EU’s Global Gateway initiative to invest €150bn in Nigeria, Others

Samuel Mobolaji

The European Union (EU), through its ambitious Global Gateway initiative, will invest €150 billion over the next four years to enhance infrastructure and foster sustainable development across Nigeria and other African nations.

This strategic investment, which forms part of a larger €300 billion package aimed at Africa, Latin America, and Asia, will prioritise key sectors such as transport, energy, digital networks, agriculture, health, and education. Nigeria is set to play a central role in benefiting from this transformative initiative.

Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, shared the exciting details of the initiative during a recent media briefing in Lagos. He highlighted that the Global Gateway is designed to significantly improve connectivity and drive long-term economic growth through high-impact projects. The focus is not merely on technical assistance but also on direct investments that align with Nigeria’s developmental goals.

“The EU has been a key partner for Nigeria, and from 2021 to 2024, we’ve already implemented €700 million in cooperation efforts in Nigeria alone. With the Global Gateway, we’re taking this partnership to the next level, with investments that will directly support Nigeria’s infrastructure and social sectors,” De Luca explained.

The initiative will focus on a wide range of sectors, including the deployment of digital infrastructure, climate and energy initiatives, transport networks, as well as the expansion of education and healthcare services. One of the flagship projects under the initiative is the deployment of 90,000 km of fibre optic cables across Nigeria, which will revolutionise the country’s digital infrastructure. This ambitious project will be supported by both public and private sector investments, with the Nigerian government establishing a special purpose vehicle to facilitate the financing.

“The investment in fibre optic cables, along with the development of e-governance systems and digital skills for young Nigerians, will play a key role in Nigeria’s digital transformation,” said De Luca. “The private sector is crucial to the financing of these projects, which is why we’re working closely with investors through platforms like EuroCham to ensure sustainable investment flows.”

In addition to fostering digital transformation, the Global Gateway initiative also aims to create robust partnerships that bolster Nigeria’s sustainable growth agenda. By supporting key infrastructure projects and building strong ties with private sector investors, the EU is helping to drive Nigeria’s economic development while enhancing its global competitiveness.

“The Global Gateway is more than just a development programme; it is an opportunity for Nigeria to take a leadership role in the digital age while benefiting from a strategic partnership with the EU,” De Luca concluded.