In a bold move to deepen its footprint in Africa’s booming tech space, Sweden has launched its largest innovation hub on the continent right in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The landmark announcement came on Monday during a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The innovation hub, part of a wider push to expand bilateral relations, signals a renewed partnership between nations anchored on innovation, trade, and sustainable development.

According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), the new hub is expected to foster collaboration in key sectors such as renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion areas where Sweden boasts global expertise and Nigeria shows massive growth potential.

Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, who was part of the delegation, revealed that the Lagos hub is the largest of five innovation hubs Sweden has launched across Africa. He highlighted the decision as a strategic investment, citing Nigeria’s vast market, young population, and growing digital economy as major draws.

“We also recognize the strong relationship in the business sector, particularly the partnership with Nigeria in the MoU signed during your visit to Stockholm,” Carlson said. “We have opened five innovation hubs in Africa, with the largest one in Nigeria, in Lagos. So, I see a lot of opportunities in other sectors as well, such as health, agriculture, and more.”

As part of the initiative, Sweden is also opening a physical trade office in Nigeria a move hailed by Crown Princess Victoria as a “wonderful development” for both nations. Her Royal Highness, currently on a three-day official visit to Nigeria, described the partnership as timely and crucial in an increasingly interconnected world.

Vice President Shettima welcomed the Swedish delegation with optimism, pledging Nigeria’s commitment to building a dynamic partnership rooted in mutual growth. 

He praised Swedish contributions to human capital development and digital innovation in Nigeria, citing recent collaborations such as the Ericsson-backed 5G MoU and the impact of Swedish edtech company, SchoolTry, in revolutionizing education in the country.

“This visit opens a new chapter in our bilateral relationship,” Shettima stated. “anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by our shared determination to uplift communities and secure prosperity for generations to come.” 

As the innovation hub opens its doors in Lagos, it marks not just a new project, but a new era of collaboration one that could redefine the future of Nigerian-Swedish relations and spur Africa’s next wave of tech-driven transformation.