Author: Gift Ifeanyi

As of February 2026, TradeDepot has solidified its position as the critical “middleman” in Nigeria’s $340 billion consumer goods market. By replacing fragmented, manual supply chains with a 360° digital platform, the company is tackling the systemic inefficiencies that cause over $4 billion in annual losses across the Nigerian economy. For the millions of “mom-and-pop” shops—many run from homes by women—TradeDepot has shifted the business model from one of daily survival to one of scalable growth. 1. The Digital Solution: ShopTopUp The core of TradeDepot’s impact is its ShopTopUp platform, which allows informal retailers to bypass expensive open-air markets and connect directly with global giants…

On February 10, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined world leaders and industrial captains to celebrate the birthday of Sir Emeka Offor, the Executive Chairman of the Chrome Group. Described by the President as a “fine advocate of the Nigerian enterprise,” Sir Offor’s 2026 milestone marks over three decades of influence in West Africa’s energy, logistics, and philanthropic sectors. From his humble beginnings as an apprentice in the 1980s to founding one of Nigeria’s most successful indigenous conglomerates in 1994, Sir Offor’s career is a blueprint for the “irrepressible Nigerian entrepreneur.” 1. Building the Chrome Empire Under Sir Offor’s leadership, the Chrome Group has…

Gemini said The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) marked its 35th anniversary (1991–2026) this week in Abuja with a series of massive announcements designed to modernize Nigeria’s business landscape. Registrar-General Hussaini Ishaq Magaji unveiled several initiatives that transition the agency from a regulatory body into a digital growth partner for SMEs. 1. 3,500 Free Business Registrations In the spirit of the anniversary, the CAC has approved free business name registration for 3,500 small businesses across the 36 states and the FCT. Goal: To lower the barrier for informal businesses to enter the formal economy, enabling them to access government grants, loans, and corporate banking. Distribution: The slots are being…

In an era of rapid culinary globalization, Onisasun, a rising brand in Nigeria’s hospitality sector, has carved out a niche by doubling down on “primitive” authenticity. Founded in 2016 by an Ekiti-born entrepreneur, the brand recently expanded from a delivery-only model to a physical walk-in restaurant space in Ibadan (located at Town Planning, beside the registry). The name “Onisasun” is a tribute to the Isasun (clay pot), a vessel synonymous with the slow-cooked, nutrient-rich meals of traditional Yoruba households. For the founder, the goal is not to modernize, but to protect the heritage of home-cooked meals. 1. The “Specification” Strategy What sets Onisasun…

In a landmark move for the African confectionery industry, Luji’s Chocolate announced its official retail launch in the United States on February 10, 2026. Founded by Nigerian-American entrepreneur Iyin Akinlabi-Oladimeji, the brand is the first single-origin Nigerian chocolate to be sold start-to-finish—from roasting to packaging—in the U.S. market. The company first broke into the spotlight in 2022 after its Kickstarter campaign reached its funding goal in less than six hours. Since then, it has been featured on NPR’s How I Built This, gaining national acclaim for its “Source-to-Shelf” model that challenges the traditional extractive cocoa industry. 1. Defining “West African Luxury” Unlike “African-branded” chocolates that are often…

As part of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)’s 35th-anniversary celebration in Abuja, Registrar-General Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, announced a major crackdown on corporate fraud. The commission has handed over 263 illegal entities to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution, signaling a “zero-tolerance” approach to system manipulation. This purge is part of a broader effort to sanitize Nigeria’s corporate database and ensure that all active businesses are traceable and tax-compliant. 1. The Breakdown of Illegal Entities The discovered companies were categorized into two main groups based on how they entered the registry: System Insertion (248 Entities): These “fake” companies were fraudulently inserted…

Gemini said In a significant move to bolster rural economies, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, Executive Director of Technical Services at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has launched a large-scale empowerment initiative in Kano State. Speaking through a statement by his spokesperson, Edwin Olofu, on Monday, February 9, 2026, Ganduje emphasized that the path to true national development lies in the deliberate strengthening of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The son of the former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, distributed life-changing technology to 280 beneficiaries across the Dawakin-Tofa, Tofa, and Rimin Gado federal constituencies over the weekend. 1. Solar-Powered Irrigation: Solving the Seasonal Farming Trap…

In a major fiscal move announced in February 2026, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, revealed that the federal government will begin selling selected state-owned assets this year. Speaking on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia, Edun positioned asset sales as a strategic alternative to further sovereign borrowing. With a projected spending plan of ₦58 trillion for 2026 and anticipated revenues of only ₦33.27 trillion, the government is staring at a massive ₦25 trillion budget deficit. Asset sales are expected to bridge this gap while deepening private sector participation in the economy. 1. The…

In a significant shift for South Africa’s financial services landscape, the Bidvest Group announced on February 9, 2026, that the proposed R2.8 billion (~$157 million) sale of Bidvest Bank to Nigeria’s Access Bank has officially fallen through. The deal, which was a cornerstone of Access Bank’s Southern African expansion strategy, was terminated after the parties failed to satisfy all regulatory and customary conditions by the January 26, 2026, “long-stop” deadline. 1. Why the Access Bank Deal Collapsed The termination marks a rare setback for the Nigerian banking giant, which has successfully executed several cross-border acquisitions over the last three years. Regulatory Hurdles: Access Holdings Plc cited the “complexities and extended…

Building on what the network started, the Lagos Angel Fellowship returns with its second cohort, continuing our work to develop thoughtful, disciplined angel investors across Africa. Delivered by the Lagos Angel Network in partnership with the African Angel Academy, and supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the fellowship is designed for 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, not guesswork. Over 6 weeks, participants will: 1. Build confidence in evaluating and investing in startups 2. Learn directly from experienced African angel investors 3. Access real deal flow from LAN and partner networks…

In a major bid to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), the World International Economic Group (WIEG) Nigeria has announced its inaugural International Investment Summit, scheduled for February 25 and 26, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Under the theme “Nigeria’s Next Frontier: Unlocking Sustainable Investments for Economic Transformation,” the summit aims to bridge the gap between global capital and investment-ready Nigerian enterprises. Organizers, led by Project & Event Consultant Mr. Bassey Essien, have already secured commitments from approximately 20 frontline investors—predominantly from Malaysia and other Asian nations—with a target of closing deals worth over $500…

In a major strategic pivot, Champion Breweries Plc has successfully concluded its two-phase capital-raising program, securing a total of ₦57.9 billion ($42.3 million) in February 2026. The funds are earmarked for a transformative acquisition that positions the Uyo-based company as a pan-African player in the high-growth Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and Energy Drink categories. The capital raise was structured in two legs: Phase 1 (Rights Issue): Concluded in early January 2026, raising ₦15.9 billion from existing shareholders. Phase 2 (Public Offering): Closed on January 22, 2026, raising an additional ₦42 billion through a public subscription at ₦16.00 per share. 1. The Strategic…

Nigeria is at a critical policy crossroads regarding its most consumed staple. According to a recent report by the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM), the federal government has been advised to close all existing rice import channels. This recommendation seeks to protect local farmers but carries the immediate risk of reversing the recent drop in market prices. As of February 2026, the “rice surplus” currently enjoyed by the country is being described as a “fragile abundance” because it is fueled by imports rather than domestic growth. 1. The Cost of the Surplus (2025 Data) In 2025, Nigeria achieved a theoretical…

In February 2026, the Y Combinator-backed fintech Bujeti transitioned from a high-growth startup to a core piece of Nigeria’s national economic infrastructure. By signing a landmark partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), Bujeti is now the primary technical backbone for a federal program aimed at training and formalizing 10 million Nigerians. The core of Bujeti’s mission is solving “fragmentation fatigue.” For decades, Nigerian SMEs have balanced separate tools for payroll, tax, and vendor payments—a process that drains up to 30 hours a month for finance teams. Bujeti replaces this “Frankenstein” of software with a single…

In a major move to bolster Nigeria’s economic integrity, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has delisted more than 400,000 inactive and non-compliant companies from its official register. Announced by Registrar-General Hussaini Ishaq Magaji during the Commission’s 35th-anniversary celebrations in February 2026, the exercise targeted “shell companies” that posed significant risks to transparency and investor trust. This regulatory sweep is part of a broader transformation of the CAC from a manual, location-bound registry into a fully digital corporate regulator. 1. Why the 400,000 were Delisted The massive de-registration effort, primarily carried out throughout 2025, focused on entities that had become “threats”…

In a powerful reflection shared on February 7, 2026, celebrated author, entrepreneur, and six-time beauty queen Triona Uwem redefined what it means to hold a title. For Uwem, the crowns she wore were never the destination; they were a megaphone for a life dedicated to service and storytelling. Uwem, an Akwa Ibom-born powerhouse, has successfully transitioned from the glitz of national pageantry to a multifaceted career as a motivational speaker and the founder of Queenspiration with HRH. 1. A Legacy of Pageantry and Empowerment Uwem’s journey through the pageant world is one of the most decorated in recent Nigerian history.…

Lagos witnessed a shift in its festive narrative as the maiden edition of the DIASPORA Ball took center stage at EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island. Moving away from the typical high-energy party scene, the event introduced a “premium lifestyle experience” that successfully merged the elegance of the diaspora with the vibrant energy of Lagos. The ball was the brainchild of Ayobami Magbagbeola, a Nigerian-American healthcare IT consultant and entrepreneur widely known as Ayo Entity. His vision was clear: to transform the end-of-year celebrations into a purposeful bridge for cultural exchange and professional networking. 1. A Refined Cultural Exchange The DIASPORA Ball…

In early February 2026, Dr. Donald Peterson, President and Founder of the D-Peterson Foundation, reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to community development and youth empowerment. Operating with a philosophy of “outcomes over publicity,” Dr. Peterson has become a central figure in Nigeria’s grassroots transformation, particularly in Delta State. Beyond his philanthropic work, Dr. Peterson currently serves as the Special Adviser to the Delta State Government on Entrepreneurship Development. In this role, he has been instrumental in creating “entrepreneurial ecosystems”—most notably the Deltapreneurship initiative—which focuses on agropreneurship and techpreneurship to drive job creation and food security. 1. A Decade of Data-Backed Impact…

On February 7, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his congratulations to Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, the co-founder and chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, as he celebrated his 65th birthday. The President’s message, delivered through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lauded Isa as a “business leader with the Midas touch” and a symbol of indigenous industrial excellence. Isa’s journey—from a high-stakes banking career to leading one of Nigeria’s most significant independent energy firms—mirrors the country’s broader push for domestic energy security. 1. A Legacy of Indigenous Innovation Abdulrazaq Isa has spent over three decades at the…

On January 31, 2026, the Lagos Marriott Hotel became the nerve center for high-level corporate recalibration as Business Strategy Lounge (BSL) hosted its first CEO Strategy Meeting of the year. Unlike traditional talk-shop conferences, the session was structured as a “working lab” where founders and executives dissected their operations to fix “revenue leaks” and design for 10-figure growth. Facilitated by GLI Consults, the platform has become a significant force in Nigeria’s corporate world, engaging over 150 business leaders whose combined companies command a market value exceeding ₦25 billion. 1. The “Designed for Profit” Framework The facilitator, Abayomi Adewumi (CEO of…