Vice President Shettima affirms that Nigerian women will be central to Africa’s $29 trillion economy by 2050. Read more on the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference and Project #SheIsIncluded. Introduction Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the crucial role Nigerian women will play in achieving Africa’s projected $29 trillion economy by 2050. Speaking at the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference in Abuja, he launched the Project #SheIsIncluded, reinforcing the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment as a key driver of national and continental economic growth. Nigeria’s Role in Africa’s Economic Growth Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s economic trajectory is integral to Africa’s future. With the nation expected to become the world’s third most populous country by 2050, surpassing the United States, its women—who make up half the population—are essential to achieving sustainable development. According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Shettima described the Gender Inclusion Conference as more than a policy dialogue—it is a bold declaration of responsibility for Africa’s economic transformation. Women’s Inclusion: A Blueprint for Economic Success Shettima reaffirmed the government’s stance on gender inclusion, stating that it is not merely a concept but a reality in motion, with policies designed to yield measurable economic benefits. He stressed that integrating women into financial and economic systems is central to Nigeria’s growth strategy. “One in every four Black people is Nigerian. By 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States in population. Numbers matter. Half of our population are women, and where Nigeria leads, Africa follows,” Shettima stated. He further underscored that bridging gender gaps is not just an obligation but a necessary step in achieving Africa’s economic transformation, adding: “We are steering Africa towards a projected $29 trillion economy, and Nigeria’s role in this journey is undeniable.” Breaking Barriers: The Vision of Project #SheIsIncluded The 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,” builds on the 2024 Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5)—gender equality and women’s empowerment. Shettima revealed that Project #SheIsIncluded is structured around four key pillars: He announced that the initiative will be implemented across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring no woman is left behind. “This is not about fulfilling quotas; it is about unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential by empowering women,” he stated. Government and Private Sector Collaboration for Gender Inclusion The Vice President emphasized that the initiative is a core pillar of Nigeria’s development agenda, rather than a symbolic gesture. He highlighted the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, as key players in driving this vision forward. “To create an inclusive economy, we must align with global best practices and pursue gender equality relentlessly,” he affirmed. The two-day conference was more than just a forum—it served as a platform for serious reflection and strategic planning on how to foster an inclusive society. He urged both public and private stakeholders to take proactive steps in achieving gender inclusion. Key Stakeholders Support Gender Inclusion Initiative Several dignitaries and stakeholders at the conference expressed their support for women’s economic empowerment: Financial Institutions and Corporate Stakeholders Weigh In Industry leaders also pledged their support for the SheIsIncluded initiative: Conclusion: A Call to Action for Gender Inclusion Vice President Shettima concluded by emphasizing the importance of practical implementation of gender policies, urging stakeholders to ensure that recommendations from the conference translate into tangible outcomes. “When women are empowered, families flourish, communities thrive, and nations prosper,” he stated. The 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference marks a significant step towards achieving a more inclusive economy, positioning Nigeria’s women as key drivers of Africa’s economic future. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
