Sub-national leaders across Africa have been urged to unlock a $9.5bn trade pipeline by translating investment opportunities into viable projects. Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice-President, addressed state governors during a recent economic summit, emphasizing the need for immediate action to harness regional trade potential. The call comes as part of broader efforts to enhance economic integration and reduce dependency on external markets.
Shettima highlighted the importance of local governance in driving economic growth, stressing that state governments must act as catalysts for development. He pointed to existing infrastructure and investment frameworks as key enablers, urging leaders to prioritize project implementation over bureaucratic delays. The summit, hosted in Abuja, brought together officials from multiple African nations to discuss trade facilitation and investment strategies.
This initiative follows a series of regional agreements aimed at boosting intra-African trade. The $9.5bn figure represents projected investments in infrastructure, logistics, and industrial zones over the next five years. While the summit focused on economic collaboration, it also acknowledged the challenges of political instability and uneven development across the continent. The push for sub-national leadership reflects a growing recognition of the role local governments play in shaping economic outcomes.
