Vice President Shettima Calls for Strengthened Partnership with EU for Africa's Transformative Development
Europe and Africa Need to Collaborate for Development - Shettima (paraphrased)
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the European Union (EU) and Africa to capitalize on their potential for transformative growth and development across the continent. In a meeting with a delegation led by EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima emphasized the need to transition from well-intentioned commitments to tangible outcomes.
The Vice President described the EU as a natural ally and partner for Nigeria, whose investments under the administration of President Bola Tinubu have greatly aided ongoing reforms. He emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral ties and championed Nigeria's readiness to leverage the EU's Global Gateway initiative for strategic infrastructure projects, clean energy, and vocational training.
"We want this partnership to graduate from well-meaning commitments to transformative outcomes. We want more joint ventures, deeper trade facilitation under the AfCFTA, unchangeable investments in energy, education and digital inclusion," Shettima stated.
Senator Shettima underscored Nigeria's shared values with the EU, including commitment to democracy, inclusivity, gender empowerment, and green technology. He expressed his aspirations for the EU to evolve from a traditional donor to a co-creator of African prosperity.
In a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President elaborated on Nigeria's commonalities with the EU, stating, "We are literally on the same page with the EU on so many issues."
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot highlighted the strength and longevity of the relationship between the EU and Africa, concluding, "We want to enhance this presence." He also mentioned the progress review on the Joint Vision for 2030 in the meeting. This shared strategic framework, agreed upon at the 2022 AU-EU Summit, aligns with Africa's Agenda 2063 and the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A Closer Look
The Joint Vision for 2030 serves as a shared strategic framework aimed at enhancing collaboration and development across the continent. The partnership between the EU and Nigeria encompasses infrastructure development, democratic governance, economic cooperation, and regional specific projects aimed at strengthening the country's stability.
The EU's Global Gateway initiative supports Nigeria's investment in smart, clean, and secure infrastructure, such as high-speed rail links, improved ports and airports, renewable power plants, and vocational training centers.
The EU reaffirms its support for Nigeria's democratic development through the EU-SDGN programme, focusing on consolidating democratic institutions and strengthening electoral processes.
The EU is Nigeria's number one partner in trade and investment. The partnership aims to enhance bilateral relations and support Nigeria's national development plan 2021-2025 and the new Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The EU has pledged €300 million for new projects in Nigeria's North-West and North-East regions, focusing on education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
In summary, the strategic partnership between the EU and Nigeria represents a significant opportunity for transformative growth and development across Africa. By focusing on infrastructure development, democratic governance, economic cooperation, and regional specific projects, both parties can work together to strengthen the continent's stability and drive sustainable development.
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- Vice President Shettima, in a meeting with the EU in Abuja, underlined the importance of Nigeria's partnership with the EU, particularly under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the EU's investments have aided ongoing reforms.
- He also advocated for deeper engagement, calling for more joint ventures, trade facilitation under the AfCFTA, and unwavering investments in sectors like energy, education, and digital inclusion.
- The Strategic Partnership between the EU and Nigeria, as evidenced by the Joint Vision for 2030, encompasses various aspects, including infrastructure development, democratic governance, economic cooperation, and regional specific projects aimed at strengthening Nigeria's stability.
- The EU's pledged funding of €300 million for projects in Nigeria's North-West and North-East regions indicates a commitment to supporting Nigeria's development, particularly in areas of education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
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