Abuja: Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced that Nigeria is now ideally positioned to spearhead the intra-African trade and investment revolution. He attributed this development to the Federal Government’s efforts in removing investment bottlenecks and enhancing the ease of doing business in the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Vice President Shettima made these remarks at the opening of the Pre-Investor Forum of the Intra-African Trade and Investment Conference held in Abuja. He highlighted the critical role of subnational governments in driving Nigeria’s leadership in continental trade and investment activities. Shettima stated, “Nigeria, with its unparalleled market size, a strong GDP, and a demography that thrives in innovation, is in a key position to anchor the African commercial revolution.”
He emphasized that the revolution would not be led by Abuja alone but would require the involvement of subnational structures, with governors playing a pivotal role. The Vice President also stressed the importance of creating a predictable and transparent policy environment to attract sustainable investments. He noted, “Investors need to trust that their capital is safe, that the rules are stable, and that opportunities are genuine.”
The forum, organized by Woodhall Capital in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), showcased how Nigeria’s subnational governments could anchor regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima expressed concern over the trade deficit among African countries. “For too long, the narrative of African trade has been tainted by what we extract and export to the global north. We need to channel our energy into intra-African trade,” he stated.
Shettima reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership to fostering an enabling environment for business and investment growth. The forum’s theme, “Facilitating Intra-African Trade: Unlocking the Potential of African Direct Investments (ADI) and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) to Drive Trade and Sustainable Growth,” underscored the need for strategic partnerships and capital mobilization.
Mrs. Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, President of Woodhall Capital, affirmed the firm’s dedication to creating structured investment platforms that align state-led development initiatives with investor interests. She praised the administration’s reforms, which have redefined Nigeria’s investment landscape, and advocated for continued efforts to liberalize the foreign exchange market and deepen domestic capital markets.
Dr. Terhemen Johnpaul, Chairman of the Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN), emphasized the potential of subnational regions as the future of Nigeria’s prosperity. Mr. Alain-Thierry Mbongue, Regional Chief Operating Officer of Anglophone West Africa (AWAF), Afreximbank, highlighted the importance of collaboration to foster innovation and develop integrated value chains.
Princess Zahrah Mustapha, Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), stressed the need to mobilize African capital for development and ensure policy consistency. The pre-investors forum in Abuja served as a precursor to international investor gatherings in London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, aiming to strengthen collaboration and align strategies for attracting investments.
The forum underscored the collective resolve of governments, financiers, and investors to deepen Africa’s economic integration and position Nigeria as a leading hub for intra-African and global investment flows.