Bosun Tijani to speak on digital transformation at 2025 Nordic Nigeria event

The Nordic Nigeria Connect (NNC) says it will hold the fourth edition of its business forum on October 21.

Organised by the four Nordic embassies in Nigeria with support from Business Finland, Business Sweden, and the Danish Trade Office, the forum is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration between Nordic countries and Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, Nordic Nigeria said the event will bring together government leaders, innovators, and private sector executives to explore opportunities for collaboration across key sectors — ranging from digital transformation and energy transition to healthcare innovation and sustainable agriculture.

Themed ‘Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Impact’, the organisers said the event reflects the shared ambition of Nordic and Nigerian partners to build inclusive, future-ready economies that support Nigeria’s transition to a greener and more inclusive future.

“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.

“The 2025 edition will highlight Nordic innovations addressing urgent global and local challenges built around four thematic tracks: Digital Transformation; Green Energy Transition; Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security; and Health Innovation.

“The Digital Transformation track focuses on accelerating Nigeria’s digital leap through technology, AI, and connectivity alongside the important topic of Green Energy Transition – advancing clean energy partnerships and sustainable solutions.”

Sanna Selin, a Finnish envoy, said Finland and the other Nordic countries regard Nigeria as a key 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.

“The biennial Nordic Nigeria Connect business forum aims to deepen those partnerships.”

Svein Baera, the envoy of Norway, said investing in renewable energy remains a win-win for the environment and economies.

“Norway is ready to invest, cooperate and share know-how on renewable energy solutions,” Baera said.

Similarly, Anna Westerholm, the ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, said the forum would create new opportunities 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.”

‘LET’S SUPPORT SOLUTIONS TO STRENGTHEN BUSINESS TIES’

Also speaking on the event, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, Denmark’s envoy to Nigeria, said Denmark’s participation underscores its commitment to long-term cooperation 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 statement said the event will feature a diverse line-up of thought leaders, industry pioneers, and changemakers, including Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation and digital economy; Lina Gandløse Hansen, state secretary for trade and investment in Denmark; and Jarno Syrjälä, deputy minister for foreign trade in Finland.

Others include Johan Frisell, director for Africa, ministry for foreign affairs in Sweden; Kashifu Abdullahi, director-general/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Frederik Klinke, chief executive officer, APM Terminals Nigeria; and Ijeoma Ozulumba, executive director (finance and corporate services) and chief financial officer at Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN).

Also expected to speak are Terje Osmundsen, chief executive officer of Empower New Energy; Peter Olusoji Ogundele, managing director/head of Ericsson Nigeria; Adesuwa Ladoja, managing director/CEO of Lagos Free Zone; Naana Winful Fynn, regional director of West Africa at Norfund; Lars Johannisson, CEO of RackCentre; Oula Järvinen, AI transformation lead at Gofore; Marco Rebecchi, country manager at Nokia (Nigeria and Ghana); and Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, moderator at NNC 2025.

The statement added that participants will also discuss healthcare innovation to foster access to quality healthcare through digital and diagnostic technologies and sustainable agriculture and food security, promoting climate-smart, resilient food systems and value chains.