Nigeria, Czech Republic Seek Stronger Trade & Investment Ties
By ANITA KNIGHT
NIGERIA and the Czech Republic are positioning for deeper economic engagement as Prague seeks to expand cooperation across strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy. Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Tomáš Výprachtický, said Abuja remains central to his country’s outreach efforts due to its economic potential and long history of bilateral relations.
He made the remarks at the formal unveiling of the Nigeria–Central Europe Chamber of Commerce in Abuja, an initiative backed by the Czech Embassy and the Regional Trade Institute. The ambassador said the platform was designed to connect policymakers, investors and creative industry players, fostering partnerships capable of delivering tangible economic outcomes.
Výprachtický recalled that Czech firms and institutions have operated in Nigeria for decades, supported by diplomatic and cultural ties. He pointed to examples of people-to-people cooperation, noting that Nigerian clergy have served in Czech religious institutions for several years.
Describing Nigeria as a country rich in talent and innovation capacity, he said the Czech Republic sees strong prospects for collaboration in engineering, technology and industrial development. He acknowledged that while progress has been gradual, efforts to expand cooperation would be intensified.
NCECC President, Dr. Paschal Onyemaechi, said the chamber was established to strengthen Europe–Africa relations through trade, investment and knowledge exchange. He explained that Europe brings advanced technology and institutional expertise, while Africa offers natural resources, a dynamic market and a growing youth population.
According to Onyemaechi, the chamber will support businesses with market intelligence, promote technology transfer and facilitate educational opportunities. He also disclosed plans to launch development-focused initiatives, including the New Partnership for Development of Africa project.
The ceremony concluded with the induction of respected figures from academia, banking, energy and politics into the chamber’s leadership structure, underscoring the strategic direction of the new organisation.
