Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will be representing Nigeria at the second United Nations Food Systems Summit, scheduled from July 27 to 29, 2025.
The summit, which is a high-level global event, aims to deepen conversations and action on transforming global food systems. Senator Shettima is expected to engage with world leaders on matters specifically tied to reshaping the coffee value chain and strengthening Nigeria’s commitment to food security through policy and partnership.
A major feature of the summit includes discussions evaluating the achievements since the first Food Systems Summit held in 2021. The focus will be on galvanizing accelerated efforts to build food systems that are not only inclusive and resilient but also sustainable. According to summit organizers, the event will foster collective responsibility and prompt nations to align their strategies with global food security objectives.
Vice President Shettima is also slated to attend several side events at the summit. These include ministerial roundtables on public finance, responsible investment, and trade; field visits; and dedicated networking opportunities. These engagements are designed to showcase practical models of food systems reform from across the world, foster idea-sharing, and build impactful alliances to spur forward-thinking solutions.
Before his departure, Senator Shettima had reiterated the importance of Nigeria’s participation at the summit. During a recent update by the national Task Force on the event, he emphasized three strategic goals for the Nigerian delegation. First, to solidify Nigeria’s position as a thought leader in reforming African food systems; second, to attract international partnerships that align with national food security goals; and third, to champion a private-sector-driven approach for sustainable food transformation across Africa.
This year’s summit is being organized through a tripartite collaboration involving the United Nations, the governments of Ethiopia, and Italy, bringing together policymakers, researchers, development agencies, and private sector leaders.
The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria upon the conclusion of his official engagements at the summit.
What You Should Know
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s trip to the 2025 UN Food Systems Summit reflects Nigeria’s renewed emphasis on food security and its role in shaping agricultural reforms in Africa.
His participation not only highlights Nigeria’s domestic food priorities but also positions the country to influence international policy conversations on sustainable food systems.
