Shettima urges EU, Africa to maximize potential for shared prosperity
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the European Union (EU) and African nations to evolve their relationship beyond donor aid into a mutually beneficial partnership capable of unlocking the continent’s full economic potential.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, Shettima emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in infrastructure, trade, education, digital inclusion, and green energy. He described the EU as Nigeria’s “natural ally,” citing its strong investment footprint and long-standing support for development reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Our expectations as Nigerians and Africans are clear. We want this partnership to graduate from well-meaning commitments to transformative outcomes,” Shettima said. “We want more joint ventures, deeper trade facilitation under the AfCFTA, and irreversible investments in energy, education, and digital inclusion.”
He urged the EU to transition from a donor role to becoming a co-creator of African prosperity, saying, “We hope to see the EU move from being a donor to being a co-creator—not as recipients of aid but as partners in development.”
The Vice President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to leverage the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which focuses on smart, clean infrastructure. He cited potential collaboration in fast rail links, renewable energy, port development, and vocational training.
Ambassador Mignot, in response, described Africa as the EU’s most strategic partner, noting that the bloc is the continent’s leading trading partner, investor, and donor. He revealed that EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa reached €309 billion in 2022, surpassing both the U.S. and China.
“This shows the strength of the EU’s commitment to Africa, and we want to enhance this presence,” Mignot said, adding that both sides will continue reviewing progress under the Joint Vision 2030 agreement, which aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Shettima also praised the African Union Commission’s renewed vision for transforming the continent from a subject of global discussions to a co-author of the world’s future.
