Women To Lead Africa’s $29 Trillion Economic Transformation, Says Vice President Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima said women will play a key role in Africa's expected $29 trillion economic growth. He emphasized that gender inclusion is not just a talking point but a crucial part of Nigeria's development plans.

He made this statement in Abuja on Thursday while opening the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference and launching Project #SheIsIncluded, aimed at closing gender gaps in finance and the wider economy.

The conference was held under the theme of "Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women's Economic and Financial Inclusion."

"We cannot build the Nigeria or Africa we envision without fully integrating women into our economic systems. Women are not just participants in our economy; they are leaders, innovators, and the bedrock of sustainable development," he said, as per the official statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The vice president explained that Project #SheIsIncluded focuses on four main areas: education and financial literacy, maternal healthcare, gender-sensitive policies and programs, and creating more economic opportunities for women.

Shettima also shared that the initiative will cover all 774 local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring that every woman benefits. He emphasized that gender inclusion is a core part of Nigeria's development plans, not just a superficial gesture.

The project aims to empower women to lead and contribute significantly to the nation's growth, beyond just meeting quotas. It's about unlocking the full potential of the people to help achieve the broader goals of President Tinubu's administration.

The vice president mentioned that the initiative will be led by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs.

He stressed the need to follow global best practices and work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and empowering women and girls. He pointed out that the two-day conference is not just for discussions, but for reflecting and planning practical steps to build an inclusive nation.

Shettima encouraged both public and private sectors to outline actionable steps for advancing gender inclusion. He expressed hope that the conference would lead to recommendations that will shape Nigeria's future in gender inclusion.

In her speech, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, called the conference an important milestone in finding ways to empower women and promote inclusion.

She further said that gender inclusion is crucial for sustainable development and plays a key role in reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. She emphasized that it should lead to financial independence, wealth creation, and leadership opportunities for women in various sectors.