Vice President Shettima Highlights Youth, Education, Agriculture For Africa’s Growth

Vice President Kashim Shettima said that Nigeria's focus on unlocking the potential of its youth, investing in education and promoting smart agriculture are crucial strategies to address both global and local challenges.

He made this statement on Thursday at the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable during the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, as per official X (formerly known as Twitter) handle.

Shettima emphasized that African youth play a key role in this transformation. He also pointed out that while crises are common, they offer opportunities for nations to rebuild and emerge stronger.

The vice president explained that the Chinese word for crisis, "Wei Ji," combines danger and opportunity. He highlighted that challenges can present chances to reshape society and build a better future.

He reiterated Nigeria's commitment to embracing innovation and empowerment, particularly through education, gender-focused programs and smart agriculture to boost the economy in the era of the fourth industrial revolution.

Shettima said that the current crisis offers a unique chance to invest in people and create opportunities to make the economy more competitive globally. The vice president also expressed his belief that Nigeria should not rely on foreign aid. Instead, he advocated for equal partnerships based on dignity.

He stated that he believes in partnerships, not aid, and would rather face poverty with dignity while engaging with other nations and companies on equal terms, rather than in a master-servant relationship.

The vice president expressed optimism about Africa's future, highlighting the continent's vast resources and its critical role in global growth. He stated that Africa is the richest continent and that the future of global growth is focused on Africa.

He also said that Nigeria will play a crucial role in shaping this transition, with African youth driving the change. He acknowledged global crises such as conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, and their effects on supply chains, humanitarian issues, and peace.

Shettima talked about the need for multilateral collaboration, noting that global challenges are interconnected and require collective solutions. He pointed out the close link between the economy and ecology in Africa but expressed hope that humanity can find solutions to these challenges.