In a significant diplomatic engagement, Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, on Friday to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Mamadi Doumbouya, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium in Nongo.
Shettima’s official aircraft touched down at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport around 3:10 p.m., where he was received by senior Guinean officials, including Minister of Finance Mourana Soumah, and Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Guinea, Ibrahim Haladu.
The inauguration marks the formal end of Guinea’s four-year military transition, following Doumbouya’s victory in the December 2025 general elections.
Shettima’s participation underscores Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its commitment to supporting the restoration of constitutional governance across the region.
The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral ties and expand the economic corridor between Nigeria and Guinea. Recent trade between the two nations has grown significantly, with Nigerian exports to Guinea — particularly manufactured goods and agricultural products — reaching $3.29 million.
Following the inauguration, Shettima will proceed to Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, to attend the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF 2026), taking place from January 19 to 23 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” The Forum will bring together global leaders from government, business, civil society, and the scientific and cultural communities to foster dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and future-focused solutions to shared global challenges.
Key discussions at WEF 2026 will focus on frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, next-generation biotechnology, and advanced energy systems. The objective is to explore how these innovations can responsibly drive growth, expand access in emerging markets, develop workforce skills, and promote sustainable and inclusive development.
During the Forum, Shettima is expected to engage with international leaders and investors on Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, investment opportunities, and Africa’s role in shaping a resilient and inclusive global future. He will return to Nigeria following the conclusion of his engagements in Davos.
About the Author
