Author: Gift Ifeanyi

For the average Nigerian entrepreneur, the morning routine is a frantic race against operational chaos. Between managing payroll and navigating regulatory hurdles, many business owners find themselves “flying blind” regarding their actual financial health. Enter Countam, a home-grown digital ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between chaotic survival and structured expansion. A Founder’s Journey from the Engine Room The story of Countam is deeply personal. Its creator, Kemi Osinibi, didn’t build the platform from a detached tech lab. With a professional background as a management accountant for FTSE 100 firms in the UK and major players in Nigeria’s oil and…

While primarily recognized as a titan in the global telecommunications space, IHS Towers has quietly transformed into one of Nigeria’s most impactful social investors. Since its inception in 2001, the organization has pivoted from merely building hardware to fostering human potential, launching a series of multi-sectoral initiatives that touch everything from high-tech skill acquisition to life-saving medical interventions. The Digital Talent Factory: 3MTT and Beyond In a high-stakes partnership with the Federal Government, IHS has become a primary engine for the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. By funding specialized learning hubs nationwide, the company is turning digital literacy into…

Building on a year of transformative dialogue, The Catalyst Symposium has announced a massive expansion for its 2026 calendar. Moving beyond its initial Nigerian roots, the platform—dedicated to nurturing the next generation of African visionaries—is set to touch down in 14 cities across the continent under the powerful banner, “Igniting Bold Actions.” A Year of Continental Impact Convener Arogundade Dolapo revealed that the 2026 series is designed to escalate the momentum gathered during the successful 2025 events. This year, the symposium evolves from a national gathering into a pan-African movement, making its debut in Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, and South Africa.…

As of January 6, 2026, At least 19 Nigerian banks have met the new minimum capital requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), signaling early compliance with the regulator’s sweeping banking sector recapitalisation programme ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline. The recapitalisation policy, announced to strengthen the resilience of the financial system, introduces higher minimum capital thresholds across different categories of banks—international, national, merchant, and non-interest institutions. The move is aimed at improving banks’ capacity to absorb shocks, support large-scale financing, and align Nigeria’s banking sector with global standards. International Banks Lead Compliance Six international banks have…

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in a high-impact collaboration with Wema Bank, has officially launched the 2026 Digital Skillnovation Program. Orchestrated through the Office of the Vice President, this strategic alliance is designed to transform Nigeria’s youth population into a global competitive force by bridging the gap between raw talent and market-ready expertise. A Hybrid Learning Experience Unlike traditional one-dimensional courses, the FGN-ALAT program offers a dual-layered educational approach: Phase 1: Virtual Mastery: Participants begin with remote sessions focusing on high-demand technical abilities, essential soft skills, and modern business management. Phase 2: Physical Immersion: Learning moves from the screen to…

Small-scale manufacturers, local artisans, and neighborhood retailers serve as the backbone of the Nigerian economy. Despite their importance, a vast majority operate within the “informal sector,” a status that often cuts them off from essential financial tools and government aid. To bridge this gap, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a massive free registration campaign aimed at formalizing millions of these businesses. Breaking Down the Barriers to Entry For years, the primary obstacles for small business owners have been the perceived high cost and bureaucratic complexity of official registration. By removing these financial hurdles,…

The Nigerian fuel landscape is witnessing a seismic shift as MRS Oil Nigeria moves to aggressively capture market share from the state-owned NNPC. By utilizing a strategic alliance with the Dangote Refinery, MRS has not only expanded its retail footprint but has also introduced pricing that significantly undercuts the national oil company. A New Era of Price Competition Following the full deregulation of the downstream sector, a “price war” has ignited. MRS Oil has taken the offensive, offering petrol at rates substantially lower than those found at NNPC stations. This move marks one of the most significant challenges to NNPC’s…

In the high-stakes world of Nigerian entrepreneurship, founders often find themselves trapped in a cycle of “survival mode,” managing staff and sales while flying blind on their actual financial health. Seeing this gap, Kemi Osinibi—a management accountant turned tech founder—launched Countam, an all-in-one platform designed to turn messy records into scalable business assets. The “Aha” Moment: From FTSE 100 to Lagos Startups Kemi Osinibi didn’t build Countam from a boardroom; she built it from the “engine room.” Her career spanned high-level accounting for UK giants and the Nigerian oil and gas sector. However, it was her experience running her own…

The 2025 BusinessDay Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs list has officially recognized Yonsus Global Ventures as one of the nation’s most rapidly expanding enterprises. This placement acknowledges the firm’s ability to scale operations effectively within the competitive Nigerian infrastructure market. Strategic Operational Breadth Based in Abuja, with a presence reaching into Lagos and Edo, the company has built a wide-reaching service model. Rather than focusing on a single niche, Yonsus Global manages a diverse portfolio that includes: Engineering & Technical Works: Handling everything from earthworks and drainage systems to complex civil engineering. Logistics & Supply Chain: Managing haulage, warehousing, and…

For decades, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Africa have viewed “sustainability” as a luxury reserved for multinational corporations. However, a major shift is occurring as we head into 2026. Green technology is no longer just an environmental statement; it has become a survival strategy and a competitive advantage for the continent’s most agile businesses. The End of the “Cost Center” Myth The most significant barrier to green adoption has been the misconception that eco-friendly practices drain capital. On the contrary, for the average African SME—often plagued by high energy costs and erratic power—green tech is a direct tool for…

Obinna Iyiegbu, the renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Cubana Group, has added a prestigious traditional honor to his list of accolades. Widely known as Obi Cubana, the philanthropist was officially decorated with the title “Ife-Igbo-Ji-Ka-Mba” by the Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri Traditional Council in Anambra State. The Significance of the Honor The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, was presided over by the traditional ruler, Igwe Ralph Obumneme Ekpe. The monarch explained that the decision to bestow this specific title—which translates to “The Pride of the Igbo Before the World”—was based on Iyiegbu’s massive impact on: Business Innovation: His leadership…

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has officially confirmed the appointment of Adaobi Onyedum as its Director General. Following a successful period in an acting capacity, Onyedum’s permanent role became effective on January 1, 2026. A Proven Track Record of Excellence The decision, ratified by the Chamber’s Council, comes as a result of Onyedum’s impressive performance during her tenure as Acting DG and her previous role as Director of Partnerships and Fundraising. The Chamber highlighted several key achievements during her time so far, including: Financial Growth: Successfully mobilizing over ₦300 million in funding. Trade Missions: Spearheading a high-profile UK–Nigeria trade…

Empowerment takes center stage this year as the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) officially invites early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa to join its 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme. This initiative offers a lifeline to visionary founders, providing a $5,000 non-refundable seed grant to help scale innovative business ideas into profitable ventures. Driving the “Africapitalism” Vision Built on the principle that the private sector is the engine of Africa’s growth, TEF has already invested over $100 million into the continent’s economy since 2015. With more than 20,000 alumni across 54 countries, the foundation continues to bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and the capital needed…

In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, the Entrepreneurs Platform Initiative (EPI) has officially named Chibuzo Obichukwu as its Coordinator. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, is part of the organization’s broader mission to scale its impact across the continent. Driving Innovation and Inclusion Obichukwu steps into this role with a mandate to work alongside the EPI executive team to foster a culture of innovation and economic self-reliance. A major pillar of her new role will be overseeing initiatives specifically designed to empower women and young entrepreneurs. The organization highlighted that Obichukwu’s background as an experienced entrepreneur makes…

Issele-Uku, Delta State – January 2, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster grassroots security, Sheriff Deputies Limited today officially launched its landmark Secure Nigeria Initiative (SNI), a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program marking the company’s 25th Anniversary. The initiative kicked off with a donation of essential security equipment to the Issele-Uku Vigilante Group in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State. The ceremonial handover was led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Island Anyasi, at the Obi Palace of His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka (MNSE, JP). The choice of Issele-Uku holds profound sentimental value as the…

The return of the New Edo Line is more than a logistical update; it is a full-scale economic intervention by the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration. By injecting 100 brand-new buses into a system that lay dormant for nearly 15 years, the state is leveraging its strategic position as Nigeria’s “gateway” to lower the cost of doing business and stimulate regional trade. This revival is a cornerstone of the SHINE agenda (Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Education), proving that mobility is the primary artery of economic survival in Edo State. Honoring a Visionary Legacy To understand the weight of this…

In a major leap for financial inclusion in Nigeria, MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB)—the fintech arm of MTN Nigeria—has partnered with Thunes, a global B2B cross-border payment giant. This collaboration allows MoMo’s 2.7 million active users to receive international funds instantly from major global markets directly into their mobile wallets. As remittance inflows into Nigeria continue to climb—reaching $20.9 billion in 2024—this partnership positions MoMo PSB as a critical gateway for the Nigerian diaspora to support families and businesses back home. Expanding the Global Corridor The partnership integrates MoMo PSB into the Thunes Direct Global Network, opening seamless payment…

In a move that significantly reshapes the African fintech landscape, Flutterwave, the continent’s most valuable fintech firm, has acquired the Nigerian open banking pioneer Mono. The all-stock transaction, valued between $25 million and $40 million, unites Flutterwave’s massive payment network with Mono’s specialized data infrastructure. This acquisition allows Flutterwave to offer a truly “full-stack” financial service, moving beyond simple payment processing into deep data analytics and credit assessment. The “Plaid of Africa” Joins the Giant Founded in 2020, Mono has become the backbone for Nigerian digital lenders by solving the “data gap.” In markets where traditional credit bureaus are limited,…

As Nigeria enters a new economic cycle, FirstBank is preparing to host its annual Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. This year’s theme, “The Great Calibration: Mastering Resilience in an Era of Asynchronous Growth,” highlights the uneven nature of global recovery and the strategic adjustments required for Nigerian businesses to thrive. The forum serves as a critical early-year compass, translating complex macroeconomic data into actionable insights for the bank’s customers and stakeholders. Key Speakers and Panelists The 2026 edition features a heavy-hitting lineup of the continent’s most respected economic minds: Keynote Speaker: Dr. Yemi Kale, Group Chief…

Nigeria’s private sector closed out 2025 with a significant surge in business confidence, reaching a six-month high in December. According to the latest Stanbic IBTC Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), approximately 59% of firms expressed optimism about the coming year, driven by expansion plans, new branch openings, and a push toward product exports. The report highlights a resilient economy that has now maintained positive growth for thirteen consecutive months. The December PMI Snapshot The headline PMI for December settled at 53.5, a marginal dip from 53.6 in November, but still firmly within the expansionary territory (above 50.0). New Orders & Output:…