By Marvellous Nyang
October 16, 2024
Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria has arrived in Sweden for a two-day working visit aimed at boosting trade and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
This visit, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is part of a broader effort to enhance cooperation in several key sectors.
Vice President Shettima is accompanied on this visit by a high-level delegation that includes the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and several heads of government agencies and parastatals.
Shettima’s aircraft touched down at Arlanda International Airport in Stockholm at about 9:53 p.m. Nigerian time on Wednesday.
Upon arrival, he was received by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Sweden, Aliyu Mahmud, and other dignitaries.
During his visit, the Vice President will engage in high-level bilateral talks with key government officials in Sweden.
These meetings include discussions with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson. These interactions are crucial for exploring new opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
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The targeted areas for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and Sweden include Information and Communication Technology (ICT), digitalisation, education, sustainable transport, agriculture, and mining.
These sectors are identified as critical for mutual growth and development.
One of the significant engagements during the visit is a meeting with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital impact investor.
Norrsken recently launched Norrsken22, a $205 million tech investment fund focused on Africa, with 40% of the investments allocated to Nigerian technology entrepreneurs.
This meeting aims to provide insights into how Nigerian entrepreneurs can benefit from this fund and further strengthen the technology ecosystem in Nigeria.
In addition to government-level engagements, twelve Nigerian private sector companies that have business ties with Sweden are also participating in the visit as a private-sector bloc.
This is intended to facilitate direct business-to-business interactions and potential partnerships.
While in Sweden, Vice President Shettima is also expected to articulate Nigeria’s economic vision and the reforms being undertaken by the current administration to create a more business-friendly environment.
He will showcase the investment opportunities available in Nigeria, highlighting the country’s position as Africa’s largest economy.
The Vice President is expected to conclude his visit and return to Nigeria on Saturday.
The outcomes of these discussions and meetings are anticipated to have a positive impact on the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Sweden, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and technological cooperation.
This visit underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen their relationship and explore new avenues for mutual benefit, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation in the future.
