Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after a series of high-profile engagements at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
The vice president, representing Nigeria at the annual global economic summit, spotlighted the nation’s investment opportunities, advocated for African economic integration, and engaged in strategic discussions with global leaders and international organizations.
Speaking at a session titled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and WEF, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to attract capital for sustainable development.
“Nigeria is open for business,” he said, emphasizing recent economic reforms, including subsidy removal, exchange rate alignment, and tax restructuring under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He stressed, “These measures are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability and growth, ensuring a conducive environment for both local and international investors.”
Backing African Economic Integration
The vice president reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) during another session, projecting the continent’s potential to reach a $29 trillion economy by 2050.
“Nigeria is poised to leverage digital trade and innovation as transformative tools for economic advancement,” Shettima said.
Naija News reports that Shettima met with African leaders, including Botswana’s President Duma Boko and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, to discuss strengthening intra-African relations.
“Collaboration among African nations is key to unlocking the continent’s full economic potential,” Shettima said.
He also held discussions with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and WEF President Børge Brende on addressing critical challenges, including energy security, food crises, and ecological threats.
As a panellist in the “Financial Times Global Risks 2025” dialogue, the vice president advocated for multilateral efforts to tackle global crises, highlighting the need for collective action.
“We must embrace innovation in education and agriculture to empower our youth and drive progress,” he noted.
Accompanied by senior officials, including Ministers Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Wale Edun (Finance), Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment), and Aisha Rimi (Executive Secretary, NIPC), Shettima returned to Abuja on Friday.
He was warmly received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and other government dignitaries.