Thursday 31 October 2024
2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final Delivers €23 Million Economic Boost to Basque Country
The 2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) final has made a significant economic impact of €23 million (approximately US$25 million) for the Basque Country, according to reports by three local authorities. The remarkable return on investment (ROI) is 17 times greater than the budget allocated by the regional institutions.
Adesina and Banga Rally Global Action Against Hunger at 2024 Borlaug Dialogue
In an impactful start to the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, and Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, underscored the urgent need for enhanced global efforts to combat hunger in Africa. Their remarks came during the opening plenary session, titled "Achieving a Hunger-Free World," on October 29, where they highlighted the detrimental impact of conflict, economic instability, and climate change on food security.
Emirates Unveils Exclusive Boarding Pass for Dubai Experiences Through 2025
Emirates has announced the launch of the My Emirates Pass, an exclusive boarding pass initiative that offers travelers exciting perks during their journey to Dubai and the UAE. Effective from November 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, this special pass allows passengers to access remarkable discounts on dining, family activities, luxurious spa treatments, high-end shopping, private pool access, and more.
MTN Nigeria Reports 65.6% Decline in Pre-Tax Profit, Surges in Service Revenue
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTNN) has unveiled its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024 (Q3-24), revealing a staggering 65.6% year-on-year decline in pre-tax profit, amounting to NGN 37.66 billion. The company’s profit after tax fell sharply by 94.2% year-on-year to NGN 4.13 billion, following a significant tax expense of NGN 33.53 billion.
FIFA Signs First Sponsor for Club World Cup Amid Disputes with Adidas and Coca-Cola
FIFA's Club World Cup has secured its first sponsor, giving the tournament a vital boost as it prepares for its revamped and expanded format. Hisense, a leading electronic appliance brand and a FIFA partner since 2017, has signed on just months before the 32-team competition is set to debut in the U.S. next summer.
FBN Holdings Reports 126% Surge in Pre-Tax Profits to N610.9 Billion for First Nine Months of 2024
FBN Holdings (FBNH) has announced a significant financial performance in its unaudited nine-month results for 2024, with pre-tax profits soaring by 126% to N610.9 billion from the same period in 2023. The substantial increase reflects the bank's ability to leverage the favorable interest rate environment.
Tega Oghenejobo Appointed President of Mavin Global
LG Makes the Top 100 in Interbrand’s 2024 Best Global Brands Report
...Achieves 38% Growth in Brand Value
LG Electronics (LG) has made significant strides in brand recognition, securing the 97th spot in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2024 report with an estimated brand value of USD 6.5 billion. This ranking reflects a year-over-year increase of 38.7% in brand value, highlighting LG’s strengthened business and brand competitiveness.
Access Holdings Reports 79.1% Surge in Net Profits to N440.6 Billion for 9M 2024
Access Holdings (ACCESSCORP) has released its unaudited financial results for the first nine months of 2024, posting a remarkable 79.1% year-over-year increase in net profits to N440.6 billion. This growth was largely fueled by a 128.7% year-over-year rise in interest income and a 122.1% increase in fees and commission income.
Bamboo Expands to Canada, Launching Fee-Free Remittance Service for African Diaspora
Bamboo, the Y Combinator-backed investment app that empowers Africans to trade both local and global stocks, has expanded into Canada after securing a Money Service Business (MSB) license. Alongside its core investment services, Bamboo is launching Coins by Bamboo, a new remittance service that offers fee-free transfers and competitive exchange rates to streamline money transfers from the African diaspora to the continent.
Africa Tech Festival 2024 Expands with YALI Expo, Welcomes Trevor Noah Foundation as Strategic Partner
Informa Tech, the organizer of the 27th annual Africa Tech Festival, has announced the addition of the YALI Alumni Expo and Trade Show (The YALI Expo) to the 2024 event lineup. Originally established by the USAID Young African Leaders Initiative, the YALI Expo brings together alumni who are driving impactful change across Africa. This year’s expo will showcase innovations and foster networking opportunities aimed at creating sustainable solutions within communities.
Disney Secures Rights to Host the GRAMMYs in 10-Year Partnership with the Recording Academy
Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. revealed today a landmark 10-year global deal positioning Disney as the new home for the GRAMMY Awards starting in 2027. This arrangement grants exclusive broadcasting rights across ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, making The Walt Disney Company the first new home of “Music’s Biggest Night” in half a century.
What is the Buzz About Sofri USSD? Here’s the Scoop!
In a world where everyone’s on the go, taking time for complex banking apps or dealing with spotty internet isn’t ideal. Sofri USSD changes the game, bringing banking right to your fingertips with just a simple code: 7232222#. Now, with no need for an internet connection, you have instant access to a variety of financial services in seconds.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Canon Celebrates Exceptional Partners at Annual Dealer Conference in Dubai
Canon recently hosted its annual dealer conference at the Hilton Habtoor City in Dubai, recognizing and celebrating its top-performing partners across Africa. Themed “ICE: Innovation, Customer, and Experience,” the event brought together 144 channel partners, system integrators, and value-added resellers, underscoring Canon’s commitment to collaboration, growth, and innovation in the imaging industry.
IBM Unveils Granite 3.0: High-Performance AI Models Built for Business Innovation
IBM has launched Granite 3.0, its most advanced suite of AI models to date, built to drive top-tier performance for businesses. Granite 3.0, IBM’s latest third-generation language model family, excels in both industry and academic benchmarks, standing out for its powerful performance, transparency, and safety, often matching or outperforming comparable models from other leading providers.
Moniepoint Raises $110 Million to Drive Growth of Digital Payments and Banking Solutions Across Africa
Moniepoint, Africa’s fastest-growing fintech, has raised $110 million in Series C equity funding to expand its innovative digital banking and payment services for millions of businesses and consumers across Africa. Founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Moniepoint, previously known as TeamApt, initially focused on infrastructure for financial institutions but has since evolved into Nigeria’s leading business banking provider.
The Overlooked Half: How Short-Term Marketing ROI Misses Long-Term Gains
A recent report from WARC and Google, Beyond the Horizon: The Holistic Path to Measuring Media Investments, emphasizes that effective marketing strategies require a balanced view of both immediate and sustained impact. With the industry heavily focused on short-term ROI, brands risk underestimating the full value of their media investments, leading to less-informed budget decisions. Marketing Mix Modelling (MMM) is highlighted as a key tool for achieving a more comprehensive understanding of returns.
Saturday 26 October 2024
PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Appoints Felix Nnamdi Enwemadu as General Manager
...Opens New Office in Lagos
PepsiCo has appointed Felix Nnamdi Enwemadu as the General Manager of its Foods business in Nigeria, marking a significant step in its strategic investment in the Nigerian market. The announcement comes alongside the opening of a new, state-of-the-art corporate office in Ikeja, Lagos, underscoring PepsiCo’s dedication to growth in the region.
Tuesday 22 October 2024
LG InstaView Refrigerator: Innovative Features for Freshness, Hygiene, and Health
The launch of the LG InstaView refrigerator introduced a new era in home refrigeration, combining advanced technology, exceptional energy efficiency, and unmatched convenience to transform how households interact with their appliances. The LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator does more than just keep food fresh. It's a perfect mix of modern technology and everyday usefulness, taking cooking to a whole new level of sophistication and ease.
Publicis Groupe Shines at the 2024 Loeries Awards
Publicis Groupe Middle East and Africa (MEA) has been named the 2024 Regional Agency Group of the Year at the prestigious Loeries, highlighting its dominance in the advertising industry. The award celebrates the agency's innovation and creative excellence across multiple regions, solidifying its leadership in the sector.
Nigeria Aims for Election to IMO Council as Maritime Leader
Nigeria has officially declared its intention to seek election into Category "C" of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, signalling its growing influence in global maritime affairs. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement during the 2024 World Maritime Day event in Barcelona, Spain.
Equinix Completes MainOne Integration, Strengthening Its Nigerian Data Center Footprint
Equinix, a leading global data center and colocation service provider, has successfully completed the integration of Nigerian connectivity company MainOne, two years after a $320 million acquisition in 2022. The move solidifies Equinix's strategic position in Nigeria’s rapidly growing data center market.
LG WashTower: A High-Performance, Space-Saving Laundry Solution with Advanced Features
As global demand grows for sustainable living, energy efficiency, and minimalist design, companies are reshaping their product offerings to stay competitive and meet consumer expectations. At the forefront of this shift in the home appliance market is LG Electronics with its cutting-edge WashTower - a high-performance, space-saving laundry solution designed for today's urban households.
Monday 21 October 2024
Stripe Finalizes $1.1 Billion Acquisition of Stablecoin Platform Bridge in Historic Deal
Stripe, the leading payments company, has officially acquired stablecoin platform Bridge in a record-breaking $1.1 billion transaction, making it the largest acquisition in the cryptocurrency industry to date. The news was confirmed by TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington via a tweet on October 20, 2024, stating, "This deal is done. $1.1b."
Japan and African Development Bank Mark 30 Years of Strategic Partnership Through Japan-Backed Trust Fund
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has marked the 30th anniversary of the Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG), a Japan-backed bilateral trust fund established in 1994. The fund has played a pivotal role in Africa’s development, supporting over 100 transformative projects aimed at bolstering human capital across the continent.
Sunday 20 October 2024
Mobile World Congress Kigali 2024 to Highlight Connectivity’s Role in Africa’s Socio-Economic Growth
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) organised by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) is set to return to the Kigali Convention Center from October 29-31, 2024, as Africa’s premier connectivity event. Bringing together innovators and political leaders, the event will focus on advancing the digital economy and fostering socio-economic development across the continent.
Thursday 17 October 2024
Vantage Capital Secures €66M Investment Deal with Camusat to Drive Telecom Expansion and Sustainability in Africa
Vantage Capital, Africa’s largest mezzanine fund manager, has announced the completion of a €66 million mezzanine investment in Camusat Holding S.A.S. The investment will help refinance debt and support the expansion of Camusat's AktivCo division, which focuses on infrastructure for mobile network operators (MNOs). This deal is part of a larger €81 million financing package, which includes contributions from Eurazeo, a leading European investment group.
Yellow Card Secures $33M in Series C Funding Led by Blockchain Capital to Drive Expansion Across Africa
Yellow Card, the pioneering stablecoin platform and the first to be licensed in Africa, has successfully raised $33 million in a Series C funding round. This equity round was led by Blockchain Capital, with notable participation from investors such as Polychain Capital, Third Prime Ventures, Castle Island Ventures, Block, Inc., Galaxy Ventures, Blockchain Coinvestors, Hutt Capital, and Winklevoss Capital.
First Judges Announced for WARC Awards Middle East & Africa 2025
WARC, the global leader in marketing effectiveness, has unveiled the first group of judges for the 2025 WARC Awards for Middle East & Africa, in partnership with LIONS. The prestigious awards celebrate the region's most effective and strategic marketing campaigns that have driven significant business growth.
Redefining the Disconnect in Strategic Communication between the Nigerian Government and the People
By Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan
The relationship between the government and the governed is pivotal for the progress and growth of any society. When the government fails to effectively communicate its policies, programs, and initiatives to the citizens, it only deepens the distrust and disconnect between them.
Wednesday 16 October 2024
CBN Signs New Code to Boost Financial Inclusion for Women Entrepreneurs
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a new code to enhance financing opportunities for women entrepreneurs, a step aimed at advancing financial inclusion across the country. Speaking during the 30th Nigeria Economic Summit (NES30) in Abuja on Wednesday, CBN Governor Mr. Yemi Cardoso emphasised the initiative’s potential to expand access to financial services for women, in partnership with the Development Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Industry.
VFS Global Named Exclusive Biometric Collection Provider for Australian Visa Applicants in Sub-Saharan Africa
VFS Global has been appointed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to roll out biometric collection centres across Sub-Saharan Africa. This appointment solidifies VFS Global’s role as the exclusive provider of biometric services for Australian visa applicants in all nine global regions, including the Americas, Europe, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, Pacific, South Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia, and now Sub-Saharan Africa.
AREWA24 Expands to Four New West African Markets Through Canal+ Partnership
AREWA24, the leading 24-hour Hausa-language entertainment and lifestyle channel in West Africa, has announced a major broadcast expansion into four new countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo. The expansion was made possible through a strategic partnership with CANAL+ International, with AREWA24 now available on CANAL+ Channel 297.
Tuesday 15 October 2024
IHS Towers to Restore NCC Innovation Park in Kano – Minister Bosun Tijani
In a major step toward revitalizing Nigeria's digital infrastructure, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has revealed that IHS Towers, a leading telecommunications infrastructure company, has committed to rebuilding the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Innovation Park in Kano. The facility, which was looted and vandalized during the August 1, 2024 '#EndBadGovernance' protests, plays a vital role in enhancing Nigeria's standing in the global digital economy.
AVCA’s Sustainable Investing Summit Spurs Action on Mobilising Private Capital for Africa’s Growth
The African Private Capital Association (AVCA) hosted its third Sustainable Investing in Africa Summit (SIAS), bringing together over 150 global leaders, investors, and change agents to ignite discussions on advancing sustainable investment across the continent. The one-day summit explored innovative approaches to mobilising local and global capital, pushing for immediate action on climate change and inclusive growth in Africa.
Africa's Renewable Energy Push Gains Momentum at Nairobi Investment Forum
The Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) has launched its inaugural Investment Forum in Nairobi, bringing together ministers, investors, developers, and financial institutions to advance the continent’s renewable energy landscape. The forum aims to build a strong pipeline of projects and unlock large-scale investments, accelerating Africa’s energy transition while promoting the development of green industries.
Monday 14 October 2024
9mobile Amplifies Mental Health Awareness with Successful X-space Event
In its ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health, 9mobile hosted a virtual X-space event titled "Navigating Mental Health in a Digital World," in observance of World Mental Health Day. The event spotlighted this year's theme, "Mental Health at Work," emphasising the need for accessible mental health care for all.
APRA and PRCA Launch Fourth Annual Study on Africa's PR Industry
The African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA Africa) have announced the release of their fourth annual study, marking the third year of collaboration between the two organisations. Conducted by Reputation Matters, the 2024 research explores the evolving landscape of PR and Communications across the African continent.
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