By Adaku Onyenucheya
The Crown Princess of Sweden has reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on supporting Nigeria’s green transition, fostering the blue economy, and advancing innovation and inclusive growth while addressing climate challenges.
This was disclosed yesterday when the Crown Princess, alongside Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure, Mr. Andreas Carlsson, and a delegation of Swedish business leaders and financial institutions, made a pivotal visit to Tomori Island, a mangrove-rich community affected by climate change, as well as the Timbuktoo fintech hub, a flagship initiative of the UNDP, all located in Lagos.
During her tour of Lagos State, the Crown Princess highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Sweden and the Nigerian government in developing key sectors such as trade, blue economy, innovation, climate action, and the green transition to drive inclusive growth.
A defining moment of the visit was a session hosted by the UNDP, which highlighted the importance of joint efforts to drive climate action, sustainable trade, accelerate green innovation, and harness the immense potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
The Princess, who also serves as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, noted that Nigeria’s coastal and marine ecosystems hold immense promise for sustainable economic transformation, particularly in sectors such as fisheries, maritime trade, and renewable energy.
She emphasised that with Nigeria’s vast maritime resources and growing focus on sustainable industries, the blue economy is a key area for future development.
The UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the Princess’s visit as a pivotal moment in the partnership with the governments of Nigeria and Sweden, reinforcing their shared vision for a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable future.
“With Sweden as a steadfast partner, UNDP remains committed to scaling solutions that empower communities, strengthen livelihoods, and position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable development for generations to come,” she said.
Attafuah also highlighted Nigeria’s dynamic innovation landscape, noting the growing ecosystem of climate-tech startups offering practical solutions in renewable energy, the circular economy, and digital sustainability.
The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, emphasised that Sweden has been an invaluable partner in the UN’s shared commitment to sustainable development in Nigeria.
She praised Sweden’s flexible and core funding, which enables UNDP to implement impactful and transformative programs that align with Nigeria’s aspirations for economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
Eziakonwa further noted that Sweden has been a long-time partner of Nigeria, and this visit highlights their continued interest in investing in trade and technology exchange.
“The presence of the Swedish delegation underscores the potential for increased collaboration between Sweden and Nigeria, particularly in areas of innovation and sustainable development,” she stated.
