US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, has reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to fostering economic partnerships with Nigeria. His commitment was highlighted during a press briefing following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
As part of his tour across African nations, Blinken expressed the eagerness of American entrepreneurs and companies to collaborate and invest in Nigeria, particularly within the burgeoning tech sector. He emphasized that tech giants from the US have already joined forces with Nigerian partners to support President Tinubu’s ambitious one million digital jobs initiative. Furthermore, American companies are actively involved in laying undersea cables and utilizing satellite technology to expand internet access in Nigeria. Blinken also highlighted the efforts of US tech incubators in nurturing the next generation of Nigerian startups, alongside venture capital companies providing financial support.
Blinken underscored the mutual benefits of this collaboration, emphasizing its role in driving Nigeria’s technological revolution, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in both countries. Additionally, he stressed Nigeria’s pivotal position in the economic and political landscape of Africa, highlighting its significance in the development partnership between the US and the African continent.
In a broader context, Blinken shared that the US is actively striving to amplify Africa’s voice within the United Nations decision-making processes. This initiative aims to better incorporate the evolving realities and dynamics of the global landscape, marking a significant step towards empowering Africa on the international stage.