Shettima Jets to Davos: What Nigeria Stands to Gain from the 2025 World Economic Forum

By Achimi Muktar

Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday to represent Nigeria at the highly anticipated 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

With a lineup of influential global leaders, top business executives, and development partners, this year’s forum will tackle pressing issues facing the global economy, focusing on collaboration to drive progress.

Nigeria’s Agenda at Davos

According to Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Shettima’s spokesperson, the VP is set to engage in bilateral discussions with world leaders, participate in high-profile workshops, and contribute to strategic forums aimed at advancing global and African economies.

One of the standout events in Shettima’s itinerary is a workshop titled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets.” Organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the WEF, the session will address innovative strategies to attract capital into Africa, fostering a resilient and inclusive continent.

A key highlight will be the announcement of the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, which aims to mobilize partnerships between public and private sectors to unlock investment opportunities across Africa’s emerging markets.

Driving Africa’s Digital Trade

In a significant move to champion Africa’s economic integration, Shettima will co-chair a forum on “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa.” This session will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, adopted in January 2024, to enhance cross-border trade and digital infrastructure across the continent.

Navigating Global Risks

Shettima is also slated to join a panel discussion on “Global Risks 2025,” a session inspired by the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Risks Report. This dialogue will explore volatile geopolitical, environmental, and technological landscapes, offering insights into how nations like Nigeria can navigate uncertainty while fostering sustainable growth.

Strategic Engagements

The Vice President’s schedule includes high-level dinners and stakeholder dialogues with heads of state, government officials, and international business leaders. Events such as the Crystal Awards Dinner and the International Business Council Meeting at Kurpark Village in Eiger will provide opportunities to build partnerships crucial for Nigeria’s development.

The Nigerian Delegation

Vice President Shettima is accompanied by a robust delegation, including Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Why It Matters

This year’s WEF presents a critical platform for Nigeria to amplify its voice on global economic issues and secure investments to accelerate its development goals. With strategic sessions focused on digital trade, frontier market investment, and global risk management, Nigeria aims to position itself as a key player in Africa’s economic renaissance.

Shettima is expected to return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Davos, bringing back outcomes that could shape Nigeria’s economic trajectory in 2025 and beyond.