Vice President Kashim Shettima has outlined Nigeria’s strategy for leading Africa’s growth by focusing on education, innovation, and smart agriculture.
Speaking at the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable during the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima emphasised that these investments are crucial for addressing both global and domestic challenges.
The Vice President acknowledged the pivotal role of African youth in driving the continent’s transformation.
He pointed out that while crises abound, they also present opportunities for nations to rebuild stronger.
He quoted a Chinese proverb, stating, “The word for crisis in Chinese is ‘Wei Ji’. Wei stands for danger, while Ji stands for opportunity.”
Shettima stressed that the challenges faced by nations present opportunities to reshape societies for better outcomes.
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Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to embracing innovation, particularly through investments in education, gender-focused initiatives, and agricultural advancements.
He expressed confidence that these efforts would propel Nigeria into the fourth post-industrial revolution and position the country for global competitiveness.
“We are in a unique position to invest in people, especially in areas that will enable us to leapfrog our economies,” he said, emphasising that crisis offers a chance for growth and innovation.
The Vice President also expressed his strong belief in self-reliance, rejecting dependency on foreign aid. “I don’t believe in aid; I believe in partnership,” he remarked.
“I’d rather carry my poverty with dignity and deal with people, nations, and companies on a pedestal of equality, not in a master-servant relationship.”
Shettima highlighted the immense potential of Africa, stressing that the continent’s vast resources and strategic importance to global growth would shape the trajectory of the world’s future.
He remarked, “My continent is the richest in the world, and the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa. Nigeria will make or make that transition. The youths of Africa are the drivers of change.”
In discussing global crises, including the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, Shettima acknowledged the resulting supply chain disruptions, humanitarian challenges, and peace concerns.
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He called for multilateral collaboration to address these interconnected global issues.
“There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the African continent. But hope springs eternal in the hearts of men,” he said.
“We must look inward to solve our problems, but multilateralism is key. These challenges are global, and we must fuse into one human family to overcome them.”
