EU Launches €290m Nigeria Investment to Boost Healthcare, Agriculture, and Digital Growth
The European Union has announced a €290 million investment package to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare, digital, and agricultural sectors, marking a major milestone in EU–Nigeria cooperation. Unveiled during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue in Abuja, the initiative aims to enhance local healthcare manufacturing, expand digital connectivity, and develop agricultural value chains, particularly cocoa and dairy. The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
The package includes a €50 million agreement between EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank, and Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BoI) to support the production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices. An additional €85 million is earmarked for boosting agricultural value chains, with a focus on cocoa and dairy production. These investments are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in healthcare and agriculture, reduce dependency on imports, and create high-quality jobs.
The digital sector will receive the largest share of the funding, with €131 million allocated to improve connectivity, expand digital services, and strengthen digital skills. Plans include rolling out 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable to provide reliable internet access to 33 million Nigerians. The initiative also supports secure and interoperable digital public infrastructure and aims to train millions of digital professionals, aligning with Nigeria’s national priorities for technological development.
Officials highlighted that the EU investments align with the Global Gateway Health Package and the Team Europe Initiative for Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines (TEI MAV+), as well as Nigeria’s ambition to boost local production of essential medicines. EU and Nigerian leaders emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture and climate-smart practices, ensuring that these projects adhere to environmental and social standards, while providing greater support for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.
The €290 million package reinforces the EU’s commitment to long-term economic growth, regional trade, and industrialisation in Nigeria. Beyond healthcare, agriculture, and digital infrastructure, €16 million will support migration management programs, including reintegration for returning migrants. With previous investments in urban transport, renewable energy, and governance initiatives, EU total commitments in Nigeria since 2025 have reached €962.5 million, highlighting a deepening partnership aimed at sustainable development and job creation.
source: arise news