Tinubu Seeks Deeper BRICS Cooperation in AI, Fintech and Critical Minerals
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and BRICS countries in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech, telecommunications, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing as the Federal Government seeks to attract investment and accelerate economic transformation.
Tinubu made the call in his speech at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, on September 13, 2026. The address was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The President said Nigeria views its engagement with BRICS as an opportunity to attract investment, facilitate technology transfer, develop human capital and strengthen South-South cooperation.
He said the country was particularly interested in partnerships that could support the development of infrastructure, connectivity, energy, agriculture, healthcare, education and industrialisation.
Nigeria Seeks Investment and Technology Transfer
Tinubu said Nigeria’s engagement with BRICS would focus on translating international partnerships into tangible economic opportunities, particularly through investment and technology transfer.
He highlighted artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech and telecommunications as areas where deeper cooperation could help accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The President also identified critical minerals and advanced manufacturing as strategic areas for collaboration, reflecting Nigeria’s interest in moving beyond the export of raw materials toward greater domestic processing and value addition.
Development Finance to Support Economic Transformation
Tinubu further called for stronger partnerships supported by development finance to address Nigeria’s infrastructure and investment needs.
According to the President, cooperation with BRICS countries could help expand access to capital while supporting projects across key sectors of the economy.
He said partnerships in energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, connectivity and industrialisation would be particularly important to Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda.
The push comes as Nigeria seeks to deepen economic ties with emerging markets and leverage South-South cooperation to attract capital, technology and expertise needed to support long-term growth.
