Team Finland network in Nigeria
The Team Finland network promotes Finland and its interests abroad: the internationalisation of Finnish enterprises, investments in Finland, and the country brand. The Team Finland operating model brings together the key actors and services in these fields. The core of the network consists of the publicly funded organisations operating in these fields, such as the ministries, Finland’s network of diplomatic missions, Business Finland, Finnish culture and science institutes abroad, Finnvera, Finnfund, and the regional internationalisation services, built upon the ELY Centres. The Team Finland network will help your enterprise become more international, grow, and succeed in the global market.
Objectives of the Team Finland network in Nigeria
While the Nigerian market is the biggest in Africa, it is still relatively unknown to Finnish companies. Yet Nigeria counts among the most attractive emerging markets on the continent due its size, population growth, resources and location. Democratic elections have taken place in Nigeria since 1999, and the government of Nigeria is taking concrete steps to diversify its traditionally oil-centered economy. There are more innovation and incubator hubs in Nigeria than anywhere in Africa. The urban population is interested in expensive consumer products, fashion, entertainment and high-tech. Also the poor population of the country need competitively priced commodities.
Nigeria is a complex market where commitment and long-term planning as well as reliable partners are necessary. Getting balanced information on the risks, access to the relevant authorities, an understanding of the regulatory framework and finding reliable partners are keys for success in Nigeria. This is where the Team Finland network can be of important help.
The network provides focused information on the development of business environment and facilitates market access of Finnish companies. Team Finland organizes business events in Nigeria and Finland, supports the exchange of trade missions between the two countries and is actively looking for new approaches to increase the Finnish businesses’ presence in Nigeria. The priority sectors of the Team Finland network in the year 2019 are education, health care, innovation and ICT, energy, agritechnology, waste management and circular economy.
Team Finland Network in Nigeria is comprised of the Embassy of Finland in Abuja together with the Business Finland office in Lagos and the Honorary Consulate of Finland in Lagos.
Contact persons for Team Finland in Nigeria
Embassy of Finland, Abuja
Ms. Leena Pylvänäinen, Ambassador, Country Director
Adeliina Suihko, Second Secretary
Team Finland -coordinator, economical affairs
+234 906 253 9199
adeliina.suihko(a)gov.fi
Business Finland
Mr. Timi Bartels, Senior Advisor
+234 816 570 1187
timi.bartels(a)businessfinland.fi
The Honorary Consul of Finland in Lagos
Bankole Oloruntoba, Honorary Consul
boloruntoba(a)nigeriacic.org
