Author: Gift Ifeanyi

What began as a 40th birthday celebration for Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa quickly transformed into a platform for national reflection, thought leadership, and calls for purposeful innovation. Themed “Purpose, Innovation, and Posterity,” the Abuja event gathered academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and mentees for an evening that went beyond festivity to address Nigeria’s future in a meaningful way. In his keynote speech, Dr. Obiajunwa reflected on the significance of turning 40, describing it not merely as a personal milestone but as a “symbolic moment to recommit to the nation’s most pressing needs.” “We must become a generation that builds not for applause, but…

 On June 19, 2025, Paga Group unveiled Doroki, a powerful cloud-based platform designed to revolutionise business operations for Nigeria’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The launch event, held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, introduced Doroki as a one-stop solution for SMEs seeking efficiency, growth, and digital transformation. Doroki streamlines order management, inventory tracking, payments, and customer engagement—all within a single, user-friendly interface. The platform targets operationally mature businesses in sectors such as retail, food service, salons, and grocery, enabling them to overcome common challenges like stock inconsistencies, payment reconciliation, and customer retention. “Doroki simplifies operations, provides actionable insights, and…

In a significant step towards improving Nigeria’s business and legal environment, the Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development (ESC) and the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos to formalise their strategic partnership. The two organisations have been collaborating informally since 2016, when they contributed to the Comprehensive Review of Institutional, Regulatory, Legislative, and Associated Instruments Affecting Businesses in Nigeria, conducted under the UK-DFID ENABLE2 and GEMS3 projects and led by Professor Paul Idornigie, SAN. Chairman of ESC, Kyari Bukar, described the formal agreement as a…

Nigerian banks are facing a significant financial challenge as Eurobond obligations totaling approximately $2.35 billion come due between the fourth quarter of 2025 and 2026. This debt burden, spread across five major banks, comes at a time of heightened capital pressures driven by currency devaluation, regulatory tightening, and ongoing recapitalization efforts. The earliest maturity is First Bank of Nigeria’s $350 million Senior Unsecured Eurobond, set to mature in October 2025. Issued in 2020, this was the first Eurobond from a Nigerian lender since 2017. Next is Ecobank Nigeria’s $300 million Senior Unsecured facility maturing in February 2026. The bank has…

Nigeria is set to welcome over 50 African countries as it hosts the 4th African Union (AU) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum in Abuja from June 23 to 27, 2025. The high-profile event will convene government officials, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to address key challenges facing small businesses across the continent—including limited access to finance, digital transformation, and barriers to market expansion. Organised by the African Union Commission, the forum aims to bolster the role of MSMEs in driving intra-African trade, strengthening value chains, and accelerating the continent’s economic growth. Speaking at a press briefing at the State…

In a groundbreaking moment for African creatives in the diaspora, Nigerian entrepreneur Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana and CEO of TALES Global, has received official backing from Westminster City Council for TALES 2025—a bold showcase of African craftsmanship and innovation in the heart of London. The endorsement, supported by both the City of Westminster and the New West End Company, signifies a powerful shift toward global recognition of African talent. It ensures TALES 2025 will gain prime visibility through major UK marketing channels, including Oxford Street’s official platforms, marking a significant milestone in cultural representation. Asehinde emphasized the event’s importance:…

In a major boost to Nigeria’s tech and startup landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled plans for an $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja. Spearheaded by NITDA’s Director-General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the project is a strategic collaboration between Nigeria and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with implementation support from a consortium of Japanese consulting firms—Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd. The hub, funded entirely by a JICA grant, will serve as a dynamic platform for technological advancement, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It will provide infrastructure, mentorship, and resources…

Adeyemo Olufunke, a passionate educator, counselor, and social development advocate, is leading transformative initiatives that are improving lives across Nigeria. With a Master’s in Social Work and a B.Ed in Guidance and Counseling/Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, her work spans education, health, agriculture, and entrepreneurship—driving sustainable development in both rural and urban communities. One of her most impactful collaborations with Life Builders mobilized 500 women and youth in rural Nigeria to cultivate nutrient-rich crops like Moringa Oleifera, Ugwu, and other green vegetables. This initiative not only enhanced food security and nutrition but also created income-generating opportunities.…

A Nigerian entrepreneur recently shared a troubling account: when seeking a loan to expand her business, her bank demanded both her home as collateral and 30% of the loan amount in cash—despite her property’s value far exceeding the loan. With interest rates on overdrafts as high as 33%, she’s given up on scaling. This is not an isolated case, but a reflection of the harsh financial climate facing many African businesses. Behind this lies a deeper issue: global media narratives that reinforce outdated stereotypes about Africa—portraying it as a land of risk, conflict, and instability. These perceptions, though largely inaccurate,…

In a major shift for Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem, thirteen commercial banks have fully settled their outstanding debts for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services owed to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The remaining three banks are close to finalizing their payments, having cleared over 95% of their dues. This resolution sets the stage for the nationwide adoption of a new billing model that charges customers directly from their airtime balance. This was disclosed by Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), during an ‘ASK the Exec’ virtual session hosted by MTN Nigeria. The…

The Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) has raised fresh concerns over unauthorized deductions from customer accounts, revealing that it has formally petitioned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to intervene. The disclosure was made by BCAN President, Uju Ogubunka, at the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Conference hosted by SuperNews under the theme “Power of AI: Enhancing Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction for Better Financial Services Experience.” Ogubunka criticized the ongoing migration to the end-user billing model for unstructured supplementary service data (USSD), stating that the deductions fall outside the scope of CBN-approved bank charges. He stressed that if the central bank…

The 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) has emerged as a pivotal moment for Russia-Africa relations, as high-level African delegations joined over 20,000 global participants in a powerful display of economic dialogue, partnership-building, and multilateral cooperation under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.” Held in Russia’s second-largest city, SPIEF 2025 offered African leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators an influential platform to explore trade opportunities, deepen bilateral ties, and contribute to shaping a new global economic order. The forum underscored Russia’s ambition to position itself as a reliable partner for African nations amid shifting…

As Nigerian businesses grapple with economic pressures, rising operational costs, and disjointed workflows, a powerful new tool is emerging to help them adapt—without the need for developers or complex software. Byte Cognetics, a Nigerian tech firm led by Founder and CEO Peter Ukonu, has launched Antly, Africa’s first No-Code AI Work Operating System (Work OS), aimed at transforming how organizations function. Antly is designed as an all-in-one, modular platform that enables businesses to automate tasks, manage operations, and centralize communication, all without writing a single line of code. Built specifically for African enterprises, the system supports a wide range of…

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has taken a bold step in accelerating innovation among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the disbursement of N13 million in grants to three standout startups during the 2025 Techpreneur Summit held in Lagos. The winners—BuyScrap, Qiqi Farms, and Eco-Cyclers—emerged for their groundbreaking solutions in digital recycling, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. BuyScrap received the top prize of N6 million for its digital marketplace that connects recyclers with buyers. Qiqi Farms secured N4 million for its platform that links local farmers to hospitality and export markets, while Eco-Cyclers, an Enugu-based youth-driven recycling venture, was…

Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, is spearheading a bold initiative to assemble smart electricity meters in Aba, Abia State, through a partnership with four local and international firms. The effort is set to create up to 35,000 jobs, conserve foreign exchange, and fast-track Nigeria’s metering progress. This development was disclosed by Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, Group Managing Director of Geometric Power, during a visit by the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Power and Public Utilities to the company’s headquarters in the Osisioma Industrial Layout. “By assembling the meters locally, we are creating thousands of jobs, conserving foreign…

Under 40 CEOs, Africa’s premier platform for nurturing and celebrating young business leaders, has commemorated its 10th anniversary with the launch of Volume 2 of its flagship book series, How We Made It in Africa. The event, held in Lagos, gathered a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and members of the platform’s vibrant community. Launched in 2015 as a television series, Under 40 CEOs has evolved into a far-reaching initiative that blends mentorship, funding, capacity building, and networking. It currently spans four African countries and has impacted over 1,000 emerging executives. A Decade of Stories, A Lifetime of Lessons…

Premium Times Services Limited, publisher of one of Nigeria’s leading investigative newspapers, is set to host the first edition of its Employability Summit on Thursday, June 19, in collaboration with Business School Netherlands (BSN), 7Up Bottling Company, and The SME Scale Up. Themed “Converting Nigeria’s Demography into Assets,” the summit will take place at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and is designed as an annual platform to drive bold solutions to the country’s mounting unemployment crisis, especially among the youth. Shaping the Future of Work in Nigeria With a growing population of young, energetic Nigerians, the summit aims…

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has announced a nationwide sensitisation tour, set to begin on June 23, aimed at fast-tracking reforms that improve the ease of doing business across Nigeria. According to Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, PEBEC’s Director-General, the tour will include technical sessions and town hall meetings, creating interactive platforms where business owners, investors, and the public can engage directly with government officials. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to share challenges, suggest reforms, and collaborate on solutions to enhance Nigeria’s business climate. “The goal is to foster a more conducive business environment that attracts investment and drives inclusive economic…

Ibrahim Mohammed, a member of the House of Representatives representing Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency, has introduced two legislative bills seeking the creation of two federal institutions in Kebbi State: The Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Bunza The National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education in Kalgo These proposals aim to address rising youth unemployment and enhance access to skills-based education and training. Ahead of a public hearing at the National Assembly scheduled for Thursday, the lawmaker emphasized the significance of these institutions in creating sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians. “Kalgo and Bunza will become centres of excellence…

At the 2025 Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS) held in Abuja, leading voices in Africa’s oil and gas sector—including the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) and Nigeria LNG (NLNG)—issued urgent calls for increased investment in pipeline infrastructure, warning that the continent’s massive gas reserves risk remaining untapped. A Continent Rich in Gas, Poor in Pipelines APPO Secretary General Omar Farouk stressed that despite Africa’s 600 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, lack of infrastructure—particularly pipeline networks—continues to strand these resources. “Nigeria has only about 7,000km of gas pipelines, compared to France’s 37,000km, even though Nigeria has nearly four times…