VP Shettima Returns After Championing Nigeria's Economic Interests At WEF 2025

By Mo. Hanif 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria following his impactful engagements at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Representing the country at the prestigious global summit, the Vice President showcased Nigeria’s vast investment opportunities while advocating for African economic integration and sustainable growth.

In a forum titled "Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa's Frontier Markets", organized by the African Development Bank and WEF, VP Shettima underscored Nigeria's readiness to attract capital for transformative development. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing the role of digital trade in driving the continent’s economic transformation. Highlighting Africa’s potential, the Vice President projected a $29 trillion economy for the continent by 2050.

During bilateral discussions with leaders such as Botswana’s President Duma Boko and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, VP Shettima focused on strengthening intra-African relations and fostering partnerships to boost trade and development. Similarly, his meetings with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and WEF President Børge Brende revolved around collaborative solutions to Africa’s pressing challenges, including energy security, food crises, and climate change.

Speaking on Nigeria’s reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, VP Shettima highlighted key economic measures such as subsidy removal, exchange rate alignment, and tax reforms, stating that these initiatives are paving the way for sustained economic growth.

The Vice President’s participation also included panel discussions like the "Financial Times Global Risks 2025" dialogue, where he advocated multilateral collaboration to address global crises. Additionally, he championed innovation in education and agriculture to empower Nigeria’s youth and accelerate economic progress.

Accompanied by top government officials, including Honorable Minister of Finance Mr. Wale Edun, VP Shettima returned to Abuja to a warm reception from Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum and other dignitaries at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

This successful engagement at WEF 2025 reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to driving regional integration, economic innovation, and sustainable development on the global stage.