ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 24. Kazakhstan and Nigeria are exploring cooperation in the IT sector, construction of data centers, and development of fintech solutions, Trend reports.
A Kazakhstan-Nigeria business conference was held in the capital of Nigeria, Abuja, chaired by the King of the Yoruba people in Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The Kazakh delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Kuantyrov. The aim of the conference was to develop trade and economic ties, discuss investment opportunities, and explore prospects for cooperation in strategic sectors of the economy.
The visit of the Kazakh delegation to Nigeria followed talks between the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held earlier in Abu Dhabi.
The event was attended by Anuarbek Akhmetov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, Kairat Torebaev, and representatives of government bodies, quasi-governmental, and private sectors from Kazakhstan. From Nigeria, the participants included the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kuyari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Farouk Yusuf Yabo, heads of the largest banks in the country, as well as more than 30 representatives of the private business sector.
A number of important topics for collaboration were deliberated, including the potential for direct air contact between the two nations to enhance commercial and trade relations and the simplification of visa processes for residents and diplomats of both nations.
Special attention was given to digitalization and innovation. Kazakhstan and Nigeria are considering cooperation in the IT sector, construction of data centers, and development of fintech solutions. In particular, discussions included the development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance financial operations, strengthen human capital, and optimize business processes. Additionally, the parties discussed cooperation in the field of subsoil use, as well as the export of goods to Nigeria and the African continent.
One of the significant areas of cooperation is the development of the agribusiness sector. Prospects for the export of Kazakh agricultural products, including grains and oilseeds, as well as the introduction of advanced technologies in agriculture, were considered.
Following the discussions, Kuantyrov noted that this conference opens a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
"This visit is particularly significant as it marks the first official visit of the Kazakh delegation to Nigeria. We are confident that today’s discussions will lay the foundation for deep, structured, and mutually beneficial partnerships between our countries. Kazakhstan and Nigeria have not only rich natural resources but also enormous economic potential, which can be unlocked through joint projects in the energy, agriculture, digital technologies, and industrial production sectors," said Kuantyrov.
The parties expressed confidence in the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation and highlighted the significant potential for further development of trade and economic ties. Additional meetings with representatives from Nigeria's ministries and major companies are planned in the coming days, including as part of the energy forum currently taking place in Abuja.
Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and the most populous country on the continent, with a population of over 220 million people. The country has rich natural resources, a dynamically developing market, and strategic potential for international cooperation in various economic sectors.