I had the privilege of joining His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima at a high-level sideline event during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). The gathering brought together key public and private sector stakeholders, investors, and policymakers to discuss pathways for accelerating sustainable economic growth across Africa.
The event’s theme, “Risk, Reform, Return,” resonated deeply with the critical challenges and opportunities facing the continent. It served as a powerful reminder that while Africa continues to confront systemic risks — from global market volatility to structural economic barriers — there is a growing imperative to implement bold reforms. These reforms are essential not only for fostering investor confidence but also for unlocking Africa’s immense economic potential.
Through robust dialogue and shared insights, the conversation underscored the importance of building resilient institutions, strengthening governance, and creating environments that attract and retain long-term investment. Participants emphasized the need for coordinated action among African nations to drive policy reforms, improve infrastructure, and deepen financial markets.
Vice President Shettima’s remarks reflected Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to creating a more enabling business climate and promoting industrial growth. His presence at the forum demonstrated the country’s leadership role in shaping Africa’s economic future.
As we continue these conversations beyond UNGA, it is clear that the pursuit of economic transformation in Africa requires not just vision, but deliberate action. Balancing risk with reform is the key to unlocking the returns we seek — not just in capital, but in shared prosperity and inclusive development for all Africans.
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