A high-level delegation from Norway, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andreas Kravik, visited Lagos to engage with founders, investors, and business leaders in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, highlighting growing international confidence in the country’s innovation-driven economy.
The visit took place at the headquarters of OmniRetail, a technology company that helps digitise and finance fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution networks across Africa.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Norwegian government, Norfund, OmniRetail, and Ventures Platform to discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, investment, and the role of long-term capital in supporting African businesses.
Speaking during the engagement, Naana Winful Fynn described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation markets. She noted that entrepreneurs across the country are developing practical solutions to major challenges and helping drive economic growth through technology.
Fynn added that Norfund remains committed to supporting innovation and private sector development that can promote sustainable and inclusive growth across Nigeria and the wider African continent.
The choice of OmniRetail as the host venue reflected the delegation’s interest in seeing how local technology companies are solving large-scale business challenges. The company, which received backing from Ventures Platform as an early investor, became Norfund’s first direct fintech investment in Africa through a $20 million Series A funding round announced in April 2025.
Today, OmniRetail operates one of Africa’s largest business-to-business retail networks, helping thousands of informal retailers gain access to inventory, logistics services, and financial products.
According to Deepankar Rustagi, the visit demonstrates growing global recognition of African businesses that are building scalable and commercially sustainable solutions.
He said technology has the potential to improve efficiency, expand financial inclusion, and unlock growth opportunities within Africa’s informal economy, where many small businesses continue to face significant operational challenges.
The visit also highlighted the role of Ventures Platform in supporting Africa’s startup ecosystem. The venture capital firm has invested in several high-growth startups across the continent and continues to connect founders with global sources of capital and expertise.
Kola Aina said Africa continues to demonstrate strong entrepreneurial talent and innovation across multiple sectors. He noted that companies such as OmniRetail are proof that African founders are building businesses capable of solving meaningful problems at scale.
Aina added that engagements between international investors and African entrepreneurs create opportunities for stronger partnerships and greater understanding of how innovation can support economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity.
During the visit, representatives from Norfund and Ventures Platform also announced Norfund’s commitment to the Ventures Platform Pan-African Fund II (VP PAF II), strengthening collaboration between the two organisations.
The delegation concluded its visit with a tour of one of OmniRetail’s partner distribution hubs in Lagos, providing firsthand insight into how technology is improving retail supply chains and business operations.
The visit comes amid growing international interest in Africa’s technology sector, as investors, development finance institutions, and strategic partners increasingly look toward businesses that combine commercial success with measurable economic impact.
For participants, the engagement reinforced a shared belief that entrepreneurship, innovation, and patient long-term investment will be key drivers of sustainable economic development across Africa.
