Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, is expected to headline discussions on digital transformation at the fourth edition of the Nordic Nigeria Connect (NNC) business forum scheduled for October 21.
The forum, organised by the embassies of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark in partnership with Business Finland, Business Sweden and the Danish Trade Office, aims to deepen economic and innovation partnerships between Nordic countries and Nigeria. According to the organisers, the gathering will bring together government leaders, technology innovators and private sector executives to explore collaboration across digital transformation, clean energy, healthcare innovation and sustainable agriculture.
The 2025 edition, themed ‘Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Impact’, is designed to reflect a shared ambition to build resilient, future-ready economies and support Nigeria’s transition toward greener and more inclusive growth.
“This initiative builds on decades of trade and investment between the Nordics and Nigeria, representing the Nordic model in action—combining responsible business conduct, innovation, and sustainability with deep local partnerships,” the statement reads.
Nordic Nigeria said the event will highlight solutions across four key thematic tracks: Digital Transformation; Green Energy Transition; Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security; and Health Innovation, with a particular focus on how AI, connectivity and renewable energy can drive inclusive development.
Sanna Selin, a Finnish envoy, said Finland and other Nordic countries view Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa. “This is because Nordic collaboration with Nigeria is more than shared trade priorities; these are transformative partnerships for sustainable development, digitalization, and inclusive wellbeing,” Selin said.
Svein Baera, Norway’s envoy, noted that investing in renewable energy remains a “win-win” for economies and the environment. “Norway is ready to invest, cooperate and share know-how on renewable energy solutions,” he said.
Anna Westerholm, Sweden’s ambassador to Nigeria, said the forum would open new doors for dialogue and innovation. “Sweden sees great potential in Nigeria’s digital future and values the role of Nordic collaboration in unlocking new opportunities,” she said. “Through the Nordic Nigeria Connect, we aim to open doors for dialogue, innovation and partnerships that enable inclusive green and digital transformation and sustainable economic progress.”
Jens Ole Bach Hansen, Denmark’s envoy, said Denmark’s participation reflects its commitment to long-term engagement with Nigeria and the broader Nordic partnership. “Together we can support practical, forward-looking solutions that strengthen business ties and promote inclusive, green development,” Hansen said.
The event will feature a high-profile lineup of speakers, including Bosun Tijani; Lina Gandløse Hansen, state secretary for trade and investment in Denmark; Jarno Syrjälä, deputy minister for foreign trade in Finland; and Johan Frisell, director for Africa at Sweden’s ministry for foreign affairs.
Other confirmed participants include Kashifu Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria; Ijeoma Ozulumba, CFO at Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN); Terje Osmundsen, CEO of Empower New Energy; Peter Olusoji Ogundele, head of Ericsson Nigeria; Adesuwa Ladoja, CEO of Lagos Free Zone; Naana Winful Fynn, West Africa director at Norfund; Lars Johannisson, CEO of RackCentre; Oula Järvinen, AI transformation lead at Gofore; Marco Rebecchi, Nokia country manager for Nigeria and Ghana; and Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, who will serve as moderator.
According to the organisers, sessions will also spotlight innovations in healthcare technology to improve diagnostic and digital access, as well as sustainable agriculture practices to build resilient food systems and value chains that can withstand climate pressure.
