Nigerian diplomats trained on economic diplomacy

What is the role of diplomats in promoting trade and foreign direct investment (FDI)? Why should every country strive to establish a strong national brand? And what concrete steps can diplomats take to contribute to sustainable development? These complex questions were addressed during a week-long digital training programme for diplomats from the Republic of Nigeria.

As part of the programme, participants examined the successes and challenges of public-private partnerships, looked at the benefits and drawbacks of foreign direct investment, and brainstormed over their own potential country brand for economic diplomacy. One of the highlights of the training was a session by the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, who shared examples of concrete and successful economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Netherlands. Throughout the week-long training, the participants put the skills into practice, culminating in a group pitch exercise to convince partners to work together for the betterment of Nigeria.