Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has emphasized the importance of partnerships over aid for African nations, stating that collaboration on equal terms preserves the dignity of nations.
Speaking at the Financial Times’ Global Risk Roundtable during the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima stressed that Nigeria and other African countries should focus on equitable partnerships instead of relying on external aid.
“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 footing, not in a master-servant relationship. I didn’t come with a begging bowl,” Shettima remarked.
He expressed optimism about Africa’s future, citing the continent’s wealth of resources and critical role in global development.
“Africa is the richest continent in the world, and the trajectory of global growth points toward us. Nigeria will play a pivotal role in this transition. The youth of Africa are the true drivers of change,” he stated.
The vice president highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in fostering growth through education and agricultural innovation. He noted the country’s commitment to empowering its youth, investing in education, and implementing smart agricultural policies as vital strategies to address both domestic and global challenges.
Shettima further emphasized that African youths are key to driving global transformation, noting that crises often provide unique opportunities to build stronger, more resilient nations.
“This crisis presents us with an opportunity to invest in people, particularly in areas that can propel our economies to compete on a global scale,” he concluded.