On Tuesday, October 22, the Nigerian government announced a new partnership with Ericsson to explore the possibilities of 5G technology in the country.
This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during a visit to Ericsson’s global headquarters in Sweden, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The MoU sets the stage for cooperation between the Nigerian government and Ericsson Nigeria, focusing on developing, deploying, and innovating 5G technology. As Africa’s most populous nation, representing over 15% of the continent’s population, this partnership is crucial for driving digital transformation across many sectors.
Key goals of the agreement include supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts, which aim to boost economic growth and enhance public services using advanced, secure, and reliable 5G technology. The partnership also seeks to promote knowledge sharing and capacity building within the tech sector, helping to create innovation hubs and tech incubators in Nigeria, as well as improving digital literacy and skills development.
The delegation accompanying Vice President Shettima included Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
During the visit to Ericsson, hosted by Patrick Johansson, Head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, the delegation toured Ericsson’s Imagine Live Studio, which showcased various 5G technologies. Discussions covered important topics such as Ericsson’s history in Africa, the evolution of technology, spectrum management, standardization, and cybersecurity.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Bosun Tijani on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Patrick Johansson and Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Head of Ericsson Nigeria, signed for Ericsson. Johansson expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “It was an honor to show the Vice President and his delegation Ericsson’s leadership in 5G technology capabilities. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Nigerian government to harness the innovation potential of 5G for businesses, citizens, and national digital competitiveness.”
Ericsson has been active in Nigeria since 1978, having supported significant network deployments, including the launch of the country’s first GSM network in 2001. This partnership marks an important step toward solidifying Nigeria’s position as a leader in digital innovation across Africa.
