sectors, institutions and borders. The future will be connected,” she said.

Günther described Nigeria as home to one of Africa’s most vibrant innovation ecosystems, noting that Nigerian entrepreneurs are increasingly influencing global trends in financial technology, artificial intelligence, agribusiness, health innovation, manufacturing and the creative industries.

“Nigerian innovators are not simply adapting to global trends. They are shaping them,” she said.

Mignot said one of the strengths of the Omniverse Africa Summit is its ability to bring together all stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.

“Policymakers, founders, investors, creatives, researchers, development partners and business leaders are all here, all together,” he said.

“Because Nigeria’s digital future will not be built in silos. Technology, creative industries, finance, education, manufacturing, agriculture and public services are no longer separate worlds. They are converging.”

He added that the summit provides an opportunity to transform discussions into partnerships and ideas into practical solutions that can drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

“The future is connected, but connection must be turned into impact,” Mignot said.

“Let us connect innovators with investors, policy with practice, creativity with technology, and Nigerian talent with global opportunities.”

The summit featured discussions on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, green technology, future skills, research collaboration and innovation financing, underscoring the growing role of partnerships in shaping Africa’s economic future.

The European Union partnered with Omniverse Africa as part of its broader commitment to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and youth development in Nigeria and across the continent.