Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a shift from foreign aid dependency to equal partnerships that preserve dignity and foster mutual respect. Speaking on Thursday at the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable during the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima stated:
“I don’t believe in aid; I believe in partnership. I’d rather carry my poverty with dignity and engage with nations, companies, and people on equal terms—not in a master-servant relationship. I didn’t come with a begging bowl.”
Shettima expressed optimism about Africa’s future, emphasizing the continent’s abundant resources, strategic importance, and dynamic youth population as key drivers of global growth.
“My continent is the richest in the world, and global growth is tilting towards Africa. Nigeria has a pivotal role to play in this transition. The youths of Africa are the engines of change,” he said.
The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging its youth, advancing education, and promoting smart agriculture as strategies to address both domestic and global challenges.
He also stressed that while crises present dangers, they also offer opportunities to rebuild stronger.
“In Chinese, the word for crisis, ‘Wei Ji,’ encapsulates both danger and opportunity. Our challenges are pregnant with possibilities to re-engineer our society and build back better,” Shettima remarked.
He underscored the need for Nigeria and Africa to invest in innovation, education, and gender-focused initiatives to propel their economies into the global forefront, particularly in the context of the fourth industrial revolution.
“The crises we face give us a chance to invest in people and leapfrog our economies into global competitiveness,” he added.
Touching on global issues such as conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, Shettima acknowledged their impact on supply chains, peace, and humanitarian efforts. He stressed the importance of multilateral collaboration to tackle these interconnected challenges.
“There’s an inseparable link between the economy and ecology in Africa. While we must look inward for solutions, multilateralism remains essential. As one human family, we can overcome these challenges together,” the Vice President said.
Shettima’s address reflects Nigeria’s resolve to pursue partnerships rooted in equality and innovation while contributing meaningfully to global solutions.
