The Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Haile, has expressed his country’s commitment to strengthening technology and investment partnerships with Nigerian businesses as part of efforts to accelerate digital and economic growth across Africa.
Haile made this known during a strategic visit to the Lagos headquarters of Specific Tools & Techniques Limited (ST&T), an engineering and facility management company with operations in Nigeria and other African countries, including Ethiopia.
The visit provided an opportunity for discussions between the ambassador and the company’s leadership on expanding investment opportunities, improving digital infrastructure, and fostering stronger business cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Haile described Lagos as a major centre for innovation and technology development on the continent.
“Lagos remains a pivotal hub for technological innovation in Africa, and bridging the gap between Nigerian tech expertise and Ethiopia’s growing digital market is a top priority for us. We are here to ensure that forward-thinking firms like ST&T find a seamless path to expansion in East Africa,” he said.
Representatives of ST&T, including Femi Owopetu and Daramola Sheriffdeen, presented an overview of the company’s achievements in the telecommunications and technology sectors. They also highlighted the company’s investments in Ethiopia, outlining progress made and challenges encountered in the course of operations.
The Ethiopian envoy commended the company’s growing presence across Africa and reiterated his government’s determination to create a business-friendly environment for both local and foreign investors.
Haile noted that Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and digital transformation agenda had opened up new opportunities, particularly within the telecommunications and financial technology sectors.
He explained that the government was implementing measures aimed at improving service delivery, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and making it easier for businesses to operate.
Responding to concerns raised by the company’s management, the ambassador said digitalisation initiatives were being deployed to address operational bottlenecks and enhance efficiency across key sectors.
“Ethiopia remains committed to supporting investors and fostering an environment that encourages innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable business growth.
We believe companies such as ST&T can play a significant role in advancing our digital transformation agenda while creating mutually beneficial economic opportunities,” he stated.
Both parties stressed the need for stronger collaboration among African nations in areas such as technology infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, innovation, and capacity development. They also underscored the importance of partnerships between governments and the private sector to improve digital connectivity and advance the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
