By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged American investors to deepen collaboration with Nigeria in the areas of smart city development, housing, and ICT, pointing that Abuja remains a continental hub for innovation and sustainable growth.
Mahmoud, in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, stressed that Abuja’s unique mix of central location, modern infrastructure, natural resources, and an educated youthful population makes it one of the most strategic cities for global investment.
The statement pointed to flagship projects such as Centenary City and the World Trade Centre Abuja, as proof of Nigeria’s ambition to build sustainable smart cities, noting that Africa’s smart city market is projected to reach $1.5 billion in 2025, with Abuja at the centre of this growth.
According to the minister, the future of Africa’s cities lies in smart innovation, and Abuja is prepared to play a central role. She also explained that with over 70 percent of Abuja’s population under 35, and women increasingly taking leadership roles, the city has the human capital needed to power this transformation.
She therefore urged U.S. companies to consider partnerships in ICT solutions, smart grids, and housing projects through Nigeria’s innovative Land Swap model. She also called for the establishment of tech hubs, data centres, and software firms that would help build a robust digital ecosystem across the continent.
Mahmoud stressed the importance of the summit’s theme of “building bridges,” saying the collaboration between American innovation and Nigerian resilience could yield urban growth models that define the continent’s future. She added that dialogue must translate into action if Africa and the United States are to secure a legacy of innovation and inclusion.
The statement further reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with international partners in pursuit of sustainable development, while ensuring that women and youth remain central drivers of the process.
The forum brought together policymakers, investors, and business leaders from both the United States and Africa to explore new opportunities for partnership.
