The Nigerian government has called on global investors to explore the country’s growing investment climate and vast opportunities. Vice President Kashim Shettima made this appeal at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, during a session titled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets.”
Co-chaired by Mirek Dusek of WEF and Marie-Laure Olugbade of the African Development Bank, the session highlighted the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing Roadmap for Africa. VP Shettima assured participants that contrary to negative narratives, Nigeria and Africa are positioned for robust global investments.
“For 20 years, I have been in the Nigerian banking industry. I was a general manager at Zenith Bank. President Bola Tinubu, a seasoned chartered accountant, is working to position Nigeria as Africa’s investment hub,” Shettima stated. He emphasized the country’s modernization drive and readiness to attract investments.
The Vice President acknowledged existing infrastructure deficits but expressed optimism about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a solution. He highlighted key initiatives, including the coastal highway from Calabar to Lagos and the West African gas pipeline, which links 14 African countries to Morocco. “We are thinking ahead akin to the Belt and Road Initiative,” he added.
Shettima drew parallels to Napoleon Bonaparte’s reference to China as a “sleeping giant,” asserting that Africa is awakening to claim its rightful place in global development. He cited Gen. Murtala Mohammed’s historic declaration that Africa has matured and will no longer be subordinate to foreign powers.
The Vice President concluded by reiterating Africa’s role as the youngest and fastest-growing continent, set to drive global growth. He invited investors to be part of this transformative era, emphasizing that Africa’s future is bright and full of promise.
Voice of Nigeria
