Africa (Commonwealth Union)—Nigeria’s vice president, Kashim Shettima, has called on Africa to seek solutions within its borders rather than relying heavily on foreign aid. Speaking at the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable during the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima emphasized the value of partnerships built on equality and dignity over dependency.
“I don’t believe in aid; I believe in partnership. I would rather carry my poverty with dignity and engage with others on a pedestal of equality, not in a master-servant relationship,” he remarked, highlighting Africa’s potential for self-sufficient growth.
Shettima addressed the impact of global conflicts, from Ukraine to Sudan, on supply chains and humanitarian efforts, underscoring the need for multilateral collaboration to tackle shared challenges. He noted that the interconnectedness of today’s crises requires cooperative solutions, particularly for Africa, where the relationship between the economy and ecology remains deeply intertwined.
Despite acknowledging the continent’s challenges, the vice president expressed optimism, urging African nations to transform adversity into opportunity. Quoting the Chinese word for crisis, “Wei Ji,” he explained that crises encompass both danger and opportunity. “Our challenges are pregnant with opportunities to re-engineer society and build back better,” Shettima asserted.
Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to leading Africa’s growth through targeted investments in education, agricultural innovation, and youth empowerment. Recognizing African youth as the drivers of global change, he called for harnessing their potential to spur the continent’s transformation.
By prioritizing education, gender-inclusive initiatives, and smart agriculture, Nigeria aims to position itself as a key player in the fourth industrial revolution. Shettima’s vision underscores Africa’s ability to leverage its unique strengths and develop sustainable, homegrown solutions to propel its economies forward.
As the global community gathers in Davos, Shettima’s message is a powerful reminder of Africa’s untapped potential and the importance of partnerships rooted in mutual respect. Africa’s rise, as he envisions, will be driven not by aid but by innovation, resilience, and a collective determination to create a prosperous future for all.
