Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the European Union (EU) to deepen its collaboration with Africa by embracing a strategic partnership model that prioritises transformative development and mutual prosperity, rather than continuing the traditional donor-recipient approach.
Speaking on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, Vice President Shettima said it was time for Europe and Africa to maximise their shared potentials to unlock sustainable development across the continent. He described the EU as Nigeria’s “natural ally” and stressed that the relationship should yield tangible outcomes that directly impact lives and build economic resilience.
“Our expectation as Nigerians, and indeed as Africans, is for this partnership to graduate from well-intentioned commitments to practical, measurable outcomes. We want joint ventures in infrastructure, deeper trade facilitation under the AfCFTA, and robust investments in education, renewable energy, and digital inclusion,” Shettima said.
He highlighted the Global Gateway initiative of the EU as a viable framework through which Europe can inject capital and technology into Africa’s development needs. According to him, Nigeria is ready to collaborate on major projects, including the development of high-speed rail lines, modernisation of ports, vocational training centres, and solar energy hubs.
“We no longer want to be seen as mere recipients of aid. We are looking for partners who will co-create prosperity with us. Africa has the population, the resources, and the potential. What we need is honest collaboration rooted in mutual respect and shared values,” the Vice President added.
He also praised the African Union Commission’s current leadership for pushing a renewed vision of the continent as a key player on the global stage. “Africa is not just a subject of global discussion; we must be co-authors of the world’s next chapter,” he said.
In her remarks, Ambassador Isopi reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Africa, noting that the partnership is anchored in decades of strong trade, diplomatic, and developmental cooperation. She stated that the EU remains Africa’s largest trading partner, investor, and development partner, with over €300 billion in foreign direct investment recorded as of 2022.
She revealed that the visit was part of an ongoing review of the Joint Vision for 2030—a framework adopted during the 2022 AU-EU Summit to align both regions’ development priorities under Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Meanwhile, in a separate meeting on the same day, Vice President Shettima received the Special Envoy of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Dr. Samuel Maimbo, who delivered a personal message to President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Zambia, describing both countries as “fraternal nations with a shared history of struggle and cooperation.” He lauded Zambia’s democratic strides and expressed support for the country’s economic and governance reforms.
Dr. Maimbo, who is seeking the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), outlined his vision to prioritise energy security, infrastructure development, and the establishment of an African Centre of Excellence for Energy in Nigeria, if elected. He stressed that Nigeria’s leadership and support would be critical to realising these goals.
The envoy was accompanied by Zambia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador George Imbuwa, alongside senior advisers to the Zambian president.
