The Nigerian government has signed a partnership with Swedish tech giant Ericsson to accelerate the deployment of 5G technology across the country. As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria’s digital transformation is seen as pivotal to the continent’s broader technological advancement, with this collaboration aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing public services, and improving digital literacy.
The partnership, announced during a visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima to Ericsson’s headquarters, is set to advance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through the deployment of secure and reliable 5G networks. This development will also include the establishment of innovation hubs and tech incubators, boosting capacity building and knowledge exchange within Nigeria’s technology sector.
Vice President Shettima was accompanied by Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The delegation was hosted by Patrick Johansson, Head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, who led a tour of Ericsson’s Imagine Live Studio, where 5G technologies were showcased.
During the visit, discussions covered Ericsson’s contributions to Africa’s tech evolution, particularly in Nigeria, where the company has been present since 1978. Ericsson played a key role in launching Nigeria’s first GSM network in 2001 and is now leading the charge in 5G deployment. Key topics also included spectrum management, cybersecurity, and the importance of standardization in the telecom sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Bosun Tijani on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Patrick Johansson and Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Head of Ericsson Nigeria, represented Ericsson. Johansson expressed his optimism about the partnership, saying, “It was an honour to demonstrate Ericsson’s leadership in 5G to the Vice President. We look forward to working closely with the Nigerian government to harness the potential of 5G for businesses and citizens, ensuring national digital competitiveness.”
This partnership marks a significant milestone for Nigeria as it aims to position itself as a leader in digital innovation across Africa. With 5G technology set to play a transformative role in various sectors, from telecommunications to healthcare and education, Nigeria is poised to unlock new opportunities for economic and technological growth.
