Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Nigerian entrepreneurs got a major boost as the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Nigeria) and Keystone Bank Limited joined forces to champion business owners and call for a more dynamic business climate during the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). From Lagos to Abuja, the “EDC Walk for Entrepreneurship” wasn’t just another event—it was a rallying cry for innovation, creativity, and resilience. Dr. Nenna Ugwu, EDC’s Head of Alumni Relations and Support Services, captured the mood: “Without entrepreneurship, there’s no life. We walk, drink, eat, and think entrepreneurship.” For nearly two decades, GEW has taken over the third week of November to…

A leading sustainability advocate has introduced a ₦3 million business grant to empower entrepreneurs building climate-tech and circular economy solutions across Nigeria. Launched through the Atunlo Green Earth Foundation, this initiative seeks to bolster early-stage businesses that often face challenges securing funding, technical advice, and market exposure necessary for growth. The grant targets founders whose ideas can scale within Nigeria’s unique economic landscape—especially those focused on minimizing waste, improving resource efficiency, and promoting cleaner production methods. Many climate-focused MSMEs in the country possess innovative concepts but lack the capital to validate their business models, strengthen their operations, or meet regulatory…

Cyber threats have become a daily reality for Nigeria’s startups and small businesses, threatening customer data and disrupting operations. The surge in attacks highlights an urgent need for security practices that are both effective and manageable for lean teams. Security analyst Rianat Abbas has made it her mission to bridge this gap. Since 2021, she has focused on how everyday flaws—like poorly configured cloud services, vague access controls, and unmonitored SaaS apps—leave Nigerian SMEs open to cybercriminals. Rather than dwell on international threats, Abbas zeroed in on the unique vulnerabilities faced by local businesses. Her research revealed that most Nigerian…

As digital transformation accelerates, a growing number of Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are exploring crypto payroll solutions to streamline operations and attract top talent. Let’s unpack how this shift could revolutionize their business landscape—along with the hurdles it brings. The Upside: Why Crypto Payroll Is Catching On For many Nigerian SMEs, the appeal of crypto payroll lies in lower costs and faster transactions. By reducing transaction fees and enabling real-time cross-border payments, crypto makes it easier to hire and pay global talent—especially those with a penchant for innovative payment methods. Stablecoins, in particular, offer a less volatile alternative…

The Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd. (NBC), a prominent consumer packaged goods company and member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Beverage Company, has officially introduced Plazma Biscuit—one of Europe’s most iconic biscuit brands—to the Nigerian market. This launch marks a significant strategic milestone for NBC as it ventures into Nigeria’s rapidly expanding snack food sector, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment and confidence in the nation’s economic future. The debut of Plazma Biscuit is the outcome of a collaborative effort between Bambi, a leading European confectionery producer, the Coca-Cola HBC Group, NBC, and a respected local biscuit manufacturer serving as an outsourcing partner.…

The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector in Nigeria is set for remarkable expansion, with annual growth projected at 13.8% to reach $1.62 billion by 2025. After a robust 23.1% CAGR between 2021 and 2024, the market is expected to maintain momentum with a 10% CAGR through 2030, culminating in a projected value of $2.61 billion. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth, data-driven examination of Nigeria’s BNPL landscape, analyzing opportunities and risk factors across diverse retail categories. With more than 75 KPIs, the study delivers a holistic view of market size, forecast trends, and competitive dynamics. Nigeria’s BNPL ecosystem is…

Access to affordable health care remains a persistent struggle for millions in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities. Many face exorbitant medical costs and the widespread threat of counterfeit medications, putting lives at risk and worsening poverty. Yet, recent technological breakthroughs are beginning to reshape this landscape for the better. The emergence of digital pharmacy platforms is offering a practical solution to the nation’s health care crisis. Innovative companies like DrugStoc, Drug-IT Solutions, and Pharmagateway are leveraging technology to verify supply chains, reduce the circulation of fake medicines, and drive down costs for patients. These platforms not only make health care…

CadRemit has officially received authorization from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to function as an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO), marking a significant leap forward for the fintech company. Specializing in facilitating inbound international remittances to Nigeria, CadRemit hailed the new license as a pivotal achievement, underscoring the firm’s commitment to secure, transparent, and fully compliant financial operations. In a statement regarding the approval, the CEO emphasized that the IMTO license is both a validation and endorsement of CadRemit’s rigorous operational standards. “This regulatory milestone not only bolsters customer confidence but also affirms our adherence to the stringent guidelines…

Nigeria has taken a significant step in regional digital integration as Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, spearheaded a high-level delegation to Sierra Leone for the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission. The mission resulted in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at advancing innovation, cybersecurity, and cross-border digital commerce. Lasting two days, this mission underscored Nigeria’s expanding leadership role in West Africa’s digital transformation, following Dr. Tijani’s recent attendance at the Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in the Republic of Benin. Activities in Freetown included ecosystem tours, strategic government meetings,…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ramped up its efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related fraud across Nigeria, deploying advanced investigative tools and technology to trace illicit transactions and apprehend offenders. According to Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advance Fee Fraud at the EFCC, the agency now leverages sophisticated blockchain analysis to track illegal funds. Recent operations have led to the arrest of a significant syndicate involved in crypto fraud and the recovery of substantial stolen assets. Oyegunle shared these updates at a capacity-building workshop for journalists and civil society organizations in Port Harcourt on Thursday. Speaking on “Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud…

The African tech investment community marked a milestone this week as Yemi Keri, co-founder of Rising Tide Africa (RTA), was named Angel Investor of the Year at the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS). The award recognizes her longstanding commitment to widening access to capital, advancing gender-lens investing, and empowering early-stage entrepreneurs across the continent. Organized annually by VC4A (Venture Capital for Africa) and the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), AESIS is widely regarded as the flagship convening for Africa’s early-stage investor ecosystem. This year’s edition brought together more than 500 accredited investors, venture capitalists, and ecosystem builders to explore…

As Nigeria’s trade landscape enters a new era of growth, The Alternative Bank (AltBank) has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across key sectors including health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transportation. The bank’s commitment was underscored at the ongoing Nigeria International Trade Fair (NITF) 2025, where AltBank highlighted its role as a catalyst for economic expansion and stronger trade systems in the country. The NITF, which is taking place at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s trade development, serves as a platform to accelerate the nation’s export potential. According to recent reports, Nigeria’s merchandise trade…

What began as a gathering quickly evolved into a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s small businesses — a showcase of creativity, resilience, and collective ambition. Over three days, the 2025 SME Conference brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators for an unforgettable experience that sparked new ideas, fostered connections, and ignited passion for growth across Nigeria’s SME landscape. Day 1: A Feast for the Senses The conference kicked off in spectacular fashion with the Fashion and Food Only Showcase, setting an energetic tone for the entire event. The space was alive with color, sound, and rich Nigerian culture as chefs, designers,…

On the sidelines of the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, Vice President Kashim Shettima met with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to explore new frontiers in Nigeria–Hungary relations. Their discussions centered on bolstering cooperation in trade, investment, security, and education, with an emphasis on shared priorities that could drive mutual growth between Africa and Europe. A major focus of the talks was how Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) could leverage Hungary’s advanced technology and skills development programs. The partnership seeks to open new doors for Nigerian SMEs by facilitating access to European markets, modern business practices, and cross-border…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the Federal Government’s unwavering support for Kano’s role as a driving force in Nigeria’s economic development. At the opening of the 46th Kano International Trade Fair on Tuesday, with the theme “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Development,” Shettima highlighted the central role small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in strengthening the national economy. Represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Ibrahim Nagwandu, the Vice President pointed out that SMEs now account for 84% of the national workforce and contribute nearly 50% to Nigeria’s GDP. “These businesses are vital to our economic diversification, poverty…

Moniepoint Inc. has earned top honours as Fintech Company of the Year at the 2025 BrandCom Awards, Africa’s leading event celebrating the best in brand excellence and marketing innovation. The award, regarded as the highest distinction in the fintech industry, acknowledges Moniepoint’s groundbreaking contributions to financial inclusion, its swift expansion, and its role in advancing the digital finance landscape across Africa in 2024 and 2025. The recognition highlights Moniepoint’s exceptional leadership in the rapidly evolving fintech ecosystem. The company’s commitment to delivering secure, seamless, and reliable financial solutions has earned it a reputation for reliability and innovation. Moniepoint’s role in…

At the BusinessDay Young Innovators Forum in Lagos on Wednesday, industry experts delivered a clear message to young Nigerians: the era of unstructured hustling must give way to properly built, value-focused enterprises. The event, themed “From Hustle to Enterprise,” took place at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Victoria Island and brought together leading voices in business strategy, branding, and entrepreneurship. Throughout the forum, speakers stressed that sustainable enterprises begin with clarity of purpose. Facilitator Tokunbo George-Taylor highlighted that many emerging founders struggle because they launch businesses without identifying the core problem they intend to solve. She noted that defining…

In a momentous occasion on Tuesday, the Ehi Centre for Social and Economic Development in Benin celebrated the successful completion of its Entrepreneurial Master’s and Aspiring Entrepreneurs Programmes. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries and stakeholders, recognized the achievements of 18 graduates who embarked on a transformative journey of growth and innovation. Dr. Anota Tessa, Executive Director of the Ehi Centre, offered heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, praising their perseverance and the knowledge they gained over the course of their studies. Reflecting on the challenges and successes of the programme, Dr. Tessa highlighted the practical skills and valuable insights the participants…

African entrepreneurs have long relied on mass-market apps such as AliExpress and, more recently, Temu to source affordable goods from China. While these platforms made low-cost imports accessible, they were never engineered to support businesses that need factory-grade pricing, dependable supply chains, and customised production. That unmet need has paved the way for Midddleman, a Nigerian tradetech company that connects African SMEs directly to Chinese manufacturers and provides a structured, lower-cost alternative for cross-border procurement. Nigeria’s commercial ties with China highlight the scale of this opportunity. Bilateral trade reached about $22.6 billion in 2023, with manufactured goods making up as…

In a move set to reshape Africa’s energy landscape, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has partnered with U.S.-based Honeywell to supply advanced equipment and technical solutions for the refinery’s next expansion phase. The agreement, announced through a Honeywell statement on November 25, 2025, will support upgrades that allow the refinery to process a broader slate of crude oils and significantly boost its output by 2028. Under the new development plan, Dangote intends to scale its refining capability from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day within three years. If achieved, this upgrade would position the…