LAGOS — France and Nigeria have strengthened their economic partnership with a renewed commitment to artificial intelligence (AI), agritech and human capital development, as business leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders gathered in Lagos for the France-Nigeria Business and Human Capital Development Forum.
The forum, organised by Lagos Business School (LBS), brought together key representatives from both countries to explore new opportunities for collaboration in technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship and workforce development.
A major highlight of the discussions was the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving innovation, improving productivity and creating new economic opportunities across sectors. Participants identified AI as a strategic area for future cooperation between France and Nigeria, particularly in education, business transformation and digital skills development.
Speaking during the forum, stakeholders underscored the importance of building a future-ready workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy. They stressed that investments in skills development, innovation and technology would be critical to unlocking sustainable growth and competitiveness.
The event also spotlighted agritech as a key sector with significant potential for bilateral collaboration. Experts noted that technology-driven agricultural solutions could help improve food production, strengthen value chains and support food security objectives in Nigeria and across Africa.
Business leaders at the forum called for deeper engagement between French and Nigerian companies, citing opportunities in digital innovation, startup ecosystems, research partnerships and knowledge exchange programmes.
The discussions reflected a broader effort by both countries to expand economic cooperation beyond traditional sectors and embrace emerging technologies that can accelerate development and create jobs.
Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration in AI, agritech and talent development would open new investment opportunities while fostering innovation-led growth in both economies.
The forum comes at a time when governments and businesses worldwide are increasingly looking to artificial intelligence and digital technologies as drivers of economic transformation. For France and Nigeria, stakeholders said the partnership presents an opportunity to combine expertise, innovation and talent to address future challenges and unlock new growth prospects.
With AI emerging as a central theme of the discussions, the forum signalled a shared ambition to position technology and human capital at the heart of the next phase of France-Nigeria economic relations.
Senior AI Writer
Bio: Okikiola is a writer and AI enthusiast with a background in Office Technology and Management from the Federal Polytechnic Offa. She went further to study an MSc in International Business at De Montfort University (DMU). With extensive work experience across administrative and business roles, she now focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence can transform work, innovation, and everyday life.