Nordic innovations in the limelight in Lagos, Nigeria

Nordic embassies in Nigeria (Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark) with their partners (Business Finland, Business Sweden ja NORWEP) organized in 22-23 May in Lagos, Nigeria, the Nordic Nigeria Connect for Nordic and Nigerian exchange in business and culture. Previous time a similar event took place in Lagos was in 2012.

Designer Marita Huurinainen and her models after the Nordic-Nigerian fashion show

The Nordic embassies (Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark) with their partners (Business Finland, Business Sweden ja NORWEP) organized 22-23 May in Lagos,  Nigeria, the Nordic Nigeria Connect for business and culture. A similar event was organized once before in 2012 in Lagos.

Lagos with its population of 20 million inhabitants is the heart of business and culture in Nigeria, which is the most populous country and biggest economy of Africa. The economy of Lagos itself is greater than that of entire Kenya. Nigeria is also a hotbed of innovation, and Lagos is also known as the innovation capital of Africa. The innovative approaches are developed particularly in fintech and agriculture, with the aim of diversifying the oil-dependent economy of Nigeria and creating jobs. 

Nordic Nigeria Connect aimed at not only the presentation of Nordic actors but also at the creation of true dialogue where Nordic and Nigerian actors can share practices and co-create new solutions for Nigeria in different sectors. The two-day event was a success with a lifted atmosphere and very positive feedback from businesses. The event also attracted media attention in at least 25 media, including newspapers, TV and radio. 

The Radisson Blu Anchorage hotel provided the elegant milieu for the event opened by Dr. Isa Ali from Ibrahim National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), representing the Vice President of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as well as Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters. Dr. Ibrahim stated that Nigerians should learn from the Nordic innovation expertise but simultaneously to remember to develop an indigenous Nigerian approach to innovation. 

600 invited guests participated the event in addition to representatives of 45 Nordic companies. The invitees included Nigerian businesses, investors, government and other organizations as well as influencers in entertainment and culture.

Fashion statements, education and energy solution - presenting the Nordic in a holistic manner

The first day of the program concentrated on the exchange of ideas and practices in innovation in both Nigeria and Nordic countries. In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Jyrki Pulkkinen reminded the audience of the connection between innovation and learning and explained that a well-functioning education system is the cradle for innovation. That is the reason why Finland despite its size keeps pushing out world-class companies.  The afternoon sessions focused on innovation in learning and education, transport and logistics. The second day of the event went on under the theme of energy, both in oil and gas and in renewable energy solutions. The last session of the day presented different Nordic and Nigerian funding instruments and opportunities. 

In addition to Nordic businesses and innovations, the Nordic arts and culture were introduced at the event. A Nordic-Nigerian fashion show presenting the clothes of a Finnish designer Marita Huurinainen and makeup of Oriflame Sweden astonished the audience by the swimming pool with the lagoon as a backdrop. The collection of Marita Huurinainen was a tribute for Finnish-Nigerian cooperation since many fabrics were printed in Nigeria in partnership with local artisans while the cuts were minimalistic and loyal to the Nordic style.  Sweden organized a Swedish-Nigerian music show together with the African Artist Foundation, featuring artists Sabina Ddumba, Kim Cesarion and Mr Eazi. Combining business and culture in one event provided an excellent branding opportunity for the Nordics and Nordic businesses. 

In total 10 Finnish companies participated in the event,  where also Hofstede Insights, a consulting company specialized in intercultural management operating in 45 countries while keeping its headquarters in Finland, officially launched its operations in Nigeria.

Nordic cooperation in Nigeria

The Nordic countries are famous for their innovations. Sweden, Finland and Denmark are in the top of the  on innovation performance ranking in the EU (European Innovation Scoreboard 2019). However, the Nordic brand and cooperation are still relatively unknown in Nigeria and need further strengthening efforts. 

Thanks to the Nordic Nigeria Connect 2019, many Nordic businesses reported on finding new clients and partners and creating new projects. The companies also enjoyed peer support in the event. In general, Nordic companies are often still hesitant to invest in Nigeria and recognize its immense business potential. Sharing experiences and reporting on success stories of Nordic businesses may also encourage others to enter the market.

Download your copy of the Photo Report from the event from Business Sweden Google Drive(Link to another website.).