Nigeria signs $116m deal with French government to fund digital and creative economy

Nigeria on Friday, signed a $116 million worth deal with the French Government to fund digital and creative economy in the country.

The signing took place at the Tafawa Balewa House, headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima signed on behalf of Nigeria while the French Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, Ms. Catherine Colonna, signed on behalf of her country.

Tijani, said the initiative will help Nigeria create job opportunities in the digital and creative economy sector.

He said, “I represented the Vice President, Kashim Shettima today as we signed an agreement on France’s contribution to the Investment in Digital & Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) programme. The I-DICE programme, an initiative of the Federal Government, led by the office of the Vice President, will support young Nigerians as they create job opportunities in the digital and creative economy. The French government, represented by Ms. Catherine Colonna, Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, will be contributing $116 million to the overall funding of $600 million.

“In addition to France’s funding coming through the French Development Agency, the programme will also receive additional funding from the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Bank of Industry.

“We remain grateful for the support of allies like France in our efforts to deliver on an inclusive and prosperous economy as envisioned by our President, Bola Tinubu.”