Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In a major win for Nigeria’s marketing communications sector, X3M Ideas, one of the continent’s most prominent creative agencies, has been named among Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies for 2025 by the Financial Times of London. The recognition places the agency at 31st position out of 130 listed businesses, marking a proud achievement for a sector usually overshadowed by fintech, energy, and finance. This year’s list, produced in partnership with global research group Statista, shines a light on businesses that have consistently recorded impressive growth amid Africa’s complex economic terrain. X3M Ideas’ inclusion highlights its steady upward trajectory over the last three…

In a major boost for economic reform and private sector growth, Nigeria has officially become a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This development is expected to open new doors for international financing, support for local businesses, and technical expertise critical to Nigeria’s long-term development goals. The announcement was made during the EBRD 2025 Annual Meetings in London, where a Nigerian delegation led by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, participated in the formal admission proceedings. Strategic Partnership for Economic Reform Describing the move as a landmark moment, Edun highlighted…

In a renewed drive to foster youth-led businesses, Nestlé Professional has trained over 300 young entrepreneurs and street vendors in Lagos under its My Own Business (MYOWBU) initiative—part of a wider effort to tackle unemployment and promote economic inclusion across Central and West Africa. The MYOWBU program goes beyond street vending—it offers young Nigerians a pathway to financial independence through structured entrepreneurship. Participants sell affordable beverages like NESCAFÉ and MILO, but more importantly, they gain tools to build sustainable livelihoods and shape their future with dignity. A Platform for Growth and Skill Development At the recent workshop in Lagos, attendees…

11 Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term growth and stability in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, showcasing strong business performance and announcing a dividend distribution of ₦3.33 billion during its 47th Annual General Meeting. The meeting, chaired by Ramesh Kansagra and represented by Non-Executive Director Abdulkadir Aminu, served as a platform to express gratitude to the company’s key supporters—shareholders, employees, partners, and regulatory bodies—for their consistent backing. Steering Through Industry Challenges Throughout 2024, 11 Plc operated within a dynamic and often unpredictable energy market in Nigeria. The chairman highlighted the government’s role in laying the groundwork for growth through reforms…

Dele Kelvin Oye, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), is leading efforts to attract international investment into Nigeria’s high-growth sectors during a key global business summit in Germany. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the third edition of the International B2B Conference hosted by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in Giessen, Oye emphasized Nigeria’s untapped economic promise despite its complex market conditions. Held under the theme “The World Meets in Giessen,” the May 20–22, 2025 event brings together global executives, trade specialists, and policy shapers from across continents to…

Environmental advocate and Niger Delta native, Dr. Bolouowei Kurokeme, has appealed to the Federal Government and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to formally acknowledge former Petroleum Minister Dan Etete as a key figure in Nigeria’s journey toward indigenous participation in its energy industry. Speaking in an interview with journalists, Kurokeme emphasized that Etete’s bold policy moves in the 1990s laid the foundation for Nigeria’s evolving local content success and current energy policies promoting economic nationalism. Legacy of Local Empowerment Dr. Kurokeme credited Etete’s vision for shaping a future where Nigerians could have direct involvement and ownership in their…

In a spirited celebration of national pride, innovation, and international engagement, Tripoint Travels—the official travel partner of GEN Nigeria—hosted a special pre-departure brunch in honor of Nigerian delegates heading to the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC). The event took place at Tripoint’s Lagos headquarters and welcomed a distinguished group of entrepreneurs, investors, policy advocates, and public sector leaders. Among those present were Dr. Peter Bamkole of Pan Atlantic University, GEN Nigeria’s Managing Director Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Dr. Babangida Ruma of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, SANEF CEO Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, Nollywood actor and influencer Mr. Umar Gombe, and other…

Nigerian tech visionary and crypto trailblazer Gaius Chibueze—widely recognized as the “Bitcoin Chief”—is driving a new era of homegrown solutions aimed at reshaping Africa’s socio-economic future. From digital finance to sustainable farming, Chibueze is leveraging innovation to build a more self-reliant continent. After earning recognition as the first African to invest in Bitcoin as early as 2011—when it traded at just $35—Chibueze has transformed into a powerhouse entrepreneur whose initiatives span 26 countries. His latest ventures—Tech City Africa, ESV Capital, and Ohanaeze Farm—tackle core issues like brain drain, startup funding barriers, and agricultural conflicts. Tech City Africa: Building a Smart…

Credo, the SME-focused payment platform by eTranzact, is strengthening its presence in southern Nigeria through a strategic grassroots campaign aimed at transforming how small businesses manage transactions. As part of this push, the platform launched an on-the-ground activation in Port Harcourt, engaging traders and entrepreneurs in three key commercial zones: Garrison Computer Village, Rumukalagbor Market, and Rumuomasi Market. The campaign was executed in collaboration with Eligbam City, drawing hundreds of participants from the city’s informal business sector. Many of these attendees were being introduced to digital financial tools for the first time. Through live demonstrations, one-on-one training, and hands-on support,…

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has greenlit a new wave of investments totaling $3 billion across 22 development initiatives globally—positioning Nigeria and other emerging economies to benefit from enhanced infrastructure, economic empowerment, and sustainable growth. This funding, approved in the first quarter of the year, aims to uplift small and medium-sized businesses, accelerate clean energy solutions, and promote financial stability across developing markets. Boosting Nigerian SMEs Through Strategic Financing At the heart of the initiative is a $20 million loan to Loinette Capital, a financing provider focused on helping SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa. This capital will be used…

Access Bank, in collaboration with leading consultancy firm Deloitte, has launched a strategic initiative designed to equip Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria with the skills, insights, and tools needed to thrive in a challenging business environment. The effort, marked by a recent Business Clinic in Lagos, aims to enhance access to finance, provide vital business intelligence, and open up market opportunities for SMEs navigating Nigeria’s dynamic economic landscape. Empowering Entrepreneurs for a Profitable and Resilient Future Speaking at the clinic, Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head of SME Banking at Access Bank, emphasized the program’s core goal: helping businesses become…

Despite Nigeria’s high-risk environment, the nation’s insurance sector continues to underperform, with fewer than two million Nigerians holding active insurance policies—a figure that exposes the industry’s struggle with relevance, trust, and accessibility. This sobering statistic was a key talking point at Investment Summit 1.0, a gathering organized by Investment Info Hub Nigeria Ltd in collaboration with Cornerstone Insurance Plc, under the theme “Investments in Insurance: Opportunities for Financial Growth.” The event brought together stakeholders to explore how insurance could play a more impactful role in supporting financial development in Nigeria. The Real Barriers: More Than Just Poverty Tunde Lawuyi, head…

Around the world, micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) grapple with a wide array of obstacles that hinder their ability to thrive. These range from operational limitations to broader external disruptions. Among the most affected are women and young entrepreneurs, who often face even steeper hurdles such as scarce funding options, restricted access to markets, and a lack of support infrastructure. Tackling these challenges calls for thoughtful, targeted policy measures that not only build capacity but also align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enabling inclusive development and entrepreneurial success. Creating durable and responsive supply chains is key to helping…

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) is calling on entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s South East to explore franchising as a viable strategy for long-term business success. This recommendation was made during a one-day awareness workshop held in Abuja, where NOTAP introduced newly developed Franchising Guidelines tailored for stakeholders from the South East region. Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, NOTAP’s Director General, was represented at the event by Mr. Emeka Orji, who leads the agency’s Corporate Planning Department. He emphasized that franchising is a well-established international business approach with significantly lower risk levels. “At its core, franchising involves a legal agreement…

Since taking office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated a bold wave of reforms aimed at stabilizing and transforming Nigeria’s economy. His administration is pushing for fiscal discipline, diversifying economic foundations, and ensuring broader participation in growth through inclusive policies. Overhauling the Tax System for a Stronger Fiscal Framework At the core of Tinubu’s economic reform plan lies an ambitious effort to reconstruct Nigeria’s tax environment. Determined to establish a transparent, equitable, and efficient tax framework, his administration formed the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The committee’s task includes simplifying tax codes, expanding the taxable population, plugging…

Nigeria has deepened its partnership with France through a strategic initiative aimed at boosting the country’s creative industry. The agreement secures access to concessional funding, which could increase from an initial €35 million to a potential €100 million. The announcement came during the eighth Ministerial Press Briefing Session held at the National Press Centre in Abuja, where the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, shared details of this transformative collaboration. Musawa emphasized that the funding goes far beyond infrastructure—it represents a significant step toward nurturing creative talent, generating employment, and elevating Nigeria’s status as Africa’s creative…

As Nigeria’s youth continue to turn to entrepreneurship in response to economic headwinds, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has offered a heartfelt message encouraging self-reliance, integrity, and ethical business conduct. Addressing the 2025 graduating class of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Atiku emphasized the importance of independent thinking and value-driven entrepreneurship. He urged the graduates to forge their own paths rather than depending on government support or shortcuts to success. “Let your business be rooted in integrity. Stand on your own. Don’t depend on government patronage,” he advised. Atiku’s message arrives at a crucial moment as many young Nigerians…

In a notable show of encouragement for youth-led businesses, Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has provided financial support to five outstanding young entrepreneurs in Kaduna State to help grow their ventures. The beneficiaries were selected during the SMEs HUB Programme, a weekend business showcase organized by Hassan Adamu, aimed at celebrating youth innovation and entrepreneurship in the historic city of Kaduna. Obi, represented by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, served as the event’s special guest. The program highlighted the creativity and ambition of Nigeria’s younger generation and emphasized…

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are among the prominent figures expected to participate in the 2025 Domestic Tourism Conference, scheduled for September 5–6 in Enugu. Chief Ben Etiaba, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Jands Travel Business School (JTBS)—the organizers of the event—confirmed this after commissioning the conference’s planning committee at an event in Enugu. This year’s conference is themed: “The Future of Domestic Tourism in Nigeria: Celebrating Our Arts and Culture,” and it seeks to elevate the profile of local tourism, especially across the Southeast. Etiaba noted that the…

At the recently held 9th edition of the DStv Media Sales (DMS) and Media Independent Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) conference in Lagos, industry leaders focused on the critical roles of optimisation, collaboration, and innovation within the marketing mix. The conference, themed “Optimise,” gathered marketing and media professionals to explore emerging trends, challenges, and innovative strategies shaping the media sector’s growth and profitability. Opening the event, Doris Ohanugo, Executive Head of DStv Media Sales Nigeria, described the conference as a platform that continually advances media, marketing, and innovation. She noted, “Though the theme ‘Optimise’ sounds straightforward, it carries immense significance.…