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By John Ogunsemore
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani will lead a diverse mix of thought leaders, industry pioneers, and changemakers for the 2025 Nordic Nigeria Connect (NNC) business forum slated for Tuesday, October 21 in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Also expected as speakers at this year’s forum are Ms. Lina Gandløse Hansen, State Secretary for Trade and Investment, Denmark; Jarno Syrjälä, Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade, Finland; Johan Frisell, Director for Africa, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden, among others.
Now in its fourth edition, the NNC business forum is the premier platform for Nordic–Nigerian collaboration, which brings together government leaders, innovators, and private sector executives and spotlights opportunities for collaboration across key sectors, from digital transformation and energy transition to healthcare innovation and sustainable agriculture.
The landmark forum is organised by the four Nordic Embassies in Nigeria, with support from Business Finland, Business Sweden, and the Danish Trade Office.
In a statement sent to Daily Sun on Monday, the organizers said this year’s theme, “Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Impact,” reflects the shared ambition of Nordic and Nigerian partners to build inclusive, future-ready economies that support Nigeria’s transition to a greener, more inclusive future.
The organisers added that this initiative builds on decades of trade and investment between the Nordics and Nigeria, representing the Nordic model in action—combining responsible business conduct, innovation, and sustainability with deep local partnerships.
Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Ms. Sanna Selin said, “Finland, alongside the Nordic countries, sees Nigeria as a very important partner in Africa. This is because Nordic collaboration with Nigeria is more than shared trade priorities; these are transformative partnerships for sustainable development, digitalization, and inclusive wellbeing. The biennial Nordic Nigeria Connect business forum aims to deepen those partnerships.”
The 2025 edition will highlight Nordic innovations addressing urgent global and local challenges, built around four thematic tracks: Digital Transformation; Green Energy Transition; Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security; and Health Innovation.
The Digital Transformation track focuses on accelerating Nigeria’s digital leap through technology, AI, and connectivity alongside the important topic of Green Energy Transition – advancing clean energy partnerships and sustainable solutions.
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Ambassador of Norway, Mr. Svein Baera said, “Investing in renewable energy is a win-win-win: Less pollution, less emissions and less expenses. Norway is ready to invest, cooperate and share know-how on renewable energy solutions.”
Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, noted that, ‘’Sweden sees great potential in Nigeria’s digital future and values the role of Nordic collaboration in unlocking new opportunities. Through the Nordic Nigeria Connect, we aim to open doors for dialogue,
innovation and partnerships that enable inclusive green and digital transformation and
sustainable economic progress.’’
Participants will also discuss Healthcare Innovation – fostering access to quality healthcare through digital and diagnostic technologies and Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security – promoting climate-smart, resilient food systems and value chains.
Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, Mr. Jens Ole Bach Hansen emphasized, “Denmark’s participation reflects our commitment to long-term cooperation with Nigeria and to the Nordic partnership that underpins it. Together we can support practical, forward-looking solutions that strengthen business ties and promote inclusive, green development.”
Among confirmed speakers are Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA; Mr. Frederik Klinke, Chief Executive Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria; Ms. Ijeoma Ozulumba — Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Services) and Chief Financial Officer, Development Bank of Nigeria; Mr. Terje Osmundsen, Chief Executive Officer, Empower New Energy; and Mr. Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Managing Director/Head, Ericsson Nigeria.
Others are Ms. Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director/CEO, Lagos Free Zone; Ms. Naana Winful Fynn, Regional Director, West Africa, Norfund; Mr. Lars Johannisson, CEO, RackCentre; Mr. Oula Järvinen, AI Transformation Lead, Gofore; and Mr. Marco Rebecchi, Country Manager, Nokia (Nigeria and Ghana).
Through their expertise, participants are expected to gain valuable perspectives on innovation, sustainability, and the opportunities driving global business.
Ms. Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack will serve as Moderator for NNC 2025.
