Vice President Shettima Departs for Sweden on Bilateral Visit as President Tinubu Continues UK Vacation
Abuja, Nigeria – Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for a two-day official visit to Sweden, where he will represent Nigeria in high-level bilateral discussions with key government officials and stakeholders. This visit comes as President Bola Tinubu remains in the United Kingdom on a two-week vacation, which began on October 2, 2024, as part of his annual leave.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President, it was noted that Shettima’s visit was at the instance of President Tinubu and aims to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Sweden across sectors like ICT, education, digitalization, sustainable transport, mining, and agriculture.
During the visit, the Vice President is scheduled to meet with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. He will also engage with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital firm that recently launched a USD 205 million tech investment fund, Norrsken22, aimed at supporting African tech entrepreneurs.
Nkwocha highlighted that 40% of the Norrsken22 investments are expected to be allocated to Nigerian tech entrepreneurs, offering significant opportunities for Nigeria’s burgeoning technology ecosystem. The Vice President’s discussions will also involve twelve Nigerian private sector companies engaged in business activities with Sweden, which will be part of a private sector delegation.
The Vice President will use the visit to articulate Nigeria’s economic vision and reforms aimed at creating a more business-friendly environment, further showcasing the investment potential in Africa’s largest economy. He is expected to return to Nigeria on Saturday.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s vacation in the UK continues, with Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirming that the trip was part of the President’s annual leave.