Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos to represent Nigeria at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), a prestigious gathering that brings together global leaders, business executives, and development partners to discuss pressing global issues and opportunities.
The announcement of his arrival was made on Monday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President. Shettima’s participation in the WEF marks a significant moment for Nigeria as the country seeks to bolster its economic prospects on the global stage.
During his time in Davos, the Vice President will engage in a series of bilateral meetings and discussions aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic development while addressing global risks and challenges. These interactions are designed to foster cooperation with international leaders and institutions, ensuring that Nigeria’s voice is heard in shaping the future of global economics and development.
A key event on Shettima’s agenda is the “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets” workshop, organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the WEF. This session will focus on increasing capital flows into Africa to support sustainable and inclusive development, as well as strengthening resilience across the continent.
One of the major highlights of his visit will be the launch of the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, an initiative that aims to drive public-private partnerships and attract investments to Africa’s emerging markets. The HRI Roadmap, a collaboration between AfDB and various stakeholders, is set to play a crucial role in strengthening Africa’s resilience against challenges like climate change, conflict, and economic instability.
In addition, Shettima will co-chair a forum titled “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa” at the Pischa Congress Centre. This forum will delve into the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, which was adopted by African Union leaders in January 2024. The session aims to explore how leveraging digital trade can unlock new growth opportunities for the continent.
The Vice President is also set to attend the Annual Meeting 2025 Crystal Awards dinner, an exclusive event for heads of state, government officials, and representatives of international organizations. This dinner, held at the Kurpark Village in Eiger, will provide an opportunity for high-level networking and collaboration.
Another important engagement for Shettima will be his participation as a panelist in the “Global Risks 2025” session at the Aspen 2 Congress Centre. This dialogue will address key geopolitical, technological, and environmental risks that are expected to shape the global landscape in the coming years, offering valuable insights into how nations and organizations can navigate these challenges.
Shettima is accompanied to Davos by senior Nigerian officials, including Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). Together, they will work to strengthen Nigeria’s global partnerships and attract investments that will contribute to the country’s economic growth.
After his engagements in Davos, the Vice President is expected to return to Abuja, where he will continue to work on advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
