James Huang, Chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), has announced Taiwan’s plans to revolutionize the global tech landscape, with Nigeria at the center of its strategic focus. Huang made this statement during the 2024 Taiwan Technology Day, organized by the Taiwan Trade Centre in Lagos.
Highlighting Taiwan’s dominance in Information Technology (IT), electronic manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Huang emphasized the nation’s eagerness to form innovative partnerships with African enterprises and governments.
“Taiwan is a global leader in IT industries and a critical player in electronic manufacturing and AI. Taiwanese companies produce over 90% of global computer servers and data centers,” Huang said. “I foresee a bright future for cooperation between Taiwan and African countries, especially Nigeria.”
He further outlined key sectors for collaboration, including petrochemicals, machinery, and consumer goods, noting that Nigeria’s oil production capabilities align well with Taiwan’s strengths in petrochemicals. This synergy, according to Huang, presents opportunities for joint ventures in chemicals, machine tools, auto parts, and consumer goods.
Huang also emphasized Nigeria’s potential in the evolving tech landscape, praising the nation’s rapid adoption of new technologies and the intelligence of its people. He highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to encouraging more Taiwanese companies to establish manufacturing industries in Nigeria, noting that there are currently about 80 Taiwanese firms operating in the country.
Despite challenges such as labor costs, land acquisition, and reliable electricity, Huang expressed optimism about Nigeria’s improvements in the ease of doing business, attributing progress to the Nigerian government’s initiatives.
Sola Obadimu, Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), affirmed Nigeria’s strategic importance to Taiwan, while Gabriel Idahosa, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), echoed the sentiment, highlighting the growing trade and investment relationship between the two nations. Both leaders stressed the importance of seizing the opportunities presented by Taiwan’s interest in Nigeria for mutual growth and prosperity.
