Lagos: Nigerian and French stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration in education, agribusiness, technology, innovation, and human capital development to deepen bilateral relations and drive sustainable economic growth. They made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at the France-Nigeria Business and Human Capital Development Forum organized by the Lagos Business School (LBS).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘Strengthening France-Nigeria Partnerships through Business, Innovation, Human Capital and Executive Education,’ highlighted the dynamic partnership between the two countries. Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, emphasized Nigeria’s standing as Africa’s largest economy and a major reservoir of entrepreneurial talent and creativity. He noted that the existing partnership could create opportunities beyond traditional diplomatic and commercial engagements.
Fonbaustier pointed out that France offers world-class expertise in research, higher education, innovation, sustainable agriculture, technology, and industry, while Nigeria brings immense talent, creativity, and economic potential. He described agriculture as a critical pillar of bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the potential for French expertise in agritech and sustainable farming to complement Nigeria’s agricultural capabilities. He also stressed the importance of academic exchanges, joint research, and student mobility as foundations for long-term cooperation.
Mrs. Olayinka David-West, Dean of LBS, commented that the forum reflected the enduring relationship between France and Nigeria, focusing on building stronger institutional and business ties. She underscored that the relationship holds enormous potential for economic growth, innovation, talent development, and sustainable impact, especially in a world characterized by rapid technological change and economic uncertainty.
Prof. Adi Bongo, Professor of Economics at LBS, argued for the evolution of the France-Nigeria relationship beyond traditional trade, diplomacy, and energy to encompass innovation, education, entrepreneurship, technology, and sustainable development. Bongo identified artificial intelligence, digital transformation, energy transition, food security, and demographic change as major forces shaping future cooperation between both countries.
The discussions at the forum centered around agribusiness, technology, executive education, academic exchange, and research collaboration. Nigeria remains France’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and a leading destination for foreign direct investment in the region, with over 100 French companies operating across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Prof. Bongo outlined five pillars for a transformational partnership: business and investment, technology and innovation, human capital development, research and academic exchange, and sustainability. He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration across these areas would deliver tangible outcomes and deepen bilateral relations by 2030.