The US Consul-General, Will Stevens, has disclosed that trade and investment from the United States to the Nigerian market stands at 70%, surpassing other Western countries. He also revealed that Nigeria ranks among the top African countries with a high percentage of its students studying in US tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the Global Tech Summit in Lagos, Stevens emphasized the US government’s commitment to investing in Nigeria due to the country’s creativity and potential for growth. He highlighted the need for startups in Nigeria to have access to capital, allowing them to develop into billion-dollar companies, especially in the tech ecosystem.
Stevens acknowledged the presence of five out of nine African unicorns based in Lagos and expressed confidence in their continued growth. He stressed the belief that success breeds success, and the Biden administration is dedicated to partnering with Nigeria and its tech ecosystem to foster further development.
The US Consul-General encouraged Nigerian youths to be proactive in finding solutions to global problems, expressing his conviction that Nigeria holds the right solutions for its sustainability. He urged the young generation to take advantage of the country’s potential for innovation and contribute to solving global challenges.
Dr. William Nwankwo Alo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, praised the Global Tech Africa summit as a catalyst for Africa’s rapid evolution in the global technology landscape. He emphasized that access to technology is no longer a privilege but a fundamental right for all Africans.
Dr. Inya Lawal, CEO of Global Tech Africa, highlighted the summit’s focus on trade rather than aid, with Nigeria gaining attention for its numerous unicorns birthed by Nigerians. He praised the country’s abundance of innovation, particularly in the field of ICT. Lawal revealed plans for skills acquisition training in underserved communities in Jigawa, Abuja, Ibadan, and Ile-ife, aiming to empower 13,000 people by November 2023.
