Shettima Urges Economists to Lead Africa’s Economic Transformation as Reforms Gain Traction
By Onwe Wisdom| Pan Afric Reporters
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on economists across Africa to take the lead in driving the continent’s economic transformation, insisting that politics and economics are inseparable in shaping Africa’s future.
Speaking at the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) in Abuja, Shettima said Nigeria’s ongoing reforms were beginning to show results, pointing to recent corporate growth and rising investor confidence, even as citizens grapple with short-term hardships.
“Economists are not just academic theorists but indispensable guides whose ideas directly shape the lives of citizens,” he said. “Africa must reposition itself in the evolving global order. Our 1.5 billion people should be seen as an asset, not a liability.”
The Vice President lamented that, unlike Asia and South America, Africa remains trapped in post-colonial economic structures, with intra-African trade still accounting for just 16 percent of total trade. He warned that the continent could not continue missing opportunities for growth and inclusion.
The conference according to a press release e-signed by the director (information and public relations) ministry of livestock development, Ben Bem Goong attracted participants from 22 African countries with the theme: “Rethinking Africa’s Development Pathways to Economic Transformation and Social Inclusion in a Changing Global Economic Landscape.”
Other speakers according to the press release highlighted sector-specific opportunities and reforms. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, pledged new efforts to harness Nigeria’s vast farmlands and reduce the country’s dependence on imported meat and dairy products. “Through the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the livestock sector today will be the next crude oil,” he declared.
Also addressing the gathering, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Atiku Bagudu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to engaging professionals in shaping reforms, while former Finance Minister Dr. Shamsudeen Usman called for more economists in government and legislation to enforce national development plans.
The African Development Bank’s representative, Dr. Eric Ogunleye, praised Nigeria’s reform agenda, describing it as a potential model for Africa’s prosperity. Earlier in his welcome address, NES President Professor Adeola Adenikinju urged the Federal Government to reintegrate the Society into the country’s Economic Management Team.
The NES conference continues to serve as one of Africa’s foremost platforms for advancing discourse on sustainable growth, inclusion, and transformation.
