Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In a strategic move to support small businesses, the Edo State Government has formed a partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and LAPO Microfinance Bank to enhance access to credit facilities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This announcement was made by Mr. Amen Odigie, Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), during an information session held on Friday in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of the state. Odigie highlighted that this collaboration is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to strengthening grassroots economic development. He emphasized that the initiative aims to unlock…

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on Corps Members to think creatively, take charge of their future, and avoid relying on others for their success. Addressing Corps Members at both the Benue State Orientation Camp in Wannune and the Nasarawa State Orientation Camp in Magaji Dan Yamusa, Keffi, North Central Nigeria, General Nafiu emphasized the importance of proactive thinking. He urged them to seek ways to add value to themselves, which would ultimately help them succeed in the wider world and contribute to the well-being of society. During his visit, which…

ABIDJAN — As the Africa CEO Forum takes center stage this year, a quiet yet impactful gathering is making waves, extending far beyond the elegant venue of La Résidence. HER Circle, the debut salon-style event heralding The HERitage Collective, signifies the start of a pan-African initiative dedicated to bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity for emerging African women leaders. The concept is both simple and powerful: While women across the continent and diaspora are already making bold strides, the systems designed to fast-track their leadership often remain fragmented and difficult to access. HER Circle offers a deliberate alternative—an environment…

Nigeria’s logistics sector is projected to surpass $3 trillion in growth by 2030, contributing to the global logistics industry, which is expected to reach a total value of over $9 trillion. This projection was made by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, during the inauguration of the international headquarters of Zenith Carex, a leading logistics firm, in Abuja. The event also marked the 51st birthday of Zenith Carex’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Adelana Olamilekan. Dr. Oduwole emphasized the importance of the logistics industry’s expansion, particularly in Africa, where intercontinental trade is poised to flourish under the African…

Aderogba Abdulazeez Ayinde, a forward-thinking Nigerian entrepreneur, has launched Bada, a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at bridging the divide between underserved communities and modern financial services across Africa. Officially rolled out in May 2025, Bada is now available on Google Play and Apple’s iOS Store, offering users a unified solution that integrates gift card trading, cryptocurrency exchange, bill payments, and digital wallet functionalities under one streamlined interface. Bada is tailored to meet the needs of a diverse user base—including students, freelancers, small business owners, and informal traders—many of whom remain excluded from conventional banking services. By delivering accessible and user-friendly…

As part of its ongoing mission to uplift women in business, Women Impacting Nigeria (WIN) successfully concluded its AccelerateHer Outreach Initiative on March 22, 2025, in Bariga, Lagos, commemorating International Women’s Day 2025 in a deeply impactful way. In partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, DevGlobal, Dev-Afrique, and GTCO, WIN supported 50 women entrepreneurs with tailored business training, financial education, and ₦50,000 micro-grants—each designed to accelerate their ventures and promote financial independence. Empowerment Beyond a Day: A Sustained Commitment Although the outreach was held in March, WIN continues to highlight its achievements into May, reinforcing its belief that…

Dangote Cement has lost its long-held spot at the top of the Top 20 West African Companies list after three consecutive years of declining market value. Once worth $11.2 billion in 2022, its value now stands at $5.3 billion, reflecting both market challenges and the continued weakening of the Nigerian naira. BUA Foods, another Nigerian giant, also saw a dip from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $4.9 billion in this year’s assessment. Both firms have been surpassed by Airtel Africa, which surged from $5 billion to $7.8 billion, buoyed by its strong performance across multiple African markets. Although headquartered and…

Industry experts and key stakeholders from across Africa’s logistics, aviation, export, and digital trade sectors will gather in Lagos for the Chinet Aviacargo Conference 2025 to discuss how e-commerce is reshaping the logistics landscape on the continent. As the only air cargo-focused event in West Africa, the conference promises to spotlight the crucial intersection between digital commerce and supply chain innovation. Scheduled to be held on September 16, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites, the event runs alongside the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market and will explore the theme: “How E-Commerce is Shaping the Future of Logistics in Africa.” The…

The possibility of Meta Platforms discontinuing Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria has sparked grave concern among technology experts and entrepreneurs, who warn that the move could severely disrupt the operations of over 20 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. With a long history of clashes with regulators worldwide, Meta’s latest dispute stems from a $290 million fine levied by three Nigerian agencies. After failing to overturn the penalties in court, the tech giant is now reportedly considering pulling its platforms out of the Nigerian market—a decision that could devastate the nation’s digital ecosystem and tax…

Airtel Nigeria has unveiled plans to significantly ramp up its capital investment in the country after returning to profitability, marking a major step forward in its long-term growth strategy. The announcement comes as parent company Airtel Africa posted a robust $328 million profit after tax for the fiscal year ending March 2025—an impressive recovery from the $89 million profit reported the previous year. In 2024, the group’s earnings were heavily impacted by foreign exchange losses, particularly in Nigeria. In the 2025 financial year, Airtel Nigeria allocated $168 million toward capital projects—a sharp 33% decline from the $252 million invested the…

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is prioritizing the digital economy as a key driver of economic growth, aiming to elevate its contribution to 21% of the nation’s GDP. Speaking during a visit to his former secondary school, Anglican Grammar School, Onikolobo in Abeokuta, the minister highlighted that the digital sector already accounts for 16% to 18% of Nigeria’s GDP, with strategic efforts underway to increase this figure significantly. Massive Fibre Infrastructure and Educational Investment Tijani announced a national fibre optic rollout of 90,000 kilometers, describing it as a…

In a bid to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) and Boeing have unveiled two transformative programs in Nigeria and Togo aimed at equipping young people with critical skills for the future. These programs will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and entrepreneurship, providing youth with the tools to thrive in these fast-growing sectors. Empowering Girls in Nigeria through ‘Girls STEMpreneurship’ In Nigeria, the newly launched ‘Girls STEMpreneurship’ program will welcome 500 secondary school girls, who will gain hands-on experience in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The top-performing…

In a significant step toward empowering Nigerian youth and enhancing access to both local and global opportunities, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a partnership with Google. This groundbreaking initiative aims to drive digital transformation across the nation and equip young Nigerians with the tools and skills needed to thrive in the modern economy. Collaboration Announcement The news was revealed by Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, during a meeting with a delegation from Google, led by Tanya Singh, the Head of Value Education. The meeting took place at the Minister’s office in Abuja, the capital city.…

GroundZero, the thrilling new reality show, has just wrapped up its first season, offering viewers more than just entertainment—it’s an exploration into the essential traits that drive entrepreneurial success. The show promises a grand prize of N1 million to the contestant who demonstrates the most creativity, resilience, and adaptability in navigating the challenges of a real-world business environment. The organizer, Emmanuel Agbaeze, CEO of 36Media, revealed that the show was designed to provide contestants with invaluable business lessons. He emphasized how the competition highlighted real-world entrepreneurial insights, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s dynamic and often challenging business landscape. A…

Dr. Tope Mark-Odigie, a leading advocate for financial literacy and the founder of REB360, is set to make a profound impact with the Game of Money 2.0 Conference scheduled for May 10, 2025. Taking place at the Kingsway International Christian Centre in Maryland, Lagos, the event is set to attract over 2,500 participants from across Nigeria. With the conference kicking off at 8 a.m., attendees are eager to gain the financial knowledge necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable economy. As inflation rises and financial insecurity looms, the Game of Money 2.0 Conference couldn’t come at a more critical…

The Lagos State Government has partnered with Bank of Industry and Sterling Bank to launch a new financial initiative aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative, named LASMECO, will offer affordable loans with an interest rate as low as 9%, designed to foster economic growth, job creation, and support for small businesses across key sectors. Empowering MSMEs with Affordable Loans Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially unveiled the LASMECO programme during an event organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment. Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in boosting economic…

Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has raised an urgent concern regarding the increasing presence of counterfeit and substandard goods entering Nigerian markets. These products, including tyres, spark plugs, and electric lines, are being imported by economic saboteurs, posing significant risks to public safety and national economic stability. Counterfeit Goods Flooding the Nigerian Market Speaking on the growing issue, Okeke pointed out that despite SON’s ongoing efforts to curb the importation of inferior goods, items worth billions of naira continue to infiltrate the market. These goods, which fail to meet safety standards,…

“The next wave of global prosperity is rising from Africa. The seeds of tomorrow’s billion-dollar enterprises are already in the soil — come grow with us.” Around the globe — in tech boardrooms, policy roundtables, and innovation labs — one truth stands firm: entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of modern economic progress. From the tech corridors of Silicon Valley to the vibrant streets of Lagos, it is entrepreneurial energy that transforms lives, revitalizes economies, and shapes national destinies. While the usual global innovation hotspots still make headlines, a new epicenter is emerging: Africa. And at the forefront of this evolution is…

What once promised to revitalize Nigeria’s oil sector has now unraveled into a scandal of staggering proportions. A multibillion-dollar project to rehabilitate the country’s refineries has triggered outrage, arrests, and a ban on international travel for several top officials. The Nigerian Immigration Service has reportedly seized the passports of officials linked to the alleged misappropriation of $2.96 billion allocated for overhauling Nigeria’s long-dormant refineries. The travel restrictions were enforced following a directive to flag at least 16 individuals, preventing them from leaving the country amid an ongoing investigation. “We were given names and told to restrict their movement,” a source…

In a major infrastructure push, the Nigerian government has approved a $652 million financing agreement with China Exim Bank to construct a strategic roadway linking key industrial hubs in Lagos to several southern states. The approval, granted by the Federal Executive Council under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, was announced by Minister of Works, David Umahi. The project is set to create a vital transport corridor that will connect the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery—Africa’s largest refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day—and its neighboring fertilizer plant to economic centers across more than a…