Tinubu urges BRICS tech partnership to boost Nigeria's economy, attract investment
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu today called for deeper cooperation with BRICS nations in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech, telecommunications, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. Delivering Tinubu's speech at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized Nigeria's view of BRICS engagement as an opportunity to attract investment, facilitate technology transfer and develop human capital.
The President specifically highlighted interest in partnerships covering infrastructure, connectivity, energy, agriculture, healthcare, education and industrialisation, supported by development finance. Nigeria positions itself as gateway to Africa's expanding market under the African Continental Free Trade Area, noting its 250 million population with average age of 16.9 as a significant asset for technology and innovation markets.
Nigeria formally joined BRICS as a partner country in January 2025, becoming the ninth member of the expanded framework that now includes eleven major emerging markets. The government is investing in digital skills through initiatives like the 3MTT programme, Project BRIDGE and national AI programmes. With Nigeria seeking to move beyond technology consumption to domestic capability creation, what specific BRICS partnerships should Nigerians prioritize for maximum economic impact, and how can citizens prepare to participate in these emerging tech sectors?