Danish billionaire and Founder of Bestseller Foundation, Anders Povlsen, has pledged to invest in Nigeria’s digital economy, entertainment, and sports sectors.
The Danish businessman 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 officials from the Danish Government.
Povlsen, Denmark’s richest man, emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between both countries in technology, culture, creative economy, and youth-driven innovation.
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He said: “We would love to invest.
“We clearly see opportunities.
“We see the talent.
“We see the creativity.
“Some of it we admire in our daily life in Denmark, whether it’s music, whether it’s 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 join that later.”
Povlsen said plans are underway to invest more in his football academy in Nigeria so as to churn out more talents for the national teams.
He said: “So, football is one of them, where we hope to invest more.
“And I am honoured to tell you that our academy have three players in the national team.”
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.
He said: “I must just say thank you very much for believing in us.
“We are a country that is hoping and willing to partner with many people like you, other countries that believe in recognition and placing their value in our youth, and particularly innovation and digital economy.
“Cultural value and sport is 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.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, thanked the Danish mogul for believing in Nigeria, while stressing the need for more partnerships.
Tijani said: “He’s a man that even before turning up for Nigeria, he’s 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 Sagamu.”
Tijani said that Denmark is deepening partnership with Nigeria in the area of digital economy and investment in the nation’s fibre optic network.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.
