Shettima Stands In For Tinubu At Guinea President’s Swearing-In Then Heads To Davos

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Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Friday to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony of Mamadi Doumbouya as the President of Guinea.

After completing his assignment in Conakry, Shettima will continue to Davos, Switzerland, where he is scheduled to attend the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting.

This information was made public in a statement released on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications.

According to the statement, Doumbouya’s swearing-in is set for Saturday, January 18, at the GLC Stadium in Nongo, Conakry.

Nkwocha emphasized that Shettima’s presence signifies Nigeria’s commitment to bolstering regional influence, economic partnerships, and global engagement in alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The statement also highlighted Nigeria’s continued leadership in ECOWAS, especially in backing Guinea’s transition back to democratic rule following a four-year period of political uncertainty.

“It goes beyond ceremonial representation,” the statement noted, adding that the visit is expected to deepen economic cooperation. Nigerian exports to Guinea—mainly manufactured and agricultural goods—have reportedly increased to $3.29 million.

Doumbouya, previously a special forces colonel, orchestrated a coup in September 2021 that removed President Alpha Condé, who had changed the constitution to pursue a third term.

The takeover led to Guinea’s suspension from both ECOWAS and the African Union, alongside sanctions and pressure for a swift return to democratic processes.

After sustained diplomatic engagement, Guinea eventually held elections, resulting in Doumbouya’s victory and setting the stage for the country’s official return to constitutional rule with his inauguration.

Following his duties in Guinea, Shettima will travel to Davos-Klosters for the 56th World Economic Forum taking place from January 19 to 23, 2026.

This year’s meeting, themed “A Spirit of Dialogue,” will gather global decision-makers across government, business, academia, civil society, and cultural sectors.

Nkwocha explained that major discussions will revolve around groundbreaking technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced biotechnology, and future-energy innovations.

“The overarching goal is to explore how these technologies can be put to responsible use—driving new economic growth, expanding opportunities for emerging markets, developing skills for the evolving workforce, and promoting sustainable and inclusive progress,” the statement added.

While in Davos, the Vice President is expected to hold strategic discussions with world leaders, investors, and economic stakeholders on Nigeria’s reform agenda, investment prospects, and the continent’s importance in shaping a stable global economy.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria once his engagements at the World Economic Forum are completed.