Author: Gift Ifeanyi

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…

In a strategic announcement made in Mumbai on Wednesday, Aliko Dangote revealed that his refinery has entered a new phase of expansion through a freshly signed agreement with Engineers India Ltd (EIL). The partnership will steer efforts to boost total refining capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within the next three years. This development comes shortly after the company finalised another deal with U.S.-based Honeywell, which will supply advanced process technologies and automation systems for the refinery’s evolving operations. EIL, a top-tier engineering consultancy under India’s Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, previously oversaw project management for the refinery’s…

Federal labour officials have shut down a battery recycling facility in the Ogijo axis of Ogun State after an independent investigation revealed dangerous levels of lead exposure and hazardous working conditions. The inquiry, carried out by PREMIUM TIMES and The Examination in partnership with multiple African newsrooms, exposed environmental contamination affecting both employees and the surrounding community near the Lagos–Ogun border. The Ministry of Labour and Employment confirmed the enforcement action in a statement, noting that the operation was supervised by the Minister of State, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. She stressed that the government would not allow any employer to subject workers…

Ecobank has been honored as the AABLA 2025 Company of the Year, a recognition that underscores its position as one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions. With operations spanning more than 30 countries, the bank maintains the most extensive banking footprint on the continent, enabling it to reach millions of individuals and businesses. Through its digital-first strategy and continuous product innovation, Ecobank has broadened access to financial services—particularly for entrepreneurs, women-led enterprises, and young people seeking opportunities in emerging markets. These efforts have contributed significantly to greater financial inclusion across diverse communities. In a conversation with Chanel Retief, Head of…

Across the nation’s public arena stands a familiar figure: individuals whose fortunes rise not from production, innovation, or intellectual capital, but from their proximity to government authority. In Nigeria, political access often yields returns far faster than any factory line or technological breakthrough, creating an environment where ambition gravitates toward power rather than enterprise. From the earliest years of the Republic, governance gradually transformed into an economy of its own. Influence became a tradable asset, and public roles morphed into investment vehicles. Appointment into a ministry, a board, or a strategic office often guarantees financial gain long before a single…

YOD UNESCO has unveiled Project D-100, a large-scale digital development initiative designed to improve the online presence of schools and small businesses while equipping young Africans with hands-on technology skills. The programme seeks to close longstanding digital gaps by providing free web solutions, brand support, and digital mentorship to underserved institutions. The first rollout will support 100 schools and SMEs, with preparations underway to extend assistance to 200 additional beneficiaries in the next phase. The long-term blueprint envisions empowering 5,000 institutions across Africa, positioning Project D-100 as one of the continent’s most ambitious community-led digital transformation campaigns. The initiative was…

Nigeria’s capital market has taken a major step toward modernisation with the adoption of a T+2 settlement cycle, shortening the time required to complete securities transactions from three business days to two. The new structure is expected to significantly enhance market efficiency, strengthen risk management, and position the country more competitively on the global stage. Under the T+2 framework, the exchange of funds and securities is finalised two business days after a trade is executed. Market professionals view this shift as a critical upgrade that will help reduce delays, limit counterparty exposure, and bring settlement practices closer to international standards…

FirstBank has reinforced its position as a major driver of small-business growth in Nigeria, announcing that it provided more than ₦200 billion in financing to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in 2024. The disclosure was made by the bank’s Head of SME Banking, Abiodun Famuyiwa, during the 2025 National MSMEs Conference hosted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Lagos. Famuyiwa explained that the bank’s significant lending push was motivated by the urgent need to close Nigeria’s persistent MSME funding gap.“Access to finance remains one of the biggest obstacles facing small businesses. They need…

A new wave of support has emerged for Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises as Fast Credit Finance Company Limited, in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Lagos Business School, launches a ₦2 billion single-digit lending programme aimed at boosting small-business expansion and productivity. With an estimated 39 million MSMEs responsible for over 80 percent of national employment, access to affordable credit remains one of the sector’s most persistent obstacles. Many entrepreneurs struggle under commercial loan rates that often exceed 22–30%, constraining growth and discouraging long-term investment. The new Fast Credit–EDC facility seeks to provide a practical alternative…

Lagos, Nigeria — As part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Project Enable Africa and Jobberman Nigeria have announced the maiden edition of AbilityX 1.0, a national disability inclusion conference scheduled to hold on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The event, themed “The Future of Disability Inclusion in Nigeria,” is positioned as a landmark initiative aimed at shifting disability advocacy in the country from dialogue to measurable action. ‘A Bold Shift From Advocacy to Action’ Executive Director of Project Enable Africa, Olalekan Owonikoko, described the conference as a transformative platform…

Nigerian businesses are coming under mounting pressure as commercial lending rates hover around 30 per cent, forcing many firms—especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)—to scale back operations, delay investments and battle rising loan repayment burdens. Bank officials and financial analysts warn that the current credit conditions are eroding business confidence and undermining Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery. Across the banking sector, commercial loan rates now sit between the high 20s and low 30s, depending on sector risk, collateral quality and customer profile. A senior credit officer at a Tier-2 bank confirmed lending rates of 32–36 per cent, noting that only Federal…