EU, Germany pledge support for Lagos job drive, creative economy

The European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany have strongly backed Nigeria’s expanding digital and creative economy, identifying the nation’s young population as the ultimate driver for continental transformation.

Speaking at the Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0 held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, international envoys emphasized that cross-border collaboration is essential to solving Africa’s modern economic challenges.

European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, highlighted that while traditional industries like agriculture remain important, they can no longer absorb the massive wave of young people entering the labor market each year.

He described the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem as the most viable pathway for sustainable job creation, noting that Nigeria’s tech-native youth are uniquely positioned to spearhead this transition.

This position was mirrored by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, who stated that emerging global shifts like artificial intelligence and green innovation require interconnected partnerships.

She praised Nigeria’s unique potential to shape a technology-driven future for the entire continent while tackling shared global crises like climate change and economic resilience.

The summit also highlighted local execution of these international goals, with the Lagos State Government revealing that its policy environment is actively shifting to make large-scale entrepreneurship viable.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat detailed how the state is systematically laying down broadband access, digitizing public services, and launching a joint initiative with the United States African Development Foundation to equip 10,000 residents with industry-ready skills.

Charles Emembolu, Co-Convener of Omniverse Africa, wrapped up the summit’s core message by stating that Africa’s true wealth lies not in its natural resources, but in bridging the gap between its immense human capital and the global networks, markets, and capital necessary to unleash it.