France has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nigeria in technology, innovation, and the creative economy, as part of efforts to promote sustainable development and cultural exchange across Africa.
France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, stated this on Friday in Lagos during the second edition of the Forum Création Africa, which celebrates creative and cultural industries across the continent.
Barrot said the forum showcased exceptional talents from 42 African countries in areas such as video games, extended reality, webtoons, and digital design.
“We are seeing strong participation of creative talent across Africa,” he said. “France leads in creative industries in Europe, while Nigeria leads in Africa. Together, we can achieve more by connecting creative talents and entrepreneurs to build industries that strengthen our economies.”
He described technology as a key area of partnership between both nations, noting their shared vision for innovation, development, and multilateralism. “We want to build strategic digital economies,” Barrot added, emphasising the importance of regulatory frameworks that encourage creativity while preventing misuse of technology.
The minister also reaffirmed France’s support for Africa’s growing creative and technological ecosystems, citing ongoing collaborations between governments, private sectors, and civil societies of both countries.
Highlighting recent bilateral milestones, Barrot mentioned President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nigeria in 2018 and President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France last year, both of which helped deepen ties.
He further referenced the newly inaugurated “Omi Eko” Project in Lagos, a €410 million European Union–supported initiative aimed at promoting sustainable water transportation.
The project will deploy 78 electric boats and open 15 new waterways spanning 140 kilometres, helping Lagos reduce carbon emissions and adapt to rising sea levels.
