Shettima Advocates for Local Value Addition in Africa

On Friday, Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, addressed the need for African nations to enhance local value addition during his visit to the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. He asserted that Africa should leverage its natural resources to develop industries that process raw materials into higher-value products.

Shettima highlighted Nigeria's renewed industrialization drive, which aims to include all regions and is supported by the Federal Government in collaboration with subnational governments. He noted that Africa currently benefits from only about one percent of the global cotton industry, valued at $370 billion, and emphasized the potential for job creation and economic stimulation through the revival of Nigeria's textile value chain.

The vice president inspected various production facilities at GDIZ and expressed his intention to replicate successful practices in Nigeria. He was accompanied by governors from several Nigerian states, and the visit aimed to attract private investment and enhance the link between agriculture and manufacturing.