Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Lagos State is taking bold steps to combat unemployment and empower small businesses with Project 100K Jobs, a new initiative by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). Running from August to November 2025, the campaign will visit 12 locations across the state, offering business loans, job placements, and strategic partnerships to residents. Key Benefits of Project 100K Jobs  Affordable Loans – Small businesses can access 9% interest rate loans with no collateral, flexible repayment, and minimal requirements (BVN, LASRAA ID, and 6-month bank statement). Job Placements – Job seekers in formal and informal sectors will be connected with employment opportunities. Partnership Opportunities – Organizations can collaborate with LSETF to expand impact (contact: info@lsetf.ng). Who Can Apply?…

Nigeria’s digital economy is getting a major boost thanks to Melvin Abia, a tech entrepreneur helping businesses harness technology through his company, Gidiwebs. As a web developer, UX/UI designer, and founder, Abia is on a mission to simplify digital transformation for brands, startups, and entrepreneurs—regardless of their industry. Gidiwebs delivers tailored websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms for sectors like real estate, agriculture, e-commerce, and logistics. These tools are designed to enhance visibility, attract customers, and drive revenue growth. “We’re closing the gap between businesses and technology,” Abia explains. “Digital transformation shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be within reach for everyone.” A standout offering is the “Build Your MVP…

Dangote Cement Plc has called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to deliver affordable mass housing for Nigerians, even as it expands its pan-African presence with a new 3Mta grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire. Speaking at the Africa International Housing Show, Dolapo Alli, National Sales Director of Dangote Cement, emphasized that tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit requires innovative financing and policy incentives, such as tax waivers and public-private partnerships (PPPs). “Mass housing has proven effective globally in easing urbanization pressures,” Alli noted. “While the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Initiative is commendable, scaling up requires private sector involvement—through PPPs, streamlined regulations, and creative funding models.” Nigeria’s housing gap remains…

MTN Nigeria is doubling down on its promise to deliver authentic, customer-driven experiences, blending innovation with meaningful engagement to empower Nigerians digitally. At its recent Customer Engagement Day (CED), the telecom giant connected directly with users—both online and offline—through tech demos, fireside chats, startup pitches, and mentorship sessions. The event also showcased MTN’s fintech arm, MoMo PSB, alongside deep dives into content creation and emerging technologies. A Network Built for Ambition Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, stressed the company’s focus on quality over cost: “Nigeria already has some of the world’s most affordable data, but we’re investing in consistency and reliability because that’s what…

Cross River State’s airline, Cally Air, is set to expand its operations after leasing two Bombardier CRJ1000 aircraft from Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG)—a move expected to boost regional connectivity and infrastructure in Nigeria’s southern region. The deal, finalized on July 25, was facilitated by AFG Aviation Ireland, with legal advisory from ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode. The two aircraft (registration numbers MSN 19004 & MSN 19009) can each carry 100 passengers, offering increased capacity for domestic and regional routes. Why It Matters Enhanced Connectivity: The new jets will improve air travel access within Cross River State and neighboring regions. Economic Growth: More flights could stimulate tourism and business travel in southern Nigeria. Strategic…

Nigerian banks must urgently modernize their systems to meet the August 2025 launch of open banking, global consulting firm KPMG has warned. In a new report titled ‘Modernising Core Banking Systems,’ KPMG highlights the risks of clinging to outdated infrastructure as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) prepares to roll out open banking—a system allowing secure sharing of customer financial data between banks and third-party providers (TPPs) via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Why Open Banking Matters Customer Empowerment: Users can share transaction history, credit scores, and account details with approved fintechs for tailored services. Innovation Boost: Enables products like virtual accounts, smart cards, and instant cross-border payments. Financial Inclusion: Leverages alternative data (e.g., mobile usage, utility…

Lagos, Nigeria – Ten African fintech companies have been named among the World’s Top Fintech Firms (2025) by CNBC and Statista, spotlighting the continent’s dominance in payments, alternative finance, and wealth tech. Africa’s Fintech Elite  Nigeria (5): Interswitch (Payments, Unicorn) Moniepoint (Payments, Unicorn) Opay (Payments, Unicorn) PalmPay (Payments) PiggyVest (Wealth Tech)  Egypt (2): Fawry (Payments, Unicorn) Paymob (Payments)  Kenya (2): M-Kopa (Alternative Finance) Tala (Alternative Finance)  South Africa (1): Yoco (Payments) Why This Matters  Financial Inclusion: These firms serve millions of unbanked Africans. Global Recognition: Africa now rivals Silicon Valley in fintech innovation. Economic Impact: Combined, they process billions annually and employ thousands. “This isn’t just about rankings—it’s proof Africa is rewriting fintech’s future,” said Mitchell Elegbe, Interswitch founder.

Lagos, Nigeria – The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, Alibaba’s flagship philanthropic initiative, has announced its 2025 Top 50 finalists—showcasing a record-breaking surge in grassroots innovation across all 54 African nations. Key Highlights  Historic Participation: 32,000+ applications (300% spike from underrepresented countries like Somalia, South Sudan). Diverse Representation: Finalists span 17 countries, with 36% female founders and 10% Francophone entrepreneurs. Tech-Driven Impact: AI, fintech, and agritech dominate sectors tackling finance, healthcare, and climate challenges. “These founders prove African innovation isn’t just local—it’s globally scalable,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, ABH Africa MD. What’s Next?  Virtual Bootcamp: Top 50 undergo training on AI, investment readiness (August). Semi-Finale: Shortlisted 20 pitch in Dakar (September 10–11). Grand Finale:…

Bauchi, Nigeria – A groundbreaking book, Blueprints for Value Creation by Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, is revolutionizing innovation education across Nigerian universities, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world problem-solving. Why Universities Are Raving  Holistic Framework: 14 chapters cover idea generation → business modeling → sustainability. Practical Approach: Uses African case studies to teach scalable innovation. Cross-Disciplinary Impact: Applied in health, engineering, agritech, and education. “It demystifies innovation—finally, a roadmap students can actually use,” says Dr. Isah Yakub Mohammed (ATBU-BOI Innovation Hub). Key Endorsements Dr. Nura Suleiman (UMYU, Katsina): “I paused every chapter to jot down actionable ideas.” Dr. Bamiro Saka (LASU): “A masterpiece for Nigeria’s next-gen innovators.” ATBU Tech Hub: Now using it as mandatory…

Abuja, Nigeria – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for a radical shift in Nigeria’s national honours system, urging the government to prioritize entrepreneurs and productive citizens over politicians for top awards like the GCFR and GCON. Key Points from Obi’s Speech  Award Reform: “National honours should go to job creators like Igbinedion, not just officeholders.”  Igbinedion’s Legacy: Praised the billionaire for employing 17,000+ Nigerians across aviation, education.  Productivity Crisis: “If Nigeria prioritized production, we’d have 20M+ more jobs today.” “We celebrate the wrong people,” Obi declared at the launch of The Chronicles of a Legend, a biography of business mogul Gabriel Igbinedion. “Imagine if we honoured those who actually build economies.” Why This Matters  Current…

Lagos, Nigeria – With Nigerians spending 4+ hours daily on mobile apps and the country ranking 6th globally for downloads, marketers must pivot to app-centric strategies or risk irrelevance in Africa’s largest digital economy. 7 App Marketing Must-Dos for Nigerian Brands  Unify the Journey Merge web & app experiences (e.g., cart recovery via deep links).  Prioritize App Users They spend 3x more than web visitors (e.g., food delivery app power users).  Harness 1st-Party Data Fintech apps use spending patterns to personalize offers.  Track Cross-Platform Google Analytics 4 reveals if users search on web but book in-app.  Convert Web to App Google’s Web-to-App Connect skips friction (e.g., “affordable phones” ad…

Lagos, Nigeria – As global entertainment spending rebounds to $61.7B by 2029, savvy Nigerian entrepreneurs are tapping into unconventional ventures that blend fun with profit. Here’s your playbook for breaking into this lucrative sector: 5 Standout Entertainment Business Ideas Escape Rooms Startup Cost: ₦2M–₦5M (themed rooms, puzzles) Profit Potential: ₦150K–₦500K/month from team-building bookings Niche Twist: Offer Yoruba folklore or Lagos history themes. Mobile Game Trucks Investment: ₦3M (customized van + arcade consoles) Earnings: ₦80K–₦250K/event (birthdays, corporate gigs) Upsell: Add VR gaming for premium pricing. Rage Rooms Setup: ₦1.5M (safe space, smashable items) Fee: ₦5K–₦15K per 30-minute stress-busting session Viral Appeal: Perfect for social media marketing. Niche Tour Guides Low-Cost…

Toronto, Canada – Nigerian mobility startup Treepz has crossed continents, launching operations in Canada with a landmark partnership to provide transport services for the University of Toronto’s African Impact Initiative—marking one of the first African tech-led transport expansions into a developed market. Why This Expansion Matters  Global Ambitions: Rare North American entry for an African mobility startup, signaling ecosystem maturity. Strategic First Client: University deal covers annual Africa-bound student trips, ensuring steady revenue. Investor Backing: Supported by Google, Techstars, and Brampton’s city government. “This proves African startups can build globally competitive platforms,” said Treepz CEO Onyeka Akumah. Treepz by the Numbers  5M+ customers across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda…

Lagos, Nigeria – As economic pressures mount, innovative Nigerians are turning small budgets into big opportunities with these five low-cost business ideas dominating 2025: Top 5 Profitable Micro-Ventures Urban Micro Gardening Startup Cost: ₦30K–₦80K (seeds, LED grow lights) Profit Potential: ₦15K–₦50K weekly selling herbs to restaurants Why It Works: Demand for organic, hyper-local produce is surging. Custom Digital Invites/Graphics Tools Needed: Free design apps + Canva Pro (₦4K/month) Earnings: ₦2K–₦5K per project (event flyers, social media banners) Bonus: Zero overhead – work from anywhere. Mobile Phone Repair Initial Investment: ₦50K (toolkit, spare parts) Markup: 20–30% on repairs; ₦10K–₦30K profit/week Growth Hack: Offer doorstep services via Instagram ads. Gourmet Home…

Lagos, Nigeria – The Presidential Committee on Tax Reform has declared war on Nigeria’s chaotic tax system, revealing plans to eliminate over 60 redundant levies – including infamous “wheelbarrow taxes” – and overhaul revenue sharing between tiers of government. Key Proposals  Scrap LG “nuisance taxes”: Wheelbarrow/bicycle levies to be outlawed VAT Revolution: Federal collection, but 90% goes to states Single LGA Tax: Councils to receive shares from FG/state revenues instead of multiple collections Block New Illegal Levies: Stop NASS from creating inconsistent taxes *”We’re using 19th-century laws in a 21st-century economy,”* said Taiwo Oyedele, Committee Chairman, at an NCC event. “Reform isn’t about revenue grabs – it’s…

Lagos, Nigeria – Gender advocate Favour Tuzzi Atuzie has issued a bold call for structural reparations to address the historic exclusion of African women, urging governments to prioritize land rights, fair wages, and leadership equity over symbolic gestures. Key Demands  Land Ownership: Secure property rights for women farmers Pay Equity: Close gender wage gaps continent-wide Narrative Justice: Rewrite school curricula to highlight women’s roles in liberation struggles Funding Access: Direct capital to women-led businesses and innovations “Reparations aren’t just about money—they’re about restoring stolen agency,” said Atuzie, CEO of Lightbulb Consults, during Pan-African Women’s Day observances. Why It Matters  Historical Erasure: Women spearheaded anti-colonial movements but were sidelined…

Abuja, Nigeria – SheVentures, the women-focused banking arm of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has teamed up with the Women Enterprise Alliance (WENA) to boost female entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s Northcentral region. The partnership will provide funding, training, and market access to over 150 women-led SMEs, with top performers securing grants up to ₦5 million. Key Benefits for Women Entrepreneurs  Access to Finance: Low-interest loans and investor grants Capacity Building: Business training and mentorship programs Market Expansion: Networking opportunities with industry leaders Top-Tier Rewards: ₦5M grants for the three highest-performing SMEs “Empowering women isn’t charity—it’s smart economics,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head of SheVentures. “When women thrive, communities prosper.” Why This Matters  SME…

Lagos, Nigeria – In a major shift for Nigeria’s beverage industry, UAC of Nigeria has acquired Chivita Hollandia (Chi Ltd) from The Coca-Cola Company, marking a strategic pivot for both corporations. Deal Highlights  Asset-Light Shift: Coca-Cola offloads non-core dairy/juice business to focus on scalable brands Local Expansion: UAC adds Chivita juices and Hollandia dairy to its portfolio (Gala, Swan Water, Mr Bigg’s) Growth Potential: UAC plans to leverage Chi Ltd’s market-leading position for further innovation “This acquisition aligns with our vision to dominate Nigeria’s food and beverage space,” said Fola Aiyesimoju, UAC’s Group MD. Why It Matters  Coca-Cola’s Strategy: Follows $1B Nigeria investment plan for core brands (e.g., Coke, Sprite)  UAC’s Ambition:…

Lagos, Nigeria – As financial pressures mount, Nigerian fintech Branch is challenging the stigma around loans with its #FUNdedWithBranch campaign, reframing credit as a tool for dignity rather than desperation. Why This Matters  Breaking Taboos: Campaign uses skits and user stories to normalize financial support for life’s ups and downs. All-in-One App: Offers loans, transfers, bill payments, and a debit card—all without paperwork or queues. Credit Education: Bite-sized videos explain loan literacy and credit scores in relatable terms. “Financial help shouldn’t come with shame,” says Dayo Odulate-Ademola, Branch Nigeria’s MD. “Whether it’s school fees or a spontaneous trip, we’re here to say: Your needs are valid.” The Bigger Shift…

Lagos, Nigeria – MTN Nigeria is one strong quarter away from fully recovering N192.9 billion in retained losses caused by 2023–2024’s naira crisis, as its data-driven rebound gains momentum. The Turnaround Blueprint  H1 2025 Results: N622B pre-tax profit (vs. N607B retained loss in Dec 2024) 69% surge in data revenue (N1.23T) – now 50% of total income Net FX losses down 99% (N887B → N5.2B year-on-year)  Projection: If Q3 mirrors H1’s N183.7B quarterly profit, MTN could exit loss territory by September. How MTN Did It  Data Goldmine: 42M+ users driving N4T annual revenue run rate Cost Cutting: Renegotiated tower leases, slashed infrastructure spend FX Stability: Naira’s calm lets MTN breathe after $1.3B 2024…