*Dr. Bosun Tijani*
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has intensified Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen regional digital integration and expand international partnerships through engagements with Burkina Faso and Finland.
During a recent visit to Burkina Faso, Tijani met with the country’s Minister for Digital Transition, Posts and Communication, Dr. Aminata Zerbo-Sabané, where both sides explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in digital connectivity and technology.
A major focus of the discussions was Project BRIDGE, particularly the development of connectivity routes linking Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Nigeria, Benin and Burkina Faso.
According to the minister, the partnership seeks to identify pathways capable of reducing internet connectivity costs in Burkina Faso by as much as 50 per cent, while strengthening digital integration across the region.
Beyond connectivity, Tijani and Zerbo-Sabané discussed cooperation in digital skills and talent development, startup ecosystems, innovation, artificial intelligence, local-language technologies, shared computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and research.
The two countries agreed to establish a Technical Working Committee to develop an implementation framework for the areas of cooperation, building on Nigeria’s growing digital capabilities.
The initiative is expected to promote cross-border collaboration, strengthen regional digital infrastructure and create opportunities for shared economic prosperity.
The Burkina Faso engagement followed Tijani’s visit to the Republic of Benin, where he met with the country’s Minister for Digital Transformation and Innovation, Mahuna Akplogan, as part of efforts to deepen digital cooperation among neighbouring West African countries.
In Abuja, the minister also hosted Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, in continuation of Nigeria’s longstanding bilateral relationship with Finland.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation as Nigeria advances its digital economy agenda.
The engagements form part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to position Nigeria as a key driver of digital transformation and regional integration in Africa, while leveraging partnerships to expand connectivity, develop technology talent and promote innovation.