The Nordics
Who we are
The Nordics' green agenda and what we can offer in Nigeria
Nordic - Nigeria
The Business Connection
Norway: A Long History of Trade with Nigeria
Sweden: Sustainability and Innovation
Denmark: The Danish Green Vision
Finland: Solutions for a Smarter Future
Norway: A Long History of Trade with Nigeria
Nigeria and Norway has a long history of trade, dating back to the 17th century with Norwegian export of fish. Nigeria remains today the most important African market for Norwegian stock fish. Since discovery of oil in the 1950s in Niger Delta, which later took offshore, Nigeria and Norway built strong ties in this sector. Recycling and waste to energy technologies has been a growing sector in Norway with potentials for increased bilateral cooperation. This decade is flagged by Nigeria as the decade of gas, with its importance for the energy transition. Norway has a strong professional environment for utilization of gas, including maritime use. Hydrogen is also envisaged as an important source of energy. Electricity is further produced from hydropower where the Nigerian authorities see a great potential, both for small and large plants. Norway has extensive experience with hydropower which has a share of around 93% of its electricity generation. Norway has also gained experience with developing other renewable energy sources internationally including in Nigeria, such as solar energy. Norwegian state funding agencies (Norfund, Petroleum Fund) have over the last years become increasingly involved with investments in Nigeria, as well as state owned companies and private companies.
Sweden: Sustainability and Innovation
Sweden’s ambition is to have the world’s most ambitious environment and climate policy, with the aim to become the first fossil-free welfare nation in the world. Sweden offers innovative solutions within energy, waste and wastewater management, transport, and many other areas related to sustainable development.
For Sweden, an export-dependent country, the international context is important for the Swedish circular economy products/services market. A sustainable society that does not contribute to a rise in CO2 emissions can be achieved by cooperating with Sweden and implementing smart and sustainable solutions as well as preparing for the future challenges that cities will face.
By using solutions such as waste-to-energy systems, where waste is recycled as district heating, electricity, biogas, biofertilizer, and materials, the amount of waste is reduced and used as a renewable and environmentally safe energy source.
Nigeria is one of Sweden’s most important trade partners in Africa and it is an increasingly prioritised market for Swedish businesses, especially within the energy, environmental technologies, transport, and ICT sectors. Currently, the Embassy of Sweden recognizes about 30 Swedish companies in Nigeria, and major Swedish companies such as ABB, Ericsson, Tetra Pak, Sandvik, Scania, and Volvo have been active in Nigeria for many years.
Denmark: The Danish Green Vision
Denmark is a country small in size, yet considered by many as a global frontrunner in the green transition. A country projected to be Fossil-free by 2050.
Like many, Denmark was also once entirely dependent on imported oil and other fossil fuels. Today, more than 30 percent of Denmark’s energy needs come from renewables. We expect to reach 50 percent by 2030, and by 2050, Denmark will be 100 percent independent of fossil fuels altogether.
In Denmark, we see the green transition as an investment in future economic growth, market opportunities, and job creation. In fact, in 2017, the Danish green economy contributed to:
Employment
76,051 Full-time workers
GDP
EUR 8.17 billion to GDP
Turnover
EUR 30.54 billion in Turnover
Export
EUR 10.85 billion to Export
Finland: Solutions for a Smarter Future
A front-runner in digitalization and circular economy, Finland was building smart cities even before there was a term for them. Our Nordic nature inspires us to creative and sustainable solutions.
Finland is:
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Most digitalized country in Europe.
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Number one in UN sustainable development ranking.
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First country to develop a national circular economy roadmap.
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Happiest country in the world.
Finland is a nation of problem solvers. From digital innovation to future skills in education, research and technology, Finns are always looking for new ways to add to the quality of everyday life.
We have been building smart cities even before there was a term for them. Our cold climate, love of technology and the Nordic welfare model have all spurred us on. Finnish companies are at the forefront in developing technological solutions to tackle the challenges of urbanisation, from mobility, energy and digital services to health and education – smartly, sustainably, and safely.
As a small country, we are eager to share our ideas and solutions internationally. Our companies are always looking for partners for collaboration and co-creation.