Mr James Huang, Chairman, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), says Taiwan is set to revolutionise the global tech scene with Nigeria at the forefront of its strategic focus.
Huang said this during the 2024 Taiwan Technology Day, which was organised by the Taiwan Trade Centre in Lagos, recently.
Highlighting Taiwan’s dominance in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), electronic manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), he said the country is eager to forge innovative partnerships with African enterprises and governments.
“Taiwan is the leading country in terms of information technology industries and we are the most critical country when it comes to electronic manufacturing, information and technology transformation.
“We are also the most critical country when it comes to AI, because Taiwanese companies produce more than 90 percent of global computer servers and data centres.
“So, I see a very bright future for cross-federal cooperation between Taiwan and African countries, particularly Nigeria,” Huang said.
He noted that Nigeria and Taiwan are poised for robust collaboration in strategic sectors including petrochemicals, machinery and consumer goods.
Huang explained that as Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria’s upstream and downstream capabilities aligns with Taiwan’s strengths in petrochemical industries.
He stressed that this synergy would present opportunities for cooperation in chemicals, machine tools, auto parts and consumer goods.
The TAITRA chairman added that by leveraging their complementary expertise, both countries could foster economic growth, industrial development and mutual prosperity.
Speaking generally, he said African countries are moving fast in terms of new technologies from the internet to smartphones application and all the way into the future of AI era.
Huang said this was happening because people in Africa, especially Nigerians, are smart and that is why Taiwan foresees a lot of its companies working with Nigerian businesses.
“As one of the most populous countries in Africa with multiple investment opportunities, we plan to encourage more Taiwanese companies to come to Nigeria to set up their manufacturing industries here.
“So far, we have about 80 Taiwanese companies in Nigeria,” Huang said.
Speaking on challenges that could hinder collaboration between both countries, he said key areas of concern for potential investors include labour costs, land acquisition and reliable electricity supply.
Also speaking, Mr Sola Obadimu, Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa makes it a vital partner for Taiwan.
He noted that Nigeria recognises the importance of nurturing the relationship and capitalising on the opportunities presented.
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