EU Unveils €290m Investment To Boost Health, Digital And Agriculture Sectors In Nigeria

EU unveils €290m investment to boost health, digital and agriculture sectors in Nigeria The European Union (EU) has announced a €290 million investment package to support Nigeria’s development in critical areas including healthcare manufacturing, digital infrastructure and agriculture, officials said on Tuesday. Unveiled at the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue in Abuja, the funding forms part of the bloc’s broader Global Gateway Strategy, aimed at deepening strategic cooperation and driving inclusive growth. The headline €290 million package includes several targeted financing agreements between the European Investment Bank (EIB) through its development arm EIB Global and Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BoI).

• A €50 million credit line will support the local healthcare sector, boosting manufacturing of essential medical products such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines and diagnostics to address unmet needs in the country.
• An €85 million agreement is aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains, with at least 70 per cent of the loans targeting key crops such as cocoa and dairy, officials said.
• Additional funding will help expand digital connectivity and infrastructure, with a significant portion of the package dedicated to enhancing nationwide access to reliable internet and digital services.

The financing is intended to promote industrial growth, strengthen supply chains and expand access to quality healthcare and digital services across Nigeria. European officials described the investment as part of a renewed commitment to support Nigeria’s economic transformation and sustainable development. The digital component of the plan will focus on expanding broadband connectivity, improving digital services and developing tech skills across the country, with the aim of connecting millions of Nigerians who currently lack reliable internet access. In healthcare, the EU‑Nigeria partnership seeks to shift Nigeria from being a major importer of medical products to a competitive regional manufacturer, boosting local production capacity and strengthening health security. In agriculture, support for value chains is expected to enhance productivity, add value to key commodities and create sustainable jobs in rural areas particularly in cocoa and dairy sectors.

The announcement builds on growing cooperation between Nigeria and the EU in areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, and migration management. The Ministerial Dialogue, co‑chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice‑President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, underscores the importance both partners place on the relationship. Officials said the investment package responds to Nigeria’s national priorities while strengthening ties amid shifting global economic dynamics.