The government of Nigeria has partnered with Ericsson to expand the potential of 5G technology in the country. This development was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
It was during an official visit to Ericsson’s global headquarters in Sweden on October 18. Vice President Kashim Shettima led the Nigerian delegation.
The MoU aims to foster cooperation between the Nigerian government and Ericsson on 5G technology development, deployment, and innovation. Nigeria, Africa’s largest country by population, accounts for more than 15% of the continent’s population.
Enhancing Economic Growth and Public Services in Nigeria
The partnership will support Nigeria’s digital transformation. It will also spur economic growth and improve public services using advanced, secure 5G technology.
This collaboration also seeks to drive knowledge exchange in the tech sector, develop innovation hubs, and improve digital literacy and skills.
Vice President Shettima’s delegation included Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani. Regional leaders and senior officials from Nigeria’s ICT and communications sectors also joined.
During the visit, the delegation toured Ericsson’s Imagine Live Studio, witnessing a demonstration of Ericsson’s 5G technologies. Patrick Johansson, Head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, hosted the visit.
“It was an honor to show the Vice President, and his delegation colleagues, Ericsson’s leadership in 5G and technology capabilities at first-hand.
We look forward to working in close partnership with the Nigerian government to develop the innovation potential of 5G for Nigerian businesses, citizens, and for national digital competitiveness,” said Johansson.
Long-standing Partnership with Nigeria
Ericsson has been active in Nigeria since 1978, helping launch the country’s first GSM network in 2001. The new MoU reinforces the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Ericsson, with a focus on using 5G to improve Nigeria’s digital future.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Bosun Tijani for the Nigerian government, and Patrick Johansson along with Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Head of Ericsson Nigeria, for Ericsson.