Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a bold reset in Africa’s relationship with the European Union (EU), urging a shift from traditional aid-driven dynamics to a robust, co-creative partnership that delivers real, transformative outcomes for the continent.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a meeting with a high-level EU delegation led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, the EU’s envoy to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Shettima described the EU as Nigeria’s “natural ally” and emphasized the need for both sides to deepen collaboration through tangible investments and shared prosperity.
“Our expectations are clear,” the Vice President said. “We want this partnership to evolve—less about handouts, more about joint ventures, deeper trade under AfCFTA, and sustainable investments in energy, education, and digital inclusion.”
Shettima spotlighted Nigeria’s readiness to harness opportunities under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to accelerate development in infrastructure, clean energy, and digital connectivity. Priority projects include high-speed rail systems, port modernization, and vocational training centres.
The Vice President also applauded the African Union Commission’s efforts in reshaping the continent’s global standing, stating that Africa must no longer be seen as a passive recipient of global decisions but “a co-author of the world’s next chapter.”
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s longstanding commitment to Africa. He noted that EU foreign direct investment on the continent had reached €309 billion in 2022—outpacing contributions from both the United States and China.
“The EU is Africa’s leading partner in trade, investment, and development aid,” Mignot said. “And we are determined to deepen this engagement.”
Discussions also touched on the Joint Vision for 2030, a strategic framework born out of the 2022 AU-EU Summit. The vision aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), viewed as a critical driver of economic integration and growth.
Strengthening Ties with Zambia
In a separate diplomatic engagement, Vice President Shettima received Dr. Samuel Miambo, Special Envoy of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who conveyed Zambia’s interest in securing Nigeria’s support for Hichilema’s bid for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency.
Miambo outlined President Hichilema’s vision for an AfDB that prioritizes energy security, continental infrastructure, and the establishment of an African Centre of Excellence for Energy—proposed to be hosted in Nigeria.
Commending Zambia’s democratic legacy and shared values, Shettima pledged Nigeria’s continued support for initiatives that strengthen regional development and uphold Africa’s collective interests.
“We are proud of our shared history,” he said, “and we will continue to stand by Zambia in advancing policies that uplift lives across our nations and beyond.