Abuja: Danish billionaire and Founder of the Bestseller Foundation, Mr Anders Povlsen, has pledged to invest in Nigeria’s digital economy, entertainment, and sports sectors.
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.
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 know the talent. We see creativity. Some of it we admire in our daily lives in Denmark, whether it’s music or fashion.
”We’re already talking, as Boson mentioned, we’re already taking first steps in investing in future Africa and goodwill.
”And we’re supporting the Fashion Week in Lagos this week also. We’re looking forward to joining 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). And I am honoured to tell you that our academy has three players in the national team,” he added.
Povlsen commended President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, noting that they were creating new and sustainable investment opportunities across Nigeria’s economy.
Earlier, President 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 eager to partner with many people like you, as well as other countries that recognise and invest in our youth, particularly in innovation and the digital economy.
”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.
”And I think the most exciting, actually, is that he owns a football club in Denmark and a football academy in Shagamu,”
Tijani said that Denmark is deepening its partnership with Nigeria in the digital economy and in investment in the nation’s fibre-optic network.
The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and expand Nigeria–Denmark economic cooperation.
Povlsen’s visit is expected to open new opportunities for trade, technology exchange, and private-sector collaboration between both countries.