Lagos: France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-No«l Barrot, has announced an enhanced partnership between France and Nigeria focusing on technology, innovation, and the creative industries.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the collaboration aims to foster sustainable development and cultural exchange throughout Africa.
Barrot shared these insights during the second edition of the Forum Cr©ation Africa in Lagos, an event dedicated to promoting creative and cultural industries across the continent. The forum highlighted talents from 42 African countries in fields such as video games, extended reality, webtoons, and digital design.
Barrot emphasized the robust participation of African creative talent and expressed satisfaction with France’s contribution to this success. He noted that while France leads in creative industries within Europe, Nigeria holds a similar position in Africa. This partnership seeks to connect creative talents and entrepreneurs from both nations to co-develop industries that will bolster their respective economies.
The minister highlighted technology as a crucial area of partnership, underscoring a shared commitment to innovation and multilateralism. Both countries aim to establish regulatory frameworks that encourage creativity while preventing the misuse of technology. Barrot stated that France and Nigeria have much to achieve together in building strategic digital economies.
Barrot reiterated France’s dedication to supporting Africa’s creative and technological ecosystems. He described the bilateral ties between France and Nigeria as long-standing and mutually beneficial, citing increased visits, partnerships, and collaborations. Notably, President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nigeria in 2018 and President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France last year further deepened these ties.
A significant outcome of this collaboration is the inauguration of the ‘Omi Eko’ Project, aimed at promoting sustainable water transport in Lagos. The project will deploy 78 electric boats and open 15 new waterways spanning 140 kilometers, helping Lagos reduce carbon emissions and adapt to rising sea levels. Supported by the European Union, this initiative involves a total investment of 410 million euros.