sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9/sitemap.xsd BrandArena : November 2024

Thursday, 28 November 2024

Chinese E-Commerce Giant Temu Launches in Nigeria Amid Buzz and Challenges


Temu, the Chinese e-commerce platform renowned for its ultra-low prices, has officially debuted in Nigeria after a wave of intense social media advertising. The launch has ignited interest while raising questions about its impact on the local market.

Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Dahomey Wins Africa Narrative Change Film Award at Cairo International Film Festival


The documentary Dahomey has been honored with the prestigious Africa Narrative Change Film Award at the Cairo International Film Festival. Presented by Africa No Filter, the award recognizes exceptional films that reshape the narrative of Africa by showcasing stories of innovation, progress, and opportunity across the continent.

Emirates Showcases Its First Airbus A350 at Exclusive Dubai Event


Emirates has unveiled its inaugural Airbus A350-900 at a high-profile event in Dubai, marking a new chapter in the airline’s fleet evolution.

Microsoft to Retire Xbox Avatar Editor in January 2025


Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Avatar Editor will be discontinued on January 9, 2025, marking the end of its customization tool for creating digital avatars. 

Manchester United Reports £6.9Million Q1 Loss Amid Reduced Revenues and Restructuring Costs


Manchester United has announced an operating loss of £6.9 million (US$8.7 million) for the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, citing the absence from the Champions League and costs related to a redundancy programme as key factors.

Nigeria’s Central Bank Raises Interest Rate to 27.5% to Tackle Inflation


Nigeria’s Central Bank has increased its benchmark interest rate to 27.5%, a 25-basis-point hike, during its final monetary policy meeting of the year. The decision follows a sharp rise in inflation, which climbed to 33.8% in October.

LG’s Transformation: A Smart Life Solutions Leader Redefining Success

...Revolutionary Strategy Drives Growth and Global Recognition


LG Electronics (LG) has cemented its position as a top global brand, driven by groundbreaking innovations and strategic reinvention.

RedStar Express, NABTEB, Other Top Leaders and Stakeholders to Attend Unveiling of the 21st Century Skills Roadmap at UNILAG


Leading stakeholders from Nigeria’s public and private sectors, including representatives from the Presidency, Legislature, academia, and industry leaders, will converge at the University of Lagos for the unveiling of the 21st Century Skills Roadmap (21st CSR). Scheduled for December 5–6, 2024, the event will address the critical challenge of bridging the skills gap between educational institutions and the workplace in Nigeria and parts of Africa.

Mastercard Academy Launches Free Online Course to Boost Financial Literacy


Mastercard Academy has introduced Master Your Card: Finance Demystified, a free online course designed to equip individuals with essential financial skills. Developed in collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the course aims to simplify personal finance concepts and enhance financial well-being globally.

Sunday, 24 November 2024

Investors Gain N77bn as NGX Index Rises Amid Mixed Market Sentiment


Equities investors on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) gained approximately N77 billion in the past week as the All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 0.11% week-on-week, closing at 97,829.02 points. This gain was attributed to bargain hunting across various trading sessions.

Premier League Amends Financial Rules Despite Manchester City Opposition


Manchester City has faced a setback in its challenge to the Premier League’s financial regulations, as new amendments were approved during a pivotal meeting on Friday.

NCC, CBN Collaborate to Resolve N250 Billion USSD Debt Standoff


The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are jointly working to resolve a protracted dispute between telecommunications companies and commercial banks over unpaid fees for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services.

West Africa Deal Summit 2024 Champions Regional Collaboration to Drive Catalytic Capital, Honors Leading Changemakers


The 2024 West Africa Deal Summit (WADS) wrapped up on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for stronger regional collaboration to mobilize catalytic capital and address West Africa’s unique socioeconomic challenges. The two-day event, which brought together over 400 investors, entrepreneurs, government officials, and thought leaders, spotlighted innovative financing strategies to drive sustainable development across the region.

Basketball Africa League Announces Fifth Season, Tipping Off April 5 in Morocco

...BAL Finals to Make South Africa Debut in Pretoria; Ticket Registration Now Open


The Basketball Africa League (BAL) will launch its milestone fifth season on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco. The season will culminate with the BAL Finals on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. This marks the first BAL games in Morocco and the first-ever BAL Finals in South Africa.

NAICOM, NDPC Partner to Enhance Data Protection in Insurance Sector


The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen data protection practices within Nigeria's insurance sector. The agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Ariika Raises $3 Million to Drive Growth in MENA Home Furnishings Market


Ariika, a leading digital-first, direct-to-consumer home furnishings brand, has secured $3 million in a Series A extension funding round. The investment, led by Beltone Venture Capital and UAE-based Citadel International Holdings, will fuel the company’s regional expansion across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and enhance its market presence.

Okpebholo Appoints Suleiman Aledeh as Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service


Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has named Suleiman Aledeh as the substantive Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), which oversees the state’s TV and radio stations. The appointment is effective immediately.

Tyla Drops New Single “Tears” for COKE STUDIO 2024, Set for Johannesburg Debut Performance


Global music sensation and GRAMMY-winner Tyla has released her latest single, "Tears," in collaboration with COKE STUDIO. To celebrate, she will perform the song live for the first time in her hometown, Johannesburg, South Africa, on December 4th. This special event, hosted by COKE STUDIO in partnership with Spotify, will showcase Tyla’s signature blend of cultural influences and captivating artistry.

Thursday, 21 November 2024

UK Freezes Assets, Imposes Travel Ban on Angolan Billionaire Isabel dos Santos


The United Kingdom has sanctioned Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos, enforcing a travel ban and freezing her assets under its global anti-corruption sanctions regime, the government announced on Thursday.

Sanwo-Olu Presents N3 Trillion 2025 Budget to Lagos State House of Assembly


Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented a N3.006 trillion budget proposal for 2025 to the State House of Assembly. Titled "The Budget of Sustainability", the financial plan aims to address infrastructure needs, economic diversification, and social inclusion.

Kenya Terminates Adani Group Deals Amid Corruption Allegations


Kenyan President William Ruto has annulled multimillion-dollar contracts with the Indian conglomerate Adani Group following allegations of bribery and fraud involving its founder, Gautam Adani, in the United States. The canceled agreements include a $2 billion plan to modernize Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and a $736 million project to construct power transmission lines.

Dairy Sector Workshop Highlights Nutrition, Sustainability, and Innovation Goals

...Arla Foods, Denmark Consulate, and FC4S Unite Stakeholders to Boost National Nutrition Strategies


Arla Foods, a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Denmark and the Financial Centre for Sustainability (FC4S), recently convened a high-level workshop aimed at strengthening the dairy sector's role in advancing Nigeria's national nutrition objectives.

LG Electronics Brings Solar-Powered Water Solutions to Port Harcourt Communities


LG Electronics has commissioned solar-powered boreholes in the Nkpogu and Elekahia communities of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. This milestone underscores LG’s dedication to sustainable development and improving access to essential resources in underserved areas.

Wednesday, 20 November 2024

NNPC Launches Utapate Crude Grade to the Global Market, Targets 80,000bpd by End of 2025


In a significant boost for Nigeria's crude oil production, revenue generation, and economic growth, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has officially introduced its new Utapate crude oil blend to the international market.

Premier League Clubs Seek Larger Share of Data Revenue Amid Growing Betting and Broadcast Demand


Premier League clubs are reportedly lobbying for a larger slice of the revenue from their data rights deal, arguing that they are the primary drivers of value for soccer data. According to The Guardian, several top-flight teams believe they should earn more from the growing football betting market and the increasing use of official data by broadcasters.

Ecobank Celebrates US$400 Million Eurobond Issuance with Market Opening at London Stock Exchange


Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of the leading pan-African Ecobank Group, today marked a significant milestone by opening the market at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) to celebrate the successful issuance of its US$400 million Senior Unsecured Eurobond on the LSE’s main market.

Access Bank Expands Initiative with The Power of 100 Africa


Access Bank has unveiled The Power of 100 Africa, a pan-African initiative celebrating women driving impactful change across diverse sectors such as business, healthcare, technology, and education. Building on the success of its 2015 Power of 100 book, which honored influential Nigerian women, this year’s edition extends its scope across 16 African countries.

Treepz Eyes Global Growth, Joins 2024 World Trade Center Trade Accelerator Program


Treepz, a leading corporate mobility startup in sub-Saharan Africa, is set to expand its global footprint as it joins the 2024 Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) in Toronto, Canada. Organized by the World Trade Center in collaboration with the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, the program aims to empower high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with tools to scale their operations internationally.

Registration Now Open For 2024 African Economic Conference


Registration is officially open for the 2024 African Economic Conference (AEC), a premier event jointly organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

New Study Reveals Key Role of Cultural and Personal Relevance in Driving Brand Growth

...WARC Advisory and TikTok Unveil Framework to Help Brands Harness the Power of Relevance


Brands that connect with consumers on a personal and cultural level can unlock significant growth opportunities, according to a new thought paper by WARC Advisory and TikTok. Titled The Power of Connective Media: Unlocking Impact Through Personal and Cultural Relevance, the research highlights the profound influence relevance has on consumer behavior and provides a practical framework for marketers to leverage it effectively.

Afreximbank Reports Strong Nine-Month Financial Performance Amid Challenging Conditions


The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced its financial results for the nine months ending 30 September 2024, showcasing robust growth and resilience despite a difficult global economic environment.

Youverify Named Best GRC and Financial Crime Prevention Solution Provider of the Year at Prestigious Industry Awards


Youverify, a leading provider of AML compliance automation solutions for financial institutions, has been awarded the prestigious GRC and Fincrime Award 2024 as the "Best GRC and Financial Crime Prevention Solution Provider of the Year." This marks the third consecutive year Youverify has secured this honour from The Morgans, solidifying its reputation as a leader in combating financial crime.

Emirates Partners with Move to -15°C Coalition to Revolutionize Frozen Food Logistics


Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has become the first airline to join the Move to -15°C global coalition, marking a pivotal step in transforming the frozen food industry. Leveraging its leadership in transporting perishable goods, Emirates brings decades of expertise in handling and shipping to this groundbreaking initiative.

Saturday, 16 November 2024

Volkswagen Group and Rivian Announce $5.8 Billion Partnership to Drive EV Innovation


Volkswagen Group (VW) and electric vehicle (EV) maker Rivian have revealed a strategic joint venture worth $5.8 billion (£4.55 billion), increasing VW's initial investment. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of electric vehicle technology as both companies face intensifying competition and slowing growth in the EV market.

WhatsApp Unveils Long-Awaited Drafts Feature


WhatsApp, the world’s leading messaging platform, has rolled out a highly anticipated feature: Message Drafts. While the functionality has been a staple on other messaging apps for years, WhatsApp users will now enjoy the convenience of saving unfinished messages.

Uganda Development Bank Advances Climate Action at COP 29 with High-Level Finance Roundtable


The Uganda Development Bank (UDB) hosted a pivotal Climate Finance Breakfast Roundtable during COP 29, uniting key stakeholders to advance climate-focused development finance and partnerships across Africa.

IBM, SEforALL Unveil AI Tools to Advance Sustainable Energy and Urban Development


At the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), IBM and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) introduced groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at fostering sustainable urban growth and addressing critical energy challenges in developing regions. These publicly available solutions will assist policymakers and urban planners in mapping urbanization trends and identifying essential energy and infrastructure needs for underserved communities.

LG Electronics Wins Big at CES 2025 Innovation Awards with Over 20 Honours


LG Electronics has solidified its reputation as a leader in cutting-edge technology, receiving more than 20 accolades at the CES 2025 Innovation Awards, including three prestigious Best of Innovation Awards.

Thursday, 14 November 2024

Afreximbank Launches First Samurai Bonds, Raising JPY 81.3 Billion


The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has successfully issued its debut Samurai bond, raising JPY 67.2 billion across five fixed-rate tranches with maturities of 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years. Alongside the offering, Afreximbank also introduced its first Retail Samurai bond, a 3-year fixed-rate tranche valued at JPY 14.1 billion. The bonds hold an ‘A-’ rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd., with SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. acting as the sole lead manager.

Nigerian Exchange Loses N148 Billion Amid Sell-Offs in BUA Cement and Conoil


The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded a significant loss of over N148 billion in market capitalisation on Thursday, driven by sell-offs in major stocks such as BUA Cement and Conoil. The decline pushed key performance indicators down by 0.25%, further slowing the year-to-date returns.

Africa Tech Festival Awards: Odukoya, Benon, Othes Make the List of Trailblazers Shaping Africa’s Technological Future


The 2024 Africa Tech Festival Awards was held on Wednesday, November 13 at the Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, Cape Town, celebrating extraordinary achievements in technology across Africa. The prestigious event, led by Senior Conference Producer Ciara McDonald Heffernan, recognized individuals, projects, and organizations whose contributions are setting new standards in innovation and excellence across the continent.

Women's Football Sees 24% Rise in Attendance Across Top Four European Leagues in 2023/24


Attendance at women’s football matches surged by 24% across Europe’s top leagues during the 2023/24 season, with England’s Women’s Super League (WSL) leading the charge, posting an impressive 41% year-on-year increase.

TikTok Deletes 360,000 Kenyan Videos in Major Safety Crackdown


TikTok recently removed over 360,000 videos in Kenya that breached its community guidelines, reinforcing its commitment to user safety as part of the platform’s Q2 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report. This proactive sweep reflects TikTok’s strategy to maintain a secure environment for its expanding Kenyan user base.

Trump Appoints Elon Musk to Lead New ‘Office of Government Efficiency’


In a move aimed at overhauling federal operations, President-elect Donald Trump has announced Elon Musk as the head of a newly formed “Office of Government Efficiency.” The initiative, designed to streamline government operations, seeks to cut bureaucratic red tape, eliminate wasteful spending, and reshape federal agencies for greater efficiency. 

UBA and Mastercard Launch Commemorative Debit Card Celebrating UBA’s 75th Anniversary with Exclusive Benefits


Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, in partnership with Mastercard, has introduced a special edition debit card to mark UBA’s 75th anniversary, offering customers a range of exclusive discounts and benefits.

Sunday, 10 November 2024

Ecobank Bags 14 Prestigious Awards, Reinforcing Its Pan-African Leadership in Banking


Africa's leading financial services group, Ecobank has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning 14 awards across several renowned global platforms, including the Euromoney Awards for Excellence, Global Finance's Best Investment Banks and Sustainable Finance Awards, Best Bank Awards, and Transaction Banking Awards for 2024. The accolades underscore the bank’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and delivering outstanding customer service across the continent.

Saturday, 9 November 2024

Saroafrica Group Provides 100 Million Naira in Critical Flood Relief for Borno State Communities


Saroafrica Group has donated essential relief materials valued at 100 million Naira to support communities severely impacted by recent flooding in Borno State. The significant contribution reflects Saroafrica’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development within Nigeria.

67th Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominations Highlight Genre Diversity Across Top Categories


The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards nominations celebrate a diverse array of musical talent, with Beyoncé leading the pack with 11 nominations. Other artists with multiple nods include Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift. As the only peer-voted music awards, the GRAMMYs are chosen by the Recording Academy's members—artists, songwriters, producers, and other music professionals representing a wide range of genres and disciplines. The nominees were unveiled via a livestream on live.GRAMMY.com and YouTube.

Shallipopi’s Journey from Edo State to Global Fame: A New Spotify RADAR Africa Documentary


Rising Nigerian star Shallipopi unveils his journey from the streets of Edo State to international recognition in a new Spotify RADAR Africa documentary. The film offers an intimate glimpse into Shallipopi's path to success, showcasing his resilience, artistry, and dedication to his craft.

Thursday, 7 November 2024

Emirates Group Reports Record Half-year Results for 2024-25


The Emirates Group has announced its highest-ever half-year financial results, posting a profit before tax of AED 10.4 billion (US$ 2.8 billion) for the first six months of the 2024-25 financial year, exceeding its previous record for the same period last year.