Ericsson said on Friday its Nigerian unit has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian government to establish a framework of cooperation covering 5G technology development, deployment and innovation.
Under the MoU, Ericsson Nigeria and the government will explore ways the country can leverage 5G to support the government’s digital transformation objectives, including economic growth and improving public services.
The MoU also includes objectives such as technology sector knowledge exchange and capacity building, supporting establishment of innovation hubs and tech incubators in Nigeria, and enhancing digital literacy and skills development.
The MoU was signed during a Nigeria government delegation visit to Ericsson’s global headquarters in Stockholm on Friday. The delegation, led by Nigerian vice president Kashim Shettima, included Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani, as well as regional state leaders and senior officials from Nigerian ICT and communications organizations.
“We look forward to working in close partnership with the Nigerian government to develop the innovation potential of 5G for Nigerian businesses, citizens and for national digital competitiveness,” said Patrick Johansson, head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa in a statement.
The news comes the same day that MTN Nigeria opened a 5G Digital Experience Center in its head office in Abuja to showcase 5G apps and services to consumers.
5G arrived in Nigeria in September 2022 when MTN launched its 5G network in select parts of Lagos in collaboration with Ericsson. By May 2023, MTN said it had installed 700 5G sites across 13 cities.
Airtel Nigeria kicked off commercial 5G services in June 2023. Newcomer Mafab Communications held a 5G launch ceremony in January 2023 but has yet to actually offer commercial services.
