Vice President Shettima Invites Global Investors To Explore Nigeria’s Business Opportunities At WEF

Vice President Kashim Shettima urged global investors to consider Nigeria's expanding business opportunities, challenging the negative views about Africa.

Speaking at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima compared Africa's rise to Napoleon Bonaparte's view of China, saying that while China was once a "sleeping giant," Africa has now "woken up" and is ready to take its rightful place in the world.

"For 20 years, I was in the Nigerian banking industry. I was a general manager in Nigeria's largest bank, Zenith Bank. The President himself is a seasoned chartered accountant," Shettima highlighted his banking background alongside President Tinubu's financial expertise, as per the statement issued on X (formerly known as Twitter).

He added, "Nigeria is ready for business, ready to embrace modernization with very robust investment. The coastal highway from Calabar to Lagos is the largest single investment in Africa. We are building corridors to the North."

Shettima mentioned the West African gas pipeline and the partnership with 14 African countries to invest in gas infrastructure extending to Morocco.

On the sidelines of the forum, Shettima met with Botswana's President Duma Boko to discuss strengthening relations between their countries. He also welcomed World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, praising her as one of Africa's best leaders.

This comes just a day after the World Bank Group banned two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, for 30 months. The ban also includes the Managing Director and CEO, Norman Bwuruk Didam.

Last month, during a business session at the State House, Tinubu assured the German government and businesses that Nigeria was ready to make it easier for investors by removing obstacles in the energy and solid minerals sectors.

Tinubu expressed satisfaction with Nigeria's trade in euros with Germany and said that the country has become more transformative and was now making business easier for investors. He added that Nigeria was focusing on investment in gas and alternative energy.

Previously, Nigerian and German companies signed two important agreements Tuesday to strengthen the economic partnership between both nations. They included a gas supply deal and a $500 million renewable energy pact.