Vice President Kashim Shettima has encouraged serious investors to seize the vast opportunities arising from Nigeria’s growing investment climate, emphasizing the country’s readiness for modernization and business. Speaking on Tuesday at the ongoing 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, during the forum titled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” Shettima highlighted that the stories of doom often associated with Nigeria and the broader African continent are far from the reality.
The forum, co-chaired by Mirek Dusek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, and Marie-Laure Akin Olugbade, Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank, focused on developing investment strategies for humanitarian and resilience projects across Africa.
Addressing the forum, VP Shettima pointed out that Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is poised to make a significant impact in the global business arena. With his extensive background in banking and finance, including serving as a general manager at Zenith Bank, Shettima expressed confidence that the country is prepared to attract global investment.
“Nigeria is ready for business, Nigeria is ready to embrace modernization with robust investment,” he declared, acknowledging that although Nigeria faces certain challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers potential solutions. He highlighted major ongoing infrastructure projects, including the development of the coastal highway from Calabar to Lagos, and partnerships with 14 African countries to invest in gas infrastructure extending to Morocco.
VP Shettima reiterated that Africa is no longer the “sleeping giant” it was once perceived to be. Drawing inspiration from Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous quote about China, Shettima declared, “Africa has woken up and we will take our rightful place in the comity of nations.” He emphasized that Africa’s youth and growing economies are driving the continent’s transformation, positioning it as the next frontier for global growth.
Referencing the words of late Nigerian leader Gen. Murtala Mohammed, VP Shettima stressed that Africa has “come of age” and is no longer under the influence of external powers, asserting its autonomy and readiness to shape its future.
In addition to his keynote speech, VP Shettima participated in several high-profile discussions at the WEF, showcasing Africa’s growing leadership on the global stage. He joined South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a special briefing and met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to discuss strengthening trade ties and diplomatic relations.
On the sidelines of the forum, VP Shettima also held a bilateral meeting with Botswana’s President Duma Boko, where they discussed areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, and enhanced cooperation between African nations. Both leaders agreed on the importance of presenting a united front to tackle the continent’s challenges and promote economic growth.
VP Shettima’s participation at the World Economic Forum underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger economic ties within Africa and globally, positioning the continent as a key player in the global investment landscape.
