Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has pledged to deepen trade and investment ties with Nigeria.

Speaking during his visit to Nigeria, the minister said the country remained one of Germany’s most important partners in sub-Saharan Africa, noting that the two nations have maintained diplomatic relations for more than 65 years.

He said Germany and Nigeria shared common interests in peace, security, trade, energy cooperation, democracy and adherence to international law, adding that both countries must work together to address global challenges and strengthen economic resilience.

Wadephul noted that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding information technology ecosystem and start-up community represented an area of enormous potential that had yet to be fully tapped, warning that companies that fail to establish a presence in Africa risk missing significant future opportunities.

The minister said Germany wanted to expand its commercial footprint in Nigeria and encourage greater investment by German firms, adding that he had travelled with a large business delegation to explore new partnerships.

He said discussions with young Nigerian entrepreneurs and digital creators had reinforced the country’s reputation for innovation and creativity while highlighting expectations that Germany and Europe should engage more seriously with Africa by increasing investment and taking advantage of emerging economic opportunities.