Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after participating in a series of significant and high-level engagements at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. His presence at the globally renowned economic summit marked an important opportunity to position Nigeria as a key player on the international stage, especially in areas of investment and African economic growth.
During the summit, Shettima actively represented Nigeria, seizing the opportunity to spotlight the nation’s vast investment potential, advocate for African economic integration, and engage in strategic dialogues with world leaders, international organizations, and global economic stakeholders. His attendance at several critical sessions underscored Nigeria’s readiness to attract sustainable investments and foster collaboration across various sectors.
One of the most notable moments of his participation was at a session organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the WEF, titled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets.” Speaking passionately about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, Shettima reaffirmed the country’s openness to business and readiness to partner with global investors. He cited recent reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as steps towards achieving long-term economic stability.
“Nigeria is open for business,” he declared, highlighting reforms such as subsidy removal, exchange rate alignment, and tax restructuring, which he described as laying a strong foundation for economic growth. According to him, these measures are creating an investor-friendly environment that promises to attract global investments while fostering sustainable development in the nation.
Championing African Economic Integration
In another key session, Shettima focused on Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that the initiative has the potential to elevate the continent’s economy to $29 trillion by 2050. He emphasized Nigeria’s strategic role in leveraging digital trade and innovation as tools for transforming Africa’s economic landscape.
Shettima also engaged in bilateral discussions with notable African leaders, including President Duma Boko of Botswana and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. These dialogues aimed to strengthen intra-African relations and promote regional collaboration. “Collaboration among African nations is key to unlocking the continent’s full potential,” Shettima remarked, emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing shared challenges.
Additionally, he held meetings with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and WEF President Børge Brende, addressing pressing global issues such as energy security, food crises, and climate change. He also served as a panellist at the “Financial Times Global Risks 2025” dialogue, where he underscored the importance of innovative solutions in education and agriculture to empower African youth and accelerate progress.
Shettima was accompanied to Davos by senior Nigerian officials, including Ministers Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Wale Edun (Finance), Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment), and Aisha Rimi (Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission). Together, they worked to showcase Nigeria’s economic potential and position the nation as a favorable destination for investment.
Upon his return to Abuja on Friday, Vice President Shettima was warmly received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and other prominent government officials, signifying the nation’s support and pride in his contributions to the global economic forum.