- Stronger Ties Needed: Shettima emphasizes that the relationship between the EU and Africa needs to move beyond simple commitments to create transformative outcomes.
- Nigeria’s Role: Nigeria sees the EU as a key partner in its development, particularly in areas like infrastructure and digital inclusion.
- EU’s Investment: The EU is already a major investor in Africa, but there’s a push for more joint ventures and trade facilitation.
- Shared Values: Both Nigeria and the EU share commitments to democracy, freedom, and gender empowerment.
- Zambia’s Support: Nigeria pledges continued support to Zambia, highlighting the strong relationship between the two nations.
VP Shettima Calls for Deeper EU-Africa Partnership
Vice President Shettima has urged the EU and Africa to maximize their partnership for transformative development across the continent. Speaking at a meeting in Abuja with the EU delegation led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Shettima emphasized the need for stronger bilateral ties.
Nigeria: EU’s ‘Natural Partner’
Shettima described the EU as Nigeria’s natural partner, whose investments have been crucial in realizing ongoing reforms by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stressed that the relationship must evolve from well-intentioned commitments to tangible results.
Leveraging the Global Gateway Initiative
Nigeria is ready to leverage the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to invest in infrastructure and connectivity. Key projects include high-speed rail links, improved ports and airports, renewable power plants, and vocational training centers. According to the European Commission, the Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments.
From Aid to Co-Creation
Shettima hopes to see the EU move from being a donor to a co-creator of African prosperity. He highlighted shared values such as democracy, freedom of worship, inclusivity, and gender empowerment.
EU’s Perspective: A Strong Partnership
Ambassador Gautier Mignot emphasized the strength and longevity of the EU-Africa relationship, which is celebrating 25 years. He noted that the EU is Africa’s top trading partner, investor, and provider of official development assistance.
EU’s Investment Outpaces Others
In 2022, EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa reached €309 billion, surpassing both the United States and China, according to the EU’s official website.
Looking Ahead: Joint Vision for 2030
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Joint Vision for 2030, a strategic framework agreed upon at the last AU-EU Summit in 2022. This vision aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The African Union’s Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years.
Nigeria and Zambia: A Strong Bond
Shettima also affirmed the longstanding fraternal brotherhood between Nigeria and Zambia. He assured Zambia of Nigeria’s continued support, particularly in improving the lives and livelihoods of their people.
Zambia Seeks Nigeria’s Support for AfDB Presidency
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia’s Special Envoy, Dr Samuel Miambo, solicited Nigeria’s support for his quest for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He highlighted his vision for energy security, infrastructure, and an African Centre of Excellence for Energy in Nigeria.