Meta deep sea cable can boost African economic activity by $37B – Ex UK Deputy Prime Minister

Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and Meta’s President of Global Affairs, revealed that the Meta-backed deep-sea cable has the potential to generate approximately $37 billion in economic activity across Africa.

This disclosure was made in a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, on Thursday.

According to the statement, President Tinubu received a delegation from Meta Platforms Incorporated, led by Sir Nick Clegg, at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

During the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

He highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities in information and communications technology (ICT), expanding capacity, and fostering partnerships to ensure Nigeria’s competitiveness in the digital age.

Sir Clegg expressed gratitude to the President for issuing an executive order that facilitated the landing of the Meta-backed deep-sea cable in Nigeria.

President Tinubu, in light of his administration’s 3MTT programme aimed at training three million Nigerian youths in digital technology and essential skills, underscored the importance of Nigerian youths in achieving digital economic expansion. He emphasized their critical role, stating,

President Tinubu further conveyed Nigeria’s readiness to lead the African continent in digital technology and emphasized the value of data in the country’s development.

Emphasizing the importance of technology in driving small businesses, the President said he is committed to ensuring that technology is deployed, adapted, enhanced, and used to catalyze growth across a vast majority of micro businesses, spurring mass prosperity down the line.

Sir Clegg also announced that Meta will introduce a new feature on its Instagram app in June 2024, allowing Nigerian creators to monetize their content and earn a living through the platform. He emphasized the significance of deepening partnerships with Nigeria, stating, “We have a lot to do with Nigeria to deepen partnerships.”

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, highlighted the critical role of Meta platforms in Nigeria and stressed the importance of seizing opportunities for partnerships and engagement to foster development in the digital economy sector. He emphasized the need for continuous engagement to create opportunities for Nigerians to partake in global prosperity.