sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9/sitemap.xsd BrandArena : February 2025

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Raenest Raises $11M in Series A Funding to Enhance Cross-Border Money Management for Africans


Raenest, a global platform providing multi-currency accounts for individuals and businesses across Africa, has successfully closed an $11M Series A funding round led by QED Investors. The round also saw participation from Norrsken22, with follow-on investments from Ventures Platform, P1 Ventures, and Seedstars. The new funding boosts Raenest's total venture capital to $14.3M.

Dangote Cement Rebounds as Investors Increase Holdings


Dangote Cement is regaining momentum in the equities market ahead of its earnings release, as investors resume buying after a sell-off that drove its share price down to ₦394.

Nigeria, UAE Strengthen Aviation Ties with Amended Air Service Agreement


Nigeria has formalized an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reinforcing aviation cooperation between both nations.

MTN Nigeria Implements New Data and SMS Tariffs


MTN, the country’s largest telecommunications provider in Nigeria, has begun implementing a tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Subscribers may notice significant changes in their data and SMS costs.

AfDB Allocates $31 Million to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Four African Nations


The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved over $31 million in funding through its African Climate Action Window (CAW) to enhance climate resilience in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Madagascar.

Emirates and Air Peace Expand Partnership, Enhancing Connectivity Across Nigeria


Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has signed an interline agreement with West Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, offering travelers seamless access to 13 cities across Nigeria. The partnership simplifies travel with single-ticket bookings and streamlined baggage handling, significantly enhancing connectivity for passengers flying to and from the country.

Squad Hackathon 2.0: HabariPay Invites Young Innovators Across Africa to Compete for ₦10 Million in Prizes


HabariPay’s Squad, the fintech payment subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), has officially announced the dates for its annual social coding competition. Following the success of its debut edition, Squad Hackathon 2.0 will take place from March 13–15, 2025, at the cutting-edge GTCO Training Complex, Tayo's Plaza, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

LG Installs Solar-Powered Borehole in Kano Community, Boosting Clean Water Access


In an effort to address the critical challenge of clean water access, LG Electronics has commissioned a solar-powered borehole for the Kawaji Saunar MamaU community in Nassarawa Local Government, Kano State, Nigeria. The project, part of LG’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, aims to promote sustainable development and improve living conditions for underserved populations.

Podcast Ad Spend to Surpass $5 Billion by 2025 as Video Content Drives Growth, WARC Report Reveals


Podcasts are cementing their place in global culture and politics, but growth in advertising spend remains steady rather than explosive. According to WARC Media’s latest Global Ad Trends report, Podcast Media Sets Sights on Video Boom, publishers and platforms are turning to video content and creator-driven strategies to unlock new revenue streams and attract a larger share of ad budgets.

Pep Guardiola Partners with Visa to Offer Exclusive Football Experiences for Cardholders


Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has unveiled a two-year partnership with renowned football manager Pep Guardiola. The collaboration aims to celebrate the power of small steps in achieving greatness while delivering unique experiences for Visa cardholders and football fans in [market].

Emirates Enhances Fleet Efficiency with Airbus Skywise S.FP+ and Core X3 Predictive Maintenance Solutions

...Utilize real-time data capabilities across Airbus A380 and A350 fleets for improved operational performance


Emirates has taken a significant step toward advancing its fleet management and operational efficiency by partnering with Airbus to implement the Skywise Fleet Performance+ (S.FP+) predictive maintenance solution and the Core X3 analytics platform. The agreement, signed by Ahmed Safa, Head of Emirates Engineering, and Laurent Negre, Vice President of Customer Services for Airbus Africa and Middle East, underscores Emirates’ commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced safety and operational excellence.

Saturday, 8 February 2025

Gosha Rubchinskiy and Yeezy End Collaboration


Gosha Rubchinskiy and Ye (formerly Kanye West) are ending their year-long collaboration, which Rubchinskiy described as “memorable” in a statement, adding that it has “reached its conclusion.”

adidas and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Reveal First Collaborative Collection


adidas and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team have officially launched their first collection, marking the beginning of a thrilling new era in motorsport fashion.

Grey/Ven Names Ilana Kugel Creative Director for Women's Collection


Grey/Ven, the iconic name in quiet luxury, has announced the appointment of CFDA-recognized designer Ilana Kugel as Creative Director for its women’s collection. The announcement was made before the New York Fashion Week runway show, where the brand showcased both Kugel’s debut collection for Grey/Ven, titled "The Journey" FW 25, and its inaugural luxury handbag collection.

IFC Commits $50 Million to Boost Industrial Growth at Lagos Free Zone


The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced an equity investment of up to $50 million in Lagos Free Zone Company. This funding is designed to support the development and expansion of the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ)—Nigeria’s pioneering deep-sea port-based private special economic zone. This investment not only addresses critical infrastructure gaps but also serves as a catalyst for attracting both local and international businesses, driving economic growth, and advancing Nigeria’s diversification efforts.

Nike’s Road to Recovery: Analysts Question Pace of Turnaround


American sportswear company, Nike Inc. shares have dropped more than 6% this week after an investor meeting with CEO Elliott Hill and CFO Matt Friend, as analysts express doubts about the company’s ability to quickly regain momentum.

PFA Threatens Legal Action Against Premier League Over Financial Rules


The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has warned it may take legal action against the Premier League if new financial regulations are introduced without the union’s approval.

Applications Open for Second Cohort of SIA Startup Foundry Accelerator in Nigeria


Nigerian entrepreneurs can now apply for the second cohort of the SIA Startup Foundry accelerator program, an initiative by the SIA Foundation aimed at equipping startups with the resources and support needed to succeed in a competitive market.

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N884bn, Hits N65.59Trn


The Nigerian stock market recorded a significant gain of N884 billion last week, closing at N65.59 trillion on Friday as investor interest surged across various listed companies. The equities segment of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) sustained its bullish momentum, starting February on a strong note.

International Criminal Court Denounces U.S. Sanctions as Attack on Judicial Independence


The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly criticized a new executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump imposing sanctions on court officials. The ICC argues that the move is an attempt to undermine its “independent and impartial judicial work.”

PlayStation Network Outage Drags Into Second Day, Frustrating Gamers


The PlayStation Network (PSN) remains down after 18 hours, leaving gamers unable to access online services during a crucial weekend for tournaments and special events.

Radisson Hotel Group Celebrates Landmark Year with 300+ New Hotels in 2024


Radisson Hotel Group marked a record-breaking 2024, expanding its global footprint with over 300 new signings and openings, adding nearly 40,000 keys to its portfolio. The Group reinforced its position as a leader in the upper-upscale and resort segments across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Radisson Blu maintained its top status in Europe for the 13th consecutive year.

Thursday, 6 February 2025

Afreximbank Urges Africa to Seize Control of Its Resources and Build Sustainable Prosperity


Africa must take decisive action to control its resources, generate jobs, and establish industries that drive long-term prosperity, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) urged at the African Mining Indaba 2025 on Sunday. Addressing African leaders, policymakers, mining industry stakeholders, and global partners, Afreximbank underscored the need for a transformative approach to resource ownership and industrialization.

Genesis Energy Hosts Katsina State Governor, Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration for Nigeria’s Energy Future


In a move reinforcing its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy landscape, Genesis Energy Group, a leading provider of integrated power solutions, recently welcomed His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State on an official visit to its facilities in Lagos and Port Harcourt. The visit highlights the crucial role of public-private partnerships in tackling Nigeria’s energy challenges and underscores Genesis Energy’s leadership in delivering sustainable, reliable power solutions.

Heliconia Park Elevates Luxury Living with New Apartment Hotel in Lagos


Heliconia Park Luxury Apartments & Suites has officially launched its premium apartment hotel in the heart of Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. Designed to merge the elegance of luxury hospitality with the warmth and freedom of home, Heliconia Park offers an unparalleled living experience for both local and international guests seeking sophistication, comfort, and world-class service.

Verto Unveils Global Business Award, Offers Startups a $10,000 Grand Prize to Scale


Verto, the global fintech driving seamless cross-border payments, FX, and banking solutions in emerging markets, has introduced the Verto Global Business Award—a game-changing initiative designed to recognize and accelerate the growth of early-stage startups.

Nigeria’s Top Young Spellers Set for Historic Showdown


The stage is set for the grand finale of the Spelling Bee in Nigeria (SpIN), happening on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the U.S. Consulate’s Residence in Lagos. Sixty-four exceptional finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States will compete for the championship title in a landmark event that marks Nigeria’s debut in the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, USA.

Tuesday, 4 February 2025

ITFC and Egypt Sign $1.5 Billion Trade Finance Agreement to Boost Energy, Food Security, and SMEs


The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed its 2025 annual work program with the Arab Republic of Egypt, securing $1.5 billion in funding.

LG Electronics Wins Big at CES 2025, Announces Cutting-Edge Products for Nigeria


LG Electronics has reinforced its status as a global technology leader by earning over 100 prestigious awards at CES 2025. Celebrated for groundbreaking innovations across multiple categories, LG continues to push the boundaries of technology with consumer-focused solutions that set new industry standards.

MTN Nigeria Gains as Investors Bet on Telecom Stock Ahead of Earnings


MTN Nigeria Plc saw an uptick in the equities market on Monday as investors ramped up interest in the telecom stock ahead of its Q4 2024 earnings report. Data from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) revealed that the stock climbed 1.24% to close at N253.1, with over 2.8 million shares traded.

Federal Government to Overhaul Bank of Agriculture for Economic Growth


The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to restructuring and recapitalizing the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) as part of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve food security.

Afriland Properties Appoints Azubike Emodi as New MD/CEO


Afriland Properties Plc has appointed Azubike Emodi as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

African Union and AFRIMA Strengthen Ties with Formal Partnership Agreement


On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the African Union (AU) and the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) solidified their long-standing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that reinforces their shared commitment to advancing Africa’s creative and cultural industries, particularly in music.

LG Smart TV Owners to Receive Major webOS Upgrade, Bringing a Fresh Experience to Older Models


LG Electronics (LG) is rolling out its latest webOS smart TV upgrade, transforming older LG 4K and 8K Smart TVs into cutting-edge home entertainment hubs.

Monday, 3 February 2025

CBN Extends Forex Sales to Bureau de Change Operators Until May 30


The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended the deadline for foreign exchange (FX) sales to Bureau de Change (BDC) operators by four months, moving the initial January 31 deadline to May 30.

Arsenal, Bayern, and PSG Urged to End ‘Visit Rwanda’ Sponsorship Amid DRC Conflict


The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called on Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to terminate their sponsorship deals with Visit Rwanda, citing Rwanda’s alleged role in the escalating violence in eastern DRC.

Naira Declines by 1.4% Against Dollar, Trades at 1,₦495.60


The Naira depreciated at the official market on Monday, closing at ₦1,495.60 per dollar, marking a 1.4% decline from the previous trading day.

Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund Invests $2 Million in UsPlus to Boost SME Financing in South Africa


Verdant Capital has announced the completion of its fifth investment through the Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund, injecting $2 million in mezzanine financing into UsPlus Limited, a South African financial services provider specializing in invoice factoring. 

USAID Website Suspended Amid Trump Administration’s Foreign Aid Freeze


The US Agency for International Development (USAID) website unexpectedly went offline on Saturday, raising concerns over the Trump administration’s ongoing freeze on foreign aid and efforts to restructure the agency. The digital blackout follows reports of widespread program suspensions, staff furloughs, and mounting uncertainty about USAID’s future. Critics warn that these actions could weaken US diplomatic influence, disrupt global humanitarian efforts, and endanger millions of vulnerable people worldwide.

Oando Reports N4.1 Trillion Revenue and N65.5 Billion Profit After Tax in FY 2024, Setting Stage for 2025 Growth


Oando PLC, Africa’s leading integrated energy company listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), has announced a strong financial performance for Full Year (FY) 2024, with revenue surging by 45% to N4.1 trillion, compared to N2.9 trillion in FY 2023. The company also posted a 9% increase in profit after tax (PAT) to N65.5 billion, demonstrating resilience and strategic growth amid industry challenges.

67th GRAMMY Awards Unite Music Community for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief and First Responder Tribute

...Telecast Showcases Fundraising Efforts, Local Business Recovery, and Honors Firefighters 


The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards went beyond celebrating music’s biggest night, using its platform to support Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts and honour the bravery of first responders. The telecast paid tribute to the resilience of Angelenos, featuring special guests including firefighters and students from schools affected by the fires.

First Trustees to Host 7th Annual Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja


First Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc and a leading provider of bespoke trust solutions, is set to host its 7th Annual Islamic Estate Planning Clinic on February 15, 2025, in Abuja.

WAEC Exams Remain Free in Lagos, TCC Requirement Stands - LIRS


The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reaffirmed that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration remains free for Senior Secondary School (SS3) students in state-funded schools under the Lagos State Government’s free education policy. This initiative, part of the THEMES PLUS agenda, aligns with the government’s broader commitment to providing essential public services, including affordable housing, healthcare, transportation, youth empowerment, and improved infrastructure.