DataStreams, a company specializing in intelligent data platforms, announced on July 10 that it hosted the Korea-Nigeria Digital Economy Dialogue under the theme “Learning from Korea’s Data-Driven Digital Economy” at its 2nd-floor headquarters conference room in Seoul on July 9.
The event was arranged to discuss strategies for digital transformation and data-driven cooperation between Nigeria—Africa’s largest economy—and Korea. It was co-organized by the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) and Maeil Business TV. Over ten representatives from both nations attended, including Nigerian Presidential Adviser on Digital and Creative Economy, Umunubo Fegho John; Shittu Saheed Olawale, Chief Financial Officer of Nigeria’s largest automobile assembly and distribution company, Lanre Shittu Motors; and Williams Uchembah, a well-known actor and director at Nigeria’s top film production company, Ethan Shore.
AEDC and DataStreams have established a strategic partnership to expand into global markets. AEDC Chairman Yoon Suk-hun, along with AEDC’s vice chairmen and business managers, visited Nigeria from April 27 to May 2, 2025, at the official invitation of Vice President Kashim Shettima. During this visit, discussions were held regarding the introduction of data fabric technology to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation and governance capabilities. Following this, a Nigerian delegation led by Special Adviser Umunubo Fegho visited Korea on July 6 and held a dialogue with DataStreams on July 9. Adviser Umunubo, affiliated with the Office of the Vice President, serves as the Nigerian President’s Special Adviser for Creative and Digital Economy.
The event began with a welcome address by DataStreams CEO Lee Young-sang. Adviser Umunubo introduced Nigeria’s economic landscape and market trends, and presented the vision and goals of the digital creative economy. He also specified areas of Korea’s advanced digital experience applicable to Nigeria. AEDC Chairman Yoon Suk-hun followed with an update on ongoing cooperative initiatives between the two countries.
Chairman Yoon noted, “The Nigerian government prioritizes data governance as a key element in becoming an advanced nation. It is actively managing data policies at the national level and has expressed strong interest in the technology of DataStreams, which has been implemented and verified by the Korean government.” He also shared that during a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, they discussed the potential transfer of data-related technologies, and that the Nigerian government responded with enthusiastic support.
Following the presentations, a panel discussion featured key domestic data experts including Lee Jong-heon, Head of AI Strategy at DataStreams; Song Byung-sun, Chairman of the Korea Data Industry Association; and Choi Jong-jin Choi, Vice Chairman of the Korea SMEs Digital Innovation Association.
Participants exchanged views on global digital transformation trends and the significance of securing data and AI sovereignty. Korea’s data-based platform government model and digital transformation strategies were also shared. The discussions highlighted that data-based technology and infrastructure are central to Nigeria’s digital growth strategy, leading to in-depth conversations on tangible collaboration between Nigeria and DataStreams.
The dialogue covered topics including ▲ Nigeria’s digital economy policy and market structure ▲ global digital transformation trends and data sovereignty ▲ Korea’s experience with data-based platform governance ▲ directions for bilateral cooperation. The session also included an active Q&A and exchange of ideas. Best practices from developed nations such as the U.S. and Europe were discussed, along with Malaysia’s “MyDIGITAL” initiative. Emerging concepts such as building data infrastructure using data fabric, strengthening data sovereignty, and fostering a Triple Helix Model for collaboration between government, academia, and industry were shared as core global digital transformation strategies. Participants agreed that Korea-Nigeria cooperation could evolve toward building an inclusive and independent digital economy based on data ecosystems.
Adviser Umunubo’s delegation also visited Korean industrial sites and held meetings with entertainment industry leaders. Their schedule included learning from the e-Tax system, a successful example of Korean e-Government, and reviewing AI and digital education programs at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education. Notably, the visit to DataStreams was specially requested by Adviser Umunubo, who wished to gain a deeper understanding of its data fabric technology and apply it actively in Nigeria’s data-driven policy implementation. The delegation will conclude their official schedule in Korea and depart for China on July 12.
Adviser Umunubo stated that the dialogue was a meaningful opportunity to witness Korea’s digital infrastructure and data technologies firsthand. He said that DataStreams’ data fabric solution greatly inspired Nigeria’s digital transformation strategy. He added that upon returning home, he plans to actively share the insights gained and the capabilities of DataStreams with Nigerian government officials, and take the lead in facilitating practical cooperation between the two countries. He also announced his intent to personally brief the President of Nigeria on the outcomes of the visit and prioritize the adoption of DataStreams’ technology in national digital transformation projects through follow-up discussions with the relevant minister.
DataStreams CEO Lee Young-sang stated, “Data is at the core of digital transformation, and sustainable innovation is only possible on a strong data foundation. We hope to share our expertise in data management and platform operations accumulated in Korea with Nigeria and become partners in mutual digital growth.”
DataStreams anticipates that the global digital transformation trends, Korea’s platform government model, and the bilateral cooperation framework discussed during this dialogue will become an important milestone in Nigeria’s mid- to long-term strategy development.
You can find the Korean version of this article here.
