Nigeria is ramping up strategic partnerships with Brazil and Cuba to accelerate innovation, biotechnology, and green energy, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, announced during high-level meetings with both countries’ ambassadors.

In talks with Brazilian Ambassador Carlos Garcete, Nnaji proposed the creation of a Nigeria–Brazil Joint Innovation and Technology Working Group to “serve as a high-powered engine for tracking bilateral initiatives, aligning research priorities, and fast-tracking joint industrial and technological ventures.”

He emphasized the timing and significance of the partnership, saying, “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, innovation is no longer a buzzword but a strategy for national competitiveness.” Highlighting Brazil’s global leadership in agricultural innovation and bioenergy, Nnaji noted Nigeria’s ambition to develop Africa’s largest Green Methanol Industrial Complex and seek collaboration in feedstock optimization and ethanol technology.

On the Cuban front, Nnaji welcomed Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero and proposed a Nigeria–Cuba Innovation and Biotechnology Working Group focusing on vaccine research, medical diagnostics, renewable energy, and STEM exchange programs.

“Nigeria is not just open for business—we are open for breakthrough partnerships,” Nnaji stated. “With Brazil and Cuba, we have friends who share our values and our ambitions; together, we can build a future of prosperity, powered by innovation.”

The meetings, attended by key government agencies including NASRDA and NABDA, reflect Nigeria’s commitment to turning diplomatic goodwill into tangible scientific and industrial progress. Cuban Ambassador Palmero reaffirmed her country’s readiness to collaborate, especially following the MoU signed during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Havana.

Dr. Robert Ngwu, Senior Special Adviser to the minister, called the engagements “significant diplomatic moves poised to reshape South-South cooperation.”

With plans underway to formalize these partnerships through joint innovation groups and science dialogues, Nigeria is positioning itself as Africa’s hub for industrial transformation and scientific excellence.