The Nigerian government will be working with Ericsson to unlock the potential of 5G connectivity.

A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during a Nigerian delegation's October 18 visit to Ericsson's headquarters in Sweden, led by vice president Kashim Shettima.

The MoU aims to build a framework for collaboration between the Nigeria and Ericsson in the areas of 5G technology development, deployment, and innovation.

According to Ericsson, the partnership will focus on helping Nigeria's digital transformation goals, such as economic growth and strengthening public services, using advanced, secure, and trusted 5G technology.

Other partnership objectives include technology sector knowledge exchange and capacity building, supporting the establishment of innovation hubs and tech incubators in Nigeria, and enhancing digital literacy and skills development.

The delegation was hosted at Ericsson’s Imagine Live Studio by Patrick Johansson, head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa.

The two-hour visit included a demonstration tour of Ericsson 5G technologies as well as discussions and presentations spanning Ericsson’s history in Africa and Nigeria; technology evolution, spectrum and standardisation; and cyber network and security.

The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s communications, innovation and digital economy minister, Dr Bosun Tijani and Johansson as well as Peter Olusoji Ogundele, head of Ericsson Nigeria.

Johansson says: “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.”

Ericsson has been present in Nigeria since 1978 supporting customer network deployments, including launching the country’s first GSM network in 2001.