EU to Provide €150 Billion for Infrastructure Development in Nigeria and Africa
The European Union (EU) has announced that it will provide €150 billion by 2027 to support infrastructure development in Nigeria and other African countries. This funding, through the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, aims to improve transport, energy, and digital networks, as well as support key sectors like agriculture, health, education, and economic growth.
The Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, shared this news at a media briefing in Lagos. He emphasized that the initiative is designed to enhance connectivity, encourage sustainable development, and strengthen the EU’s partnerships with African nations.
EU’s Role in Nigeria
De Luca highlighted that from 2021 to 2024, the EU invested about €700 million in Nigeria alone. The EU, along with its member states, remains the country’s largest donor. Through the Global Gateway Initiative, the EU focuses on investment rather than just providing technical support. This means working closely with both private and public investors to ensure projects are sustainable in the long term.
Digital Transformation in Nigeria
One major area of focus is Nigeria’s digital transformation. The EU is working closely with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on three key projects:
1. Expanding internet access – The deployment of 90,000 km of fiber optic cables across Nigeria.
2. Improving e-governance – Setting up systems to enhance government services and digital infrastructure.
3. Developing digital skills – Training young Nigerians and supporting digital hubs like NitHub at the University of Lagos.
To fund these projects, the Nigerian government is creating a special purpose vehicle (SPV), where private investors will contribute most of the money. The EU may provide some grants and loans to encourage private sector involvement.
Strengthening Nigeria-EU Ties
De Luca also mentioned that the EU is working with EuroCham, an organization representing European investors in Nigeria, to identify priority projects. Additionally, the EU is collaborating with GIZ (a German development agency) to support Digital Transformation Centres (DTCs) in Nigeria, helping young people gain internationally recognized digital skills.
Overall, the Global Gateway Initiative is part of the EU’s larger €300 billion investment plan to support infrastructure and economic development in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
