Shettima reaffirms Nigeria’s resolve to champion AfCFTA
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, said Nigeria was ready to spearhead the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr Shettima said this at a forum of Friends of AfCFTA on the sidelines of the ongoing 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
While addressing the forum tagged, “Forum Friends of AfCFTA: Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa,” Mr Shettima said Nigeria was committed to AfCFTA as a vehicle for shared prosperity.
He said Africa was in a unique position to take advantage of global talent deficits.
The vice-president cited a Korn Ferry study that projected a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people by 2030.
“By 2050, Nigeria’s population will surpass that of the United States, becoming the third most populous nation on earth at 440 million people,” he stated.
Mr Shettima said Nigeria’s technological strength was propelling it into the knowledge age.
“Today, we have 220 million telecom subscribers and 163 million internet users in Nigeria alone.
“This provides us with immense opportunities to empower our people. While our highest oil export earnings were 35 billion dollars in 2011, India last year earned about 120 billion dollars from outsourcing alone.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area is not only an economic arrangement but a bold statement of our shared destiny,” he said.
Aligning with Mr Shettima, Borge Brende, the WEF president, said Africa’s demographic advantage presented huge economic opportunities for the continent.
He noted that while most nations faced workforce challenges, Africa’s young population positioned it for unprecedented growth.
“If the Secretary General of the AfCFTA is given all the support he deserves, we can boost intra-African trade by a staggering 50 per cent.
“As of today, 29 trillion dollars represents one-third of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Africa is such a growing continent, and one of its key promises is demography.
“The challenge now is creating new jobs for the youth population,” he stated.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
