Author: Gift Ifeanyi

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries worldwide, the Project Management Institute (PMI) Nigeria Chapter commemorated its 20th anniversary with a high-level conference addressing how project managers can navigate digital transformation in Africa’s evolving landscape. Held from June 18 to 20, 2025, at the Civic Centre in Lagos, the conference adopted the forward-thinking theme: “Navigating the Digital Age – AI and Project Management in Africa’s Changing Landscape.” The gathering attracted professionals from across sectors, all focused on embracing AI to enhance project delivery, strategy, and efficiency. Reimagining Project Leadership in a Digital Era A highlight of the event was the keynote…

The African Diaspora Network (ADN), in partnership with Myriad USA, has launched the African Diaspora Innovation Fund (AfDIF), a new funding initiative aimed at supporting impactful entrepreneurs across the African continent and the global African diaspora. The announcement was made during the 10th anniversary of the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS25), held at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Despite Africa’s vast natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit, persistent barriers such as limited access to funding, high youth unemployment, and underinvestment in essential sectors continue to hinder inclusive development. AfDIF aims to address some of these gaps by providing targeted financial…

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening economic reforms and infrastructure development as Gombe State continues to lead Nigeria in sub-national business-friendly governance. This came during a strategic stakeholder engagement session hosted by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which also featured a statewide town hall meeting aimed at aligning state-level reforms with national economic goals. Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, Governor Yahaya described the engagement as both timely and essential to reinforcing the state’s efforts in improving its regulatory and investment climate. “Our recognition as Nigeria’s top-ranking state in Ease…

Cocoa prices climbed to $8,796 per ton during midweek trading on the U.S. futures market, reflecting growing global demand and tightening supplies. This surge offers a promising outlook for Nigeria, which is looking to reposition cocoa as a cornerstone of its non-oil economy. A historic global supply shortfall, combined with speculative buying and ongoing U.S. tariffs, has significantly buoyed cocoa prices. Although global inventories are expanding, climate disruptions and tariff uncertainty continue to pose risks to stability in the market. Nigeria’s Cocoa Ambitions Currently ranked as the sixth-largest cocoa exporter in the world, Nigeria produced 280,000 metric tons by the…

President Bola Tinubu has projected that Nigeria could become a net exporter to China within the next five years, following Beijing’s landmark decision to eliminate tariffs on imports from 53 African nations—including Nigeria. The zero-tariff policy, which grants African exporters duty-free access to the Chinese market for a wide range of products—including agricultural goods, cosmetics, and personal care items—was implemented last week and is expected to reshape bilateral trade dynamics. Speaking at the Nigeria-China Sustainable Business, Bilateral Trade and Investment Summit in Lagos, Tinubu, represented by Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, emphasized the potential of this policy…

At the 2025 US-Africa Business Summit held on June 24 in Luanda, Angola, African leaders and US officials held a sweeping round of strategic discussions touching on diplomacy, trade, regional peace, and infrastructure development. Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser for Africa to former President Donald Trump, joined a 30-member US delegation led by Troy Fitrell, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Their packed schedule included bilateral talks, commercial agreements, and updates on efforts to stabilize the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Key African dignitaries attending the closed-door sessions included the AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Presidents of…

Damola Adamolekun, the dynamic CEO of Red Lobster, is fast becoming one of the most influential leaders in the global hospitality landscape. With a bold blend of strategic precision and cultural fluency, he is not only revitalizing the iconic seafood chain but also setting a new benchmark for leadership across industries. Named one of Fortune Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Leaders,” Adamolekun is ushering in a new era for Red Lobster—one centered on deepening customer loyalty, modernizing the brand without erasing its heritage, and driving sustained financial performance. Rebuilding a Legacy with Vision and Precision At the helm of Red Lobster, Adamolekun…

As Nigeria’s living costs continue to climb, side hustles have moved from being optional add-ons to essential survival strategies. Across homes in Lagos, Kano, Aba, and beyond, everyday Nigerians are transforming kitchens, phones, and spare rooms into sources of steady income. With minimal capital and maximum creativity, they’re proving that success doesn’t always start with a storefront. Here are five realistic, low-capital side businesses gaining momentum in Nigeria this year: 1. Smart Importation & Dropshipping With as little as ₦10,000 to ₦30,000, individuals are importing products like fashion items, household gadgets, and accessories directly from global platforms such as 1688…

For years, the word “insurance” in Nigeria triggered eye rolls, skepticism, and outright avoidance. It was often dismissed as a foreign concept—distant, bureaucratic, and unreliable. Many Nigerians saw it as a luxury for the elite or a gamble that rarely paid off. But today, that narrative is shifting. A digital revolution is transforming the insurance landscape, bringing protection closer to home—literally into the hands of everyday people through their smartphones. From health and life coverage to auto and property plans, more Nigerians are embracing insurance—not just because of growing awareness, but because of technology that makes it seamless, simple, and…

For seven years, Ismatu built a thriving poultry enterprise in Northern Nigeria—an operation that not only sustained her family but also financed multiple degrees. But when she moved to the South with her life savings, expecting to replicate that success, everything unraveled. As told to Aisha Bello I ran a successful poultry business in the North. It paid school fees, put food on the table, and helped me earn multiple degrees. But when my family and I relocated to the South in 2024 with ₦2 million in savings, I watched it all slip away. I began poultry farming in 2013…

In today’s Nigeria, academic degrees no longer guarantee financial success. What truly pays—and pays well—are practical, high-income skills that match the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. As companies shift their focus from credentials to competence, skilled Nigerians are now earning ₦500,000 to over ₦2 million monthly—whether locally or through remote international gigs. If you’re aiming for financial independence and want to secure roles that truly pay, here are 10 high-value skills that are not only in demand but also accessible, even without formal education. 1. Software Engineering (₦500K – ₦2.5M/month) Software engineers power the apps and systems we…

Nigeria’s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector is set for a major leap, with market projections estimating a value of $2.61 billion by 2030, up from $1.42 billion in 2024. This surge represents a staggering 83% growth in six years, driven by the expanding influence of fintech firms and digital financial tools. This insight comes from The State of Enterprise 2025 Report by EnterpriseNGR, which explores how technology and innovation are reshaping the financial and business landscape across Nigeria. Rapid BNPL Expansion Reflects Digital Credit Revolution According to the report, the BNPL model has grown at a compound annual growth…

Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history—one shaped by a rapidly evolving digital economy and an unparalleled youth demographic. With over 60% of Nigerians under the age of 25, the country has the potential to harness this energetic, tech-savvy population to ignite economic transformation on a global scale. But achieving this vision requires one key enabler: strategic, inclusive, and accessible digital learning. As digital industries such as fintech, e-commerce, and digital services continue to flourish—making Nigeria Africa’s most funded tech ecosystem—equipping the youth with future-ready skills is no longer optional. It’s essential. In 2021 alone, Nigeria’s fintech sector…

When Irene Nwaukwa launched Infinity Health Africa, entrepreneurship was the last thing on her mind. Just a month prior, she was telling anyone who would listen that she had no intention of starting a business. But fate had other plans. “I never planned to be an entrepreneur,” she admits. “One month before, I was still saying I wouldn’t go into business.” Yet, spurred by the encouragement of colleagues and mentors, Nwaukwa took the plunge—setting out to improve access to innovative healthcare products and services across Africa. What began as an ambitious data initiative evolved into something far more essential: solving…

Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has urged young Nigerian entrepreneurs to shift focus from chasing short-term wealth to building sustainable systems that can drive national progress and long-term prosperity. Speaking to a gathering of emerging business leaders, Ekeh drew from his extensive journey in the tech industry, offering insights on leadership, nation-building, and legacy. Turning Down Silicon Valley for Nigeria Ekeh, who studied at the University of Punjab and completed a postgraduate program in computer science at Cork City University, Ireland, shared a defining moment in his career—rejecting job offers from global tech giants like Apple in Silicon…

Nigerian startup founders now have a golden opportunity to compete on the world stage, as applications for the 2025 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) are officially open. With over $1 million in cash prizes and substantial investment opportunities available, early-stage entrepreneurs stand a chance to secure up to $250,000 in funding. A Global Stage for Visionary Entrepreneurs Co-hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Saudi Arabia’s Monsha’at (Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority), the EWC is one of the largest and most inclusive startup pitch competitions globally. Since its inception in 2019, the program has awarded more than $4 million…

As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand at a rapid pace—fueled by rising internet penetration and mobile adoption—performance marketing has become a cornerstone of business growth. Marketing spending in the country is surging, with estimates projecting an 18.7% annual increase and a total market value reaching ₦605.2 billion (US$406 million) by 2025. At the forefront of this shift is John Onuorah, a performance marketing strategist whose work is redefining how Nigerian startups scale through precision, creativity, and analytics. A Data-Led Journey Through Nigeria’s Startup Ecosystem Known professionally as John Onuorah, he has spent the last three years driving growth for…

Two of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy companies, Heirs Energies Limited and Renaissance Africa Energy Company, have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape through innovation, synergy, and homegrown leadership. The commitment was formalized during a high-level courtesy visit by Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, to the leadership of Renaissance, led by Tony Attah, Managing Director. This visit marked the first formal engagement between both entities following Renaissance’s recent transition. A Shared Vision for Indigenous-Led Transformation During the meeting, Igiehon emphasized the crucial role indigenous companies must play in shaping Nigeria’s energy future: “We are…

Mastercard is accelerating its expansion across Africa, aligning its strategy with the continent’s fast-growing digital payments market—projected to surpass $1.5 trillion by 2030, according to a new Genesis Analytics report commissioned by the company. The report highlights Africa’s favorable digital outlook, fueled by rising internet penetration, increasing financial inclusion, and growing consumer demand for secure, cashless transactions. In response, Mastercard is ramping up investments in fintech infrastructure, support for small businesses, and cross-border payment technologies, positioning itself as a catalyst in Africa’s digital financial revolution. “Africa stands at the threshold of a digital economic revolution. We are investing in the…

BAS Group, a Nigerian investment firm with interests spanning healthcare, finance, and micro-insurance, has acquired a controlling stake in Zuvy Technologies, a Lagos-based fintech startup providing invoice discounting solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the financial terms of the all-cash deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition grants BAS more than 50% ownership and full operational control. As part of the transaction, all institutional investors in Zuvy have exited, while co-founders Angel Onuoha and Ahmad Shehu will retain minority stakes but are stepping away from day-to-day management. Expanding Access to SME Credit The acquisition strengthens BAS Group’s ambitions in Nigeria’s…