Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has established a strategic partnership with Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park to advance Nigeria’s technological landscape. This collaboration was announced by Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research Development Agency, underscoring the government’s commitment to an innovation-driven economy.
The EPFL Innovation Park, a renowned research hub supporting over 280 startups in fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda focused on economic diversification and technological advancement. During his visit to Switzerland, Nnaji highlighted the partnership as a significant step toward achieving Nigeria’s growth vision. “This partnership represents a bold leap for Nigerian innovation,” Nnaji stated, emphasising EPFL’s expertise in sustainability, health, and digital trust as critical to Nigeria’s development goals.
Nnaji noted that the collaboration will offer Nigerian startups access to EPFL’s resources and mentorship, fostering a bridge between academic research and market-ready applications. He discussed with Ms. Lan Zuo Gillet, Managing Director of Fondation EPFL Innovation Park, the potential for mutual growth as well as opportunities for Nigerian startups to connect with European markets. Gillet expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that EPFL is eager to share its startup-nurturing expertise with Nigeria.
A key aspect of the partnership involves Swiss startups interested in entering the Nigerian market, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and healthcare. Nnaji stated that this interest could be transformative, potentially driving a wave of technological innovation across various Nigerian industries. “The interest shown by Swiss startups could catalyse a technological revolution across our industries,” he added.
This partnership is expected to enhance Nigeria’s technological capacity, create high-quality jobs, and elevate the nation as Africa’s innovation hub. “By embracing Switzerland’s cutting-edge ecosystem, we are setting a new standard for science and technology leadership in Africa,” Nnaji remarked. This collaboration, he concluded, is more than an exchange; it marks a transformative step toward positioning Nigeria as the continent’s innovation epicentre.
