Danish billionaire and founder of Bestseller Foundation, Anders Povlsen, has pledged to invest in Nigeria’s digital economy, entertainment, and sports sectors.
Mr Povlsen made the commitment on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
He was accompanied by the Danish ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Hansen, and other senior Danish government officials.
Mr Povlsen, Denmark’s richest man, emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between both countries in technology, culture, creative economy, and youth-driven innovation.
”We would love to invest. We clearly see opportunities. We see the talent. We see the creativity. Some of it we admire in our daily life in Denmark, whether it’s music, whether it’s fashion.
”We’re already talking, as Boson mentioned, we’re already taking first steps in investing in future Africa and goodwill. We’re supporting the Fashion Week in Lagos this week, also. We’re looking forward to join that later.
He said plans are underway to invest more in his football academy in Nigeria to churn out more talent for the national teams.
”So, football is one of them (where we hope to invest more). I am honoured to tell you that our academy has three players in the national team,” he added.
Mr Povlsen commended the Nigerian president’s ongoing reforms, noting that they were creating new and sustainable investment opportunities across Nigeria’s economy.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to encouraging investors, particularly those interested in technology and youth development.
”I must just say thank you very much for believing in us. We are a country that is hoping and willing to partner with many people like you, other countries that believe in recognition and placing their value in our youth, and particularly in innovation and the digital economy,” said Mr Tinubu. “Cultural value and sport are one of those aspects of Nigeria that we are trying to nourish. And we will partner with you. I promise that.”
The president said his government’s reforms were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading economy and innovation hub.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, thanked the Danish mogul for believing in Nigeria, while stressing the need for more partnerships.
”He’s a man who, even before turning up for Nigeria, has invested significantly in a lot of ventures here, including the Future Africa Early Stage Fund, Aletheia Capital,” said Mr Tijani. “I think the most exciting, actually, is that he owns a football club in Denmark and a football academy in Shagamu.”
According to Mr Tijani, Denmark is deepening its partnership with Nigeria in the digital economy and in investment in the nation’s fiber-optic network.
(NAN)
