Lagos, Nigeria – April 1, 2025 – In a bid to foster stronger trade ties and support sustainable development between Sweden and Nigeria, Business Sweden has announced the opening of a new office in Lagos.
According to a press statement released by Business Sweden on Tuesday, this move aims to enhance bilateral relations and assist Swedish companies in tapping into Nigeria’s rapidly growing economy, which is one of the largest and fastest-expanding in Africa.
With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and a key partner for international trade. The country is a hub for several fast-growing sectors, including FinTech, e-commerce, digital health, edtech, cybersecurity, and gaming, and is home to five of Africa’s seven tech unicorns. Nigeria’s economic activity is centered in Lagos and Abuja, its capital.
To maximize the potential of this market, Business Sweden’s new office will facilitate direct involvement in ongoing projects with a clear developmental impact and strengthen Swedish companies’ contributions to local growth.
Business Delegation to Nigeria
In a further effort to deepen Swedish-Nigerian relations, Business Sweden will lead a delegation to Nigeria on April 8–9, 2025. The delegation will comprise Swedish companies and authorities, including HRH Crown Princess Victoria, Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson, and Business Sweden CEO Jan Larsson. During their visit, they will engage with Nigerian business leaders and government officials to explore collaboration opportunities, share industry insights, and discuss future partnerships.
The delegation’s itinerary will feature the official opening of the new Lagos office and the Nigeria-Sweden Business Forum. This forum will bring together Swedish and Nigerian business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss topics such as:
Innovation & Impact Investment: Exploring how technology, digitalization, and sustainable business models can drive economic and social development.
Sustainable Urban Transport: Promoting renewable energy solutions for Nigeria’s expanding urban infrastructure to address mobility challenges.
Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden, expressed optimism about the potential for Swedish companies in Nigeria: “The rapidly growing Nigerian economy offers Swedish companies many exciting opportunities. Based on local demand, Swedish technology and know-how can play an important role in supporting Nigeria’s development and economic growth. With the new office, we are enabling deeper cooperation, knowledge exchange, and trade that benefits both countries.”
Marlena Batist, Business Sweden’s Trade Commissioner Designate for Nigeria, emphasized the strategic importance of the new office: “Opening an office in Lagos is a strategic step to strengthen economic ties between Sweden and Nigeria. We look forward to supporting a broader Swedish presence in the country and promoting sustainable growth and innovation—while also making a positive contribution to local development.”
Maha Bouzeid, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at Business Sweden, added: “Establishing ourselves in Nigeria marks an important milestone in our long-term commitment to Africa. With a strong local presence, we can offer Swedish companies better support, open doors to strategic partnerships, and help them navigate a dynamic market. We look forward to contributing to sustainable business opportunities that create value for both Swedish and Nigerian partners.”
Business Sweden’s Role in Global Trade and Development
Business Sweden plays a key role in helping Swedish companies realize their export ambitions and assists international companies in investing and growing in Sweden. With over 40 markets worldwide, the organization identifies business opportunities that promote growth and contribute to job creation and sustainable development.
The delegation to Nigeria will include representatives from Swedish companies such as Ericsson, Scania, Oriflame, and Swedfund, as well as agencies like the Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK) and the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).
This expansion of Swedish business interests in Nigeria underscores a commitment to deepening bilateral economic ties and contributing to the country’s development through sustainable, innovative solutions.
