Abuja: Danish billionaire and Founder of Bestseller Foundation, Mr Anders Povlsen, has pledged to invest in Nigeria’s digital economy, entertainment, and sports sectors. Povlsen 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.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Povlsen, Denmark’s richest man, emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between both countries in technology, culture, creative economy, and youth-driven innovation. He expressed eagerness to invest, acknowledging opportunities and talent in Nigeria, particularly in music and fashion. Povlsen mentioned ongoing initial steps in investing in Africa’s future and highlighted his support for Lagos Fashion Week.

Povlsen also discussed plans to expand his football academy in Nigeria to produce more talents for the national teams, noting that three players from his academy are already in the national team. He commended President Tinubu’s reforms, which he believes are creating sustainable investment opportunities in Nigeria’s economy.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to encouraging investors, particularly in technology and youth development. He expressed gratitude for Povlsen’s belief in Nigeria and emphasized the government’s focus on nourishing cultural value and sport, promising partnership in these areas.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, thanked Povlsen for his investments in Nigeria, including ventures like the Future Africa Early Stage Fund and Aletheia Capital. Tijani also highlighted Povlsen’s ownership of a football club in Denmark and a football academy in Shagamu, and mentioned Denmark’s deepening partnership with Nigeria in digital economy and fiber optic network investment.

The News Agency of Nigeria 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.