U.S. Consul-General Will Stevens has revealed that the United States will ramp up its investment in Nigeria’s diaspora-led sectors, focusing notably on technology and education to foster mutual development between the two nations.
Stevens made this announcement during a visit led by President Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement Team (PAC-ADE) at the Vibranium Valley Tech City in Ikeja, Lagos. The council, comprising experts from academia, finance, business, tech, think tanks, and religious sectors, aims to strengthen economic, technology, cultural, and educational ties in Nigeria.
The consul-general emphasised that the PAC-ADE team’s engagement with Nigerian government officials, civil society leaders, and tech pioneers aims to facilitate diaspora-led investments across various sectors. “Through these dialogues, they advise the U.S. President on strategies to enhance investments in Africa,” Stevens stated.
“We are touring tech centers like Vibranium Valley to witness the remarkable advancements in Lagos and Nigeria’s tech sectors, paving the way for increased U.S. investments,” he added.
Moyosore Asubiojo, General Manager of Vibranium Valley, highlighted the tech city’s role in fostering innovation across sectors such as Power, Aviation, Education, and Fintech. “Companies like Power Tech, EduTech VigiPay, and AviTech are leveraging technology to address local and global challenges,” Asubiojo explained. He noted their focus on talent outsourcing through Garden Academy, connecting organizations with top African talents.
Godbless Otubure, President of the nonprofit ReadytoLeadAfrica, underscored the significance of the council’s visit in structuring investments from African diaspora communities in the U.S. “This structured approach enhances ties and promotes cultural exchange and best practices in education and business,” Otubure emphasised.
The visit to Nigeria highlights the council’s commitment to fostering partnerships and promoting investments that can significantly benefit Africa and its diaspora communities. With millions of Nigerians abroad, including a substantial presence in the U.S., the initiative aims to harness diaspora resources to bolster economic growth and innovation across the continent.
