Nigeria’s Strategy for Africa’s Transformation
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to harnessing its youthful population, advancing education, and promoting innovative agriculture as vital tools for addressing both local and global challenges.
During his address at the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima highlighted the pivotal role African youths will play in driving transformation across the continent.
Opportunities Amid Challenges
Drawing inspiration from the Chinese word for “crisis,” which combines danger (Wei) and opportunity (Ji), Shettima emphasized the potential to rebuild societies amidst adversity.
He stated, “Yes, we have challenges, but those challenges are pregnant with opportunities to re-engineer our society and build back better.”
The Vice President stressed the importance of investing in education and gender-focused initiatives while embracing smart agriculture to position Nigeria’s economy for global competitiveness.
Partnership over Aid
Rejecting dependency on foreign aid, Shettima advocated for partnerships based on equality.
“I don’t believe in aid. I’d rather carry my poverty with dignity and deal with nations and companies on a pedestal of equality, not in a master-servant relationship. I didn’t come with a begging bowl,” he remarked.
Africa’s Strategic Importance
Shettima expressed optimism about Africa’s prospects, underscoring its vast resources and strategic relevance to global growth.
“My continent is the richest in the world, and the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa. Nigeria will make or mar that transition. The youths of Africa are the drivers of change,” he said.
Collaboration for Global Challenges
Acknowledging global crises such as conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, Shettima emphasized the need for multilateral efforts to address supply chain disruptions, humanitarian issues, and peacebuilding.
As Nigeria positions itself as a leader in Africa’s growth, the focus remains on empowering its citizens and leveraging innovation to overcome challenges.
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