Nigeria's next president should prioritise on infrastructure investments – Jumia CEO

In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Juliet Anammah, the CEO of Jumia Nigeria, emphasized the crucial need for prioritizing infrastructure investments in Nigeria. As the country gears up for presidential elections, Anammah stressed the importance of both physical infrastructure such as roads and digital infrastructure to drive economic growth and development. She highlighted that while the deficit in infrastructure cannot be closed in a short period, long-term investments are essential. Anammah pointed out that investments in digital infrastructure, which she referred to as "digital reels," could significantly increase productivity and value in the economy. These digital investments include expanding access to data and smartphones to enhance connectivity, as well as establishing secure platforms for ID verification to improve financial inclusion and enhance consumer services. Anammah also underscored the importance of private sector participation in these investments, noting that legislation to support such initiatives would be beneficial but may require more time for deliberation. She urged for a focus on investments in digital infrastructure before advancing into legislative processes. The CEO's insights shed light on the critical role that infrastructure and digital economy development play in driving Nigeria's economic growth and fostering innovation and inclusion.