Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In a revealing policy reversal, the Nigerian government has suspended its planned 15% import duty on fuel, a move that lays bare the delicate and potentially dangerous transition from a fuel-importing nation to one dominated by a single, colossal domestic refinery. The retreat is not an administrative oversight but a tactical withdrawal in the face of a stark new market reality: the risk of replacing a competitive import market with a private monopoly. The initial tariff, announced just last month, was a textbook reform measure. Designed to “disincentivize fuel importation and stimulate domestic production,” it was a logical step in…

In a move that signals a new phase of economic diplomacy, the vocational training institute iCreate Africa has been strategically positioned as a key implementation partner for German industrial interests on the continent. The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft in Berlin is less a collaborative agreement and more the creation of a vital pipeline, designed to channel German investment and technology directly into Africa’s skills ecosystem to fuel a private-sector-led industrial transformation. The setting of the signing—the German-Nigerian Bi-National Commission—was not incidental. It was a high-stakes economic forum where iCreate Africa’s inclusion in the official…

In a radical re-imagining of economic development, the Imo State government is systematically converting its social architecture into a financial one. The One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) is not a welfare program; it is a state-level strategy to incorporate the kindred—the traditional family unit—as the primary vehicle for entrepreneurship, transforming over 500 of these groups into formalized corporate entities in just 24 months. The program’s staggering uptake—104 new communities enlisting in recent weeks, bringing the total to over 500 group-owned businesses and 20,000 associates—reveals a powerful insight. By leveraging the pre-existing bonds of trust, shared identity, and collective responsibility…

In the bustling, high-noise environment of the Nigerian marketplace, a company’s greatest economic asset is not its inventory, but its identity. According to Adetunji Oluwadamilare Samuel, Founder & CEO of Kyrie Prints, branding has evolved from a marketing expense into a fundamental piece of commercial infrastructure—a system for generating trust at scale in an economy where it is often the scarcest resource. The core function of this infrastructure, Samuel argues, is to de-risk consumer and investor decision-making. “Strong branding ensures that consumers instantly recognize a business and associate it with quality,” he states. In a diverse and crowded market, this…

In a move that signals a new phase for African fintech, the company Rank has executed a strategic masterstroke, acquiring AjoMoney and Zazzau Microfinance Bank. This is not mere growth; it is the deliberate assembly of a closed-loop financial ecosystem, designed to capture customers entirely within its own orbit, from informal saving to regulated banking. The acquisitions are perfectly complementary pieces of a grander architecture. AjoMoney is not just a product; it is the social engine. It provides the deep, trust-based mechanics of community savings (esusu, ajo) that form the bedrock of informal finance for millions. Zazzau Microfinance Bank, however, is…

The most resilient structures are not poured from a single, unbroken mold; they are intelligently engineered, with expansion joints that allow them to withstand pressure. The story of Ebun Ejirinde Emelogu is not a fairytale of entrepreneurial triumph, but a case study in architectural design—where every personal and professional fracture was integrated into the blueprint for Dixon & Ricks, a consultancy built not on generic models, but on the very science of human capacity. Her foundation was laid early, not in business school, but in the shadow of her mother’s professional life. This early blueprint was shattered at 17 by…

Beneath the vibrant chaos of Nigeria’s commerce lies a foundational challenge: an informal economy operating on personal trust and ad-hoc systems, inherently limiting its scale and resilience. While others see a market to disrupt, the founders of Haayaa see an intricate social and economic machine that needs a new operating system. Their platform is not just a toolset; it is a deliberate architect of formalization, building the invisible grid upon which small businesses can securely scale. The core insight driving Haayaa is that Nigeria’s “technology gap” is, in fact, a “systems gap.” As co-founder Kene Aniekwena identified, the struggle isn’t…

In the cramped back offices and market stalls that form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, a quiet revolution is being plotted. The weapon: data. The arsenal: a new platform named Afiam. This is not merely the launch of another business app; it is the deployment of a strategic command center designed to empower the small business general on the front lines of a volatile economy. The fundamental conflict Afiam addresses is one of asymmetry. Large corporations have long been fortified by ERP systems, data analytics, and CRM platforms—the “command and control” infrastructure of modern business. Meanwhile, the SMEs that constitute…

In a strategic move that links corporate social responsibility directly to long-term market development, Unilever Nigeria has awarded a grant to Armani International Schools, recognizing its model as a viable blueprint for cultivating a future-ready workforce. The presentation, made by Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Zainab Obagun, positioned the grant not merely as philanthropy, but as a targeted investment in an educational approach that aligns with core business interests. Obagun explicitly connected the school’s methodology to Unilever’s strategic imperatives. She commended Armani International Schools for “addressing critical gaps in Nigeria’s education sector by championing a transformative skills-integrated learning model.”…

In a significant gathering that underscores the critical intersection of media and statecraft, the nation’s most senior editors are convening for a high-level conference with direct access to the highest echelons of political power. The 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference, to be hosted within the secured precincts of the State House Conference Centre in Aso Villa, signals an unprecedented level of access for the media guild, with President Bola Tinubu himself set to inaugurate the proceedings. Scheduled for November 12-13, 2025, this two-day assembly is less a conventional media forum and more a strategic engagement between the gatekeepers of public…

ABUJA, Nigeria – In a strategic move that positions it at the helm of Africa’s burgeoning creative economy, Nigeria has executed a decisive policy signature, becoming the first nation to formally endorse the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter. This action, far more than a ceremonial gesture, marks the official launch of a coordinated continental strategy to capture the untapped economic value of African fashion. The signing on November 5, 2025, at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, was the operational launch of the AfroLiganza Movement—a framework designed to consolidate Africa’s fragmented creative sectors into a unified, governable market. The event, which…

The Founder Institute Lagos hosted Ambassador Peter Ryan, the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, and Hesus Inoma, Founding Partner at i13 Ventures, in a high-level engagement focused on fostering partnerships and strengthening Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. The meeting, held at the Founder Institute Lagos office at Ikeja, was an opportunity to discuss collaborative pathways between Ireland’s innovation network and Nigeria’s growing community of founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders. Representing the Institute on behalf of the Managing Director, Ifedy Eze, were Wande Adelamo (Director, FI Lagos) and Egwu Nnanna Echem (Entrepreneur-In-Residence, FI Lagos). Both reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to building an inclusive,…

For decades, the global clothing industry has been shaped by giants such as Nike, Adidas, Zara, and H&M. Yet a new contender has disrupted this familiar hierarchy: Shein. The Chinese e‑commerce powerhouse, famous for bargain prices, lightning‑fast design cycles, and enormous production capacity, has climbed to third place worldwide, overtaking Zara and closing in on Adidas, according to figures from GlobalData. By 2024, Shein’s slice of the apparel market reached 1.53 percent, up 0.24 points from the previous year. Analysts attribute this growth to its ability to churn out ultra‑cheap, trend‑responsive collections, a formula that has kept it ahead of…

London meets Lagos in the new wave of entrepreneurship. That’s the message behind LSET Arena and its incubation ecosystem, which is rapidly positioning itself as a launchpad for innovators from Africa and beyond. When entrepreneurs like Koye and Nadine use artificial intelligence to solve everyday business challenges, they represent a generation unwilling to wait for perfect conditions. As LSET founder Mayur Ramgir put it: “Our goal isn’t just to write a cheque. We want to walk the journey with these entrepreneurs, helping them build sustainable products and strong global businesses.” Beyond the Traditional Incubator At the heart of LSET Arena…

A recent United Nations (UN) study paints a sobering picture of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape: fewer than one in ten small businesses manage to survive and expand within their first five years. According to Mrs. Titilope Adisa‑Obafemi, founder of Blaque Swann Legal Practitioners, the root of this challenge lies in the way many ventures are launched — without adequate planning, legal safeguards, or strategic frameworks. To address this gap, her firm is spearheading an initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals with the tools they need to build resilient enterprises. The programme, titled ASCEND 360: Build, Protect, Grow, is scheduled…

Entrepreneur, writer, and IT consultant Solomon Lagoke has stepped into the entertainment arena with the launch of Bloom Recordz, a new music label designed to spotlight emerging talent and fuel creativity within Nigeria’s vibrant cultural scene. Raised in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Lagoke credits his upbringing and family values as the foundation of his vision. “I had a normal childhood, but the influence of my mother and extended family shaped my outlook,” he shared. Though his career began in technology and publishing, music remained a constant passion. “This label is my way of giving gifted artists the chance to flourish,”…

Nigeria’s engineering community is gearing up for a major test of creativity as the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAEng) opens applications for its 2025 Innovation Competition. But this isn’t just another contest — it’s a call to action for homegrown problem‑solvers to tackle the nation’s toughest challenges with fresh ideas. From agriculture to artificial intelligence, renewable energy to waste management, the competition spans nearly every sector shaping Nigeria’s future. The Academy’s goal is clear: find solutions that don’t just impress on paper, but can be scaled into real‑world impact. Unlike traditional award programmes, NAEng’s Innovation Competition unfolds in two stages.…

Abuja, Nigeria — At the State House this week, President Bola Tinubu underscored a simple truth: without electricity, economic growth is impossible. “There is no industrial growth or economic development without power. Our education, our health care, and our transportation all depend on energy,” he declared, framing the power sector as the backbone of Nigeria’s future. The Presidential Power Initiative: A National Bet The meeting, attended by Vice‑President Kashim Shettima, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, and Siemens executives, focused on accelerating the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). The programme aims to deliver an additional 4,000 megawatts (MW) of…

The curtain has fallen on the 10th season of Betano The Next Titan Nigeria, a landmark edition that celebrated a decade of spotlighting and nurturing some of the country’s most promising young entrepreneurs. This milestone season culminated on Tuesday night with 24‑year‑old beauty entrepreneur Pearl Ubani claiming the top prize. Her victory embodies the resilience, creativity, and innovation that have defined the show since its inception. A Decade of Impact What began as a reality TV competition has grown into a powerful launchpad for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over the past ten years, The Next Titan has blended entertainment with mentorship…

Nigeria’s banking titans are enjoying a windfall. Interim filings with the Nigerian Exchange show that nine of the country’s largest institutions grew their interest income by 28 percent year‑on‑year, climbing from $14.9 billion in 2023. The list reads like a who’s who of Nigerian finance: Access Holdings (Herbert Wigwe Estate), First HoldCo (FirstBank, majority owned by Femi Otedola), Zenith Bank (founded by Jim Ovia), UBA (led by Tony Elumelu), GTCO, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Financial Holding Company, Wema Bank, and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated. The Numbers Behind the Surge Access Holdings led the pack with $3.74 billion, up 21 percent. Zenith Bank…