Author: Gift Ifeanyi

US Unveils Strategy to Boost Trade and Investment Ties with Africa The United States has announced a renewed commitment to strengthening economic ties with Africa through increased exports, investment, and commercial cooperation, aiming to eliminate trade imbalances and foster shared prosperity. Speaking at the 2025 AmCham Business Summit in Abidjan, Ambassador Troy Fitrell, the acting head of the U.S. State Department’s Africa Bureau, revealed a new Commercial Diplomacy Strategy designed to deepen economic engagement across the continent. Rethinking Trade with Africa Fitrell noted that Africa’s economic potential remains underutilized by the United States. “Africa should be among our largest trading…

In a strategic bid to enhance the growth of small businesses in Nigeria, Bujeti, a financial operations platform designed for African enterprises, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Together, they aim to revolutionize how Nigerian SMEs manage their finances and access funding. This collaboration is set to arm small and medium-sized enterprises with essential digital tools for budgeting, expense tracking, and financial planning—helping to build structured and transparent operations that appeal to funders and scale effectively. A Digital Transformation for Nigeria’s Business Backbone Despite contributing over 46% of the…

Beneath the glitter of gold chains, designer clothes, and TikTok braggadocio lies a dark and deeply troubling trend. A growing number of young Nigerian men—self-styled as the BM Boys (short for blackmail)—have built an online empire around a grim business: digital extortion. Rather than promoting music, lifestyle, or fashion, these individuals are flaunting the proceeds of a cybercrime that preys on the vulnerable—primarily teenage boys from countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Sextortion as a Career Path The playbook is chillingly calculated. BM Boys pose online as attractive young women and initiate flirtatious conversations with unsuspecting…

Neveah Limited, a Nigerian powerhouse in commodity exports and trade, has been named the 21st fastest-growing company in Africa, according to the 2025 Financial Times ranking of the continent’s top-performing firms. The company also emerged as the top contender in the Metals and Mining sector, solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in Nigeria’s industrial evolution. A Rapid Rise Amid Economic Uncertainty Neveah’s inclusion in this prestigious list signals its remarkable rise within Africa’s dynamic and often challenging business landscape. In the face of macroeconomic instability, inflation, and currency volatility, the company has not only survived—but thrived—with consistent revenue growth…

In a country where economic uncertainty often overshadows opportunity, few institutions have dared to reshape the business climate as boldly as Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTBank). Known for its international presence and pan-African strategy, GTBank has grown beyond the confines of traditional banking to become a driving force behind Nigeria’s entrepreneurial evolution. A Different Kind of Bank While Nigeria’s financial sector has historically prioritized large corporations and high-value clients, GTBank has chosen a different path—one that centers on inclusivity and innovation. From its Lagos headquarters to branches across Africa and the UK, GTBank is building not just a bank, but…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down in Rome, Italy, on Saturday to attend the official inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church and the 267th Bishop of Rome. The Nigerian leader’s aircraft landed at Mario De Bernardo Military Airport around 6 p.m. local time, where he was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with officials from Vatican City and the Nigerian Embassy in Italy. According to Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s presence at the ceremony follows a personal invitation from the Vatican’s Secretary of State,…

Dyna.Ai, a global frontrunner in AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS), has officially commenced operations in Nigeria with an exclusive event titled “Nigeria Dyna Day”—a closed-door gathering held at Four Points by Sheraton in Lagos. With the theme “AI Unleashed: Revolutionising Nigeria’s Financial Future,” the launch brought together top-tier professionals and decision-makers from fintech, telecom, government, and other strategic sectors. The event marked a significant step in aligning advanced AI solutions with Nigeria’s evolving digital finance ecosystem. Nigeria: The Strategic Starting Point In his welcome address, Tomas Skoumal, Dyna.Ai’s Chairman and Co-President, underscored Nigeria’s vital role in the company’s global expansion plans. “For us,…

The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has announced that its 2025 annual conference will take place on June 2, 2025, in partnership with World Health Expo Lagos (formerly Medic West Africa). This year’s event is themed:“The Creative Catalyst: Driving Sustainable Healthcare Solutions in West Africa.” According to PSHAN’s Managing Director, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the conference will focus on the intersection of creativity, business innovation, and healthcare transformation. She explained: “Nigeria’s creative industry is one of the most dynamic and resilient sectors today. This conference aims to leverage its success stories and innovative approaches to reimagine how we invest…

Let’s get one thing straight—events are not parties. They are not calendar fillers or ceremonial routines. They are high-impact instruments of influence, storytelling, and strategic communication. When approached with intention, events become public relations powerhouses—shaping perception, driving policy, attracting capital, and positioning brands as thought leaders. If your organization touches power, policy, influence, or profit—and you’re not using events as strategic levers—then you’re missing out on credibility, visibility, and long-term influence. I’ve seen this firsthand—from oilfields in the Niger Delta to the corridors of national policy in Abuja. The question isn’t if events matter—it’s how well you’re using them. Let’s…

At the recent Entrepreneurship Development and Growth Excellence (EDGE) Conference hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lekki Royale, thought leaders, innovators, and over 1,000 attendees converged—both virtually and physically—to unlock strategies for building resilient, scalable, and profitable businesses. As a globally respected network with over 110 years of history and chapters in more than 116 countries, JCI continues its mission of cultivating the next generation of visionary leaders. The EDGE Conference is one of its key initiatives to equip young entrepreneurs with the mindset, tools, and insight to lead with impact. Held over two days in Lagos, the hybrid event…

The Nigerian property market is set to take center stage on June 4, 2025, as Propertyplus hosts its flagship Real Estate Conference and Awards, drawing together top investors, experts, and stakeholders eager to unlock the sector’s immense untapped opportunities. With the theme “Real Estate: The Untapped Goldmine in Nigeria,” the high-profile event promises to spark transformative dialogue around the evolving dynamics of the real estate industry—a sector increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of economic growth and wealth creation in the country. Leadership and Vision at the Forefront The gathering will be hosted by Engineer Dr. Valentine Buraimoh, Executive Chairman of…

 Renaissance Energy, a Nigerian oil firm and the new owner of Shell’s former onshore operations, has suspended output from a segment of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) after an operational mishap led to a crude oil spill in the B-Dere community of Ogoniland, Rivers State. The affected line feeds into the TNP—one of Nigeria’s most vital crude transport routes, channeling oil from inland fields to the Bonny export terminal. The pipeline has a daily capacity of approximately 450,000 barrels, serving as a major conduit for Bonny Light crude, one of Nigeria’s premium export grades. The spill, which occurred on May…

Senator and former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, has shed light on the harsh realities confronting local businesses in Nigeria. Speaking at an interactive session with students to mark the 35th anniversary of his company, Kresta Laurel Limited, Daniel explained that most indigenous firms do not fail due to lack of ambition—but because they are crushed under the weight of systemic obstacles and insufficient government support. “Nigerian entrepreneurs are practically left to fend for themselves,” Daniel lamented. “We generate our own electricity, provide water and security, and then face relentless taxation from authorities who assume that a tidy office means…

 Nigerian smartphone users have reason to get excited, as POCO, the bold sub-brand under Xiaomi Corporation, is reportedly preparing to launch two highly anticipated smartphones in the country. With the upcoming releases of the POCO C71 and the POCO X7 Pro, POCO is set to make waves in both the entry-level and premium segments of the market. These two models are expected to arrive in rapid succession, offering consumers a compelling mix of affordability and performance. The strategy is simple: provide exactly what users need, without the unnecessary extras. What Makes POCO Different? POCO emerged as an independent, youth-oriented brand…

The British government has commended Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape, describing the country as increasingly attractive for investment and trade opportunities. This was revealed by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, during a press briefing held in Abuja at the UK-Nigeria Economic Growth Conference, themed “Driving Sustainable Trade and Investment.” Montgomery emphasized that recent economic reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration have played a key role in enhancing Nigeria’s investment profile. “Nigeria is becoming a more viable destination for global investors,” Montgomery stated. “We’re seeing a more stable naira, stronger foreign exchange reserves, and an improved business climate—all…

In a major effort to improve tourism and business travel between Nigeria and Turkey, key travel associations from both nations have agreed to work together in urging their respective governments to ease current visa restrictions. The meeting, held in Istanbul, brought together representatives from the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB)—marking their first formal collaboration. The gathering was facilitated by Turkish Airlines, the official partner airline for the upcoming NANTA anniversary event. According to a joint statement from NANTA, both sides stressed that current visa policies are stifling tourism and economic…

Headlining the high-profile gathering are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami. Other notable figures expected to address the conference include Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Prof. AbdulMajeed Alaro, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), and AbdulAzeez Oladosu of the University of Ibadan. Set to run from Friday through Sunday, the three-day conference is themed “Artificial Intelligence, Law and Religion in Nigeria,” and will welcome over 1,200 Muslim legal professionals from across the country. In a press briefing…

Unlocking the full potential of Africa’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector will require a coordinated push involving risk-ready capital, strategic collaborations, and a strong focus on building local expertise. These were key takeaways from a recent panel at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris. During a session focused on maximizing returns from African gas, Julius Rone, Managing Director of UTM Offshore, emphasized that global demand for LNG remains high, but the main challenge is funding. “The market for LNG is strong and growing year after year,” said Rone. “What we need now are investors who are ready…

Blanche Aigle Communications, a top-tier African public relations agency known for its innovation and award-winning campaigns, is gearing up to catalyze media investment in Nigeria through its upcoming 2025 Media Roundtable Summit—a premier platform for thought leadership and industry transformation. Set for May 20, 2025, in Ikoyi, Lagos, this year’s summit is themed “Africa’s Media Renaissance: Building a Thriving Industry at the Intersection of Storytelling, Business, and Technology.” It aims to unite key players across the media value chain to explore pathways for sustainable growth and long-term investment in Africa’s evolving media space. In a press statement, Nene Bejide, Lead…

Nigeria is strategically aligning with the Nordic innovation ecosystem to spark a new wave of growth for its startup sector, with goals of unlocking capital, expanding market reach, and fostering cross-border knowledge sharing. At the heart of this initiative is Lagos Slush’D 2025, a dynamic startup event modeled after the renowned Nordic innovation platform. The event is designed to spotlight Nigeria’s rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape, showcasing the tenacity, creativity, and ambition that define Nigerian startup founders. The conference also serves as a bridge between Nigeria and the innovation powerhouses of the Nordic region—Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. These countries…