Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, has declared that the country is now Africa’s fastest-scaling digital hub, driving growth across fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, and broadband rollout on a continental scale.
Speaking at a roundtable hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Vice President Shettima underscored Nigeria’s growing role as both a digital and economic powerhouse in Africa.
Nigeria’s digital momentum
Highlighting milestones in Nigeria’s digital journey, the Vice President noted that the country now accounts for 29% of Africa’s internet usage, has attracted over $2 billion in venture funding, and is training three million new technology talents under initiatives driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“These achievements reflect not just isolated wins, but a multi-billion, multi-faceted reset of the Nigerian economy launched under the Renewed Hope Agenda in 2023,” Shettima said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s digital expansion is already catalysing opportunities across industries, positioning the country as a central hub for innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and next-generation service delivery in Africa.
$200bn energy transition opportunity
On energy, Shettima told global investors that Nigeria’s reserves of 210 trillion cubic feet of gas and some of the highest solar irradiation levels on the continent provide a $200 billion opportunity in energy transition.
“Fiscal incentives and VAT waivers are de-risking investment in both traditional and renewable power assets, from gas-fired independent power plants to off-grid solar and clean hydrogen pilots,” he said.
According to him, reforms in the energy sector are designed to complement Nigeria’s digital momentum, ensuring the country not only powers its growing economy but also contributes to global climate goals.
Africa’s innovation lab
The Vice President said the dual reforms in the digital and energy ecosystems are reshaping Nigeria into “Africa’s production floor and innovation lab”, capable of attracting global investment and talent.
“With our digital drive, our energy potential, and our ongoing economic reforms, Nigeria is charting a new path that combines innovation with sustainability. We are not only embracing the future, we are shaping it,” Shettima told the international audience.
The BCIU roundtable provided a platform for Nigeria to court global investors and stakeholders, presenting the country as a prime destination for technology-driven growth, clean energy investments, and long-term partnerships.
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