Focus on Digital Trade, African Growth, and Global Collaboration
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after participating in the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos, Switzerland. Shettima, who departed Abuja on January 19, played a key role in several sessions addressing Africa’s economic potential and global challenges.

Key Contributions at the Forum
Shettima co-chaired a forum titled “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa” at the Pischa Congress Centre. He also participated as a panellist in a dialogue on “Global Risks 2025,” where he emphasized the importance of self-reliance over foreign aid for addressing economic challenges in the Global South.

During the panel session, Shettima advocated for investment in education, gender empowerment, and innovation as critical tools to transform African societies and drive long-term growth.

Commitment to AfCFTA and Africa’s Economic Potential
At another forum, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and underscored the importance of leveraging digital trade as a transformative economic tool. He highlighted Africa’s potential to achieve a $29 trillion economy by 2050, emphasizing the critical role of digital trade in fostering economic integration and growth.

Bilateral and High-Level Meetings
Shettima also held bilateral talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Botswana President Duma Boko to strengthen intra-African relations.

In addition, he engaged with:

• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum.

Discussions with these global leaders centered on collaborative solutions to Africa’s challenges, including energy security, food crises, and ecological threats.

Nigeria’s Economic Trajectory
Shettima used the platform to project Nigeria’s commitment to sustained economic growth. He highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at positioning the country as a leading player in Africa’s economic transformation.

Global Focus, Local Impact
The Vice-President’s participation in the 2025 WEF underscored Nigeria’s active role in global economic discussions. By prioritizing digital trade, regional collaboration, and sustainable development, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in driving Africa’s growth on the global stage.

The Vice-President’s engagements and dialogues in Davos reflect a forward-looking approach to addressing key challenges while harnessing Africa’s vast potential for innovation and development.