Globacom, a leading force in Nigeria’s tech communications sector took the spotlight as the key sponsor of the Nigerian-French Technology Roundtable. The event happened at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos, organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy alongside the French Embassy in Nigeria. The focus was on preparing for Nigeria’s role at the VivaTech Conference 2025 in Paris and exploring collaborative innovation opportunities with France. Globacom’s sponsorship of this high-profile event is a positive sign for stakeholders concerned about the recent leadership changes.
The telecom giant has a notable history of sponsoring events in technology, sports, culture, and entertainment. They’ve supported initiatives like the Glo Soccer Academy, various Nigerian sports leagues, and cultural festivals across West Africa. Their involvement extends to entertainment with sponsorships of music and TV shows, including the Glo-CAF Awards and collaborations with MTV. Globacom has shown deep interest in building sustainable tech infrastructure with its investment in the Glo-1 submarine cable project. Their broader engagement in events like “African Voices” on CNN also demonstrates their dedication to promoting African innovation on an international scale.
The Nigeria-French Technology Roundtable was convened to build technological collaboration between Nigeria and France, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s tech ecosystem on the international stage, particularly in anticipation of the VivaTech Conference 2025 in Paris. Organized by the Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in partnership with the French Embassy, the event sought to establish strategic partnerships for innovation, attract investment, and deepen cultural and economic ties. It was an opportunity to showcase Nigerian tech startups, share knowledge, and explore technology transfer, aligning with Nigeria’s push towards a digital economy under Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani. You would recall Nigeria’s friendly relationship with France has been a topic of discussion in recent times. Many are skeptical that it’s a sign of neocolonialism. However, events like this are indications the relationship might end up being a positive one, where both sides win.
At the event, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, spoke on the significance of such international collaborations, “Engaging with events like VivaTech is crucial for showcasing Nigeria’s innovations. It’s about positioning our tech startups as global leaders and ensuring a collaborative, inclusive digital economy through partnerships with France.”
Laurent Favier, the Consul General of France in Nigeria, praised the progress of Nigerian tech startups, noting, “The substantial funding rounds secured by Nigerian startups indicate their global potential. This collaboration is designed to amplify Nigeria’s international tech presence and deepen ties with France’s innovation community.”
The roundtable was structured to give room for interaction and idea exchange. French tech entrepreneurs shared their journey through the European tech landscape, while Nigerian innovators discussed the innovative startup culture fueled by local talent. The discussion focused on fintech, AI, and how technology can address global challenges
Globacom’s role as a sponsor reflects its ongoing commitment to help nurture Nigeria’s digital economy. Under the leadership of Executive Vice Chairman Bella Disu, Globacom is dedicated to building platforms and infrastructure that support local tech startups, foster innovation, and draw global investment in Nigeria.
