Comoros Joins Africa Finance Corporation to Boost Infrastructure Development

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has welcomed the Union of Comoros as its 44th member country, underscoring growing support from more than three-quarters of Africa’s nations. This membership enables Comoros to explore strategic opportunities for advancing critical infrastructure projects.

Naira Slides Amid Intensifying FX Demand, Market Gap Narrows

The naira weakened against the US dollar in the foreign exchange market as rising demand for the greenback outpaced available supply.

.africa Domain Now Available on GoDaddy for Global Users

Registry Africa, the official operator of the .africa top-level domain (TLD), and GoDaddy, a global leader in domain registration and web services, have announced that the .africa domain is now accessible on www.GoDaddy.com. This milestone aims to enhance Africa’s digital presence while meeting the growing international demand for stronger connections with the continent.

African Filmmakers Drive Gender Empowerment Through Film and Leadership

As the world marks International Women’s Day this month, the film and television industry is emerging as a dynamic force for gender transformation and a powerful platform for empowering women. This is particularly evident in Africa, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles within the sector.  

Meta Launches Llama Impact Grant to Empower African Startups and Researchers

Meta, in collaboration with Data Science Africa, has unveiled the Llama Impact Grant to support startups and researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa. As part of Meta's global Llama Impact Grants, this initiative seeks to foster innovative projects that utilise Llama, Meta's advanced open-source large language model, to create tailored solutions addressing regional challenges.

Insight Publicis Ends Partnership with Airtel Nigeria

Insight Publicis, a leading integrated marketing communications agency in Nigeria, has officially ended its partnership with Airtel Nigeria, effective immediately.

Google Replaces Google Assistant with Gemini in Major AI Overhaul

Google is officially phasing out its long-standing virtual assistant, Google Assistant, in favor of its next-generation AI initiative, Gemini. Announced in a blog post on Friday, the transition marks a major shift in the company’s AI strategy, with a broader rollout of Gemini expected for more users in the coming months.

Coco Gauff and New Balance Introduce Coco Delray Tennis Shoe

Following the success of her first two signature models, Coco Gauff and New Balance have unveiled the Coco Delray, a tennis shoe crafted for everyday players at all skill levels.

AMCON Struggles with Recovering Over N4trn in Outstanding Debt

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has highlighted the significant difficulties it faces in recovering outstanding debts, as some debtors remain unwilling to pay.

Ajax and adidas Unveil Vintage-Inspired 125th Anniversary Collection

Marking 125 years of Ajax’s footballing legacy, adidas and the club have unveiled a timeless anniversary collection.

NGX Index Drops 0.25% as Tantalizer, Jaiz Bank, Neimeth Lead Decliners

Trading on Nigeria’s stock market ended in the red on Friday, as key performance indices dipped by 0.25 per cent.

UEFA and Clubs Partner with Relevent for Global Commercial Rights

Relevent Sports has secured a groundbreaking deal to manage commercial rights for the UEFA Champions League and other top European men’s club soccer competitions from the 2027-28 season through 2032-33. 

Applications Now Open For Orange Social Venture Prize 2024

Entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East can now apply for the 15th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP), an initiative dedicated to driving social innovation and fostering entrepreneurship across the region. Since its launch in 2011, OSVP has recognized and rewarded groundbreaking startup projects that use technology to create positive social impact in sectors such as education, healthcare, e-commerce, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Experts Assess Africa’s Economic Progress and Regional Integration Efforts in Addis Ababa

Ahead of next week’s 2025 Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, a Committee of Experts has convened at the UN Conference Centre in Addis Ababa for a three-day technical meeting to evaluate Africa’s economic and social development and assess progress towards regional integration. This year’s Conference of Ministers is themed “Advancing the implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area: proposing transformative strategic actions.”

Iwosan Expands Healthcare Reach with Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital Acquisition

Iwosan Investments Limited, a leading healthcare investment firm, has announced the acquisition of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos. This move strengthens Iwosan’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services in Nigeria and reinforces its leadership in the country’s healthcare sector.

itel Unveils Power 70: A Game-changer with 10,000mAh Dual-power Battery

itel, a global smart life brand focused on providing affordable electronic solutions for emerging markets, proudly introduces the itel Power 70. Designed to address the power challenges faced by users in these regions, this smartphone sets new standards in reliability and convenience with its massive 10,000mAh battery capacity, making it an ideal choice for those dealing with frequent power shortages and high energy demands.

Tinubu Seeks Senate Nod for CBN Board Member, NCOS Chief

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s approval for the appointment of Prof. Melvin Ayogu to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Board of Directors.

Naira Depreciates Amid Rising FX Market Pressures

The Nigerian naira weakened against the US dollar across currency markets as escalating demand drove exchange rate fluctuations. The local currency dropped to ₦1,536.15, while the parallel market rate depreciated to ₦1,580, according to data obtained from FX markets.

Nigerian Equities Market Loses N284bn as MTNN, Banking Shares Lead Decline

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) witnessed a significant downturn as investors lost N284 billion following a sell-off in major stocks, including MTNN and banking shares. The market closed in negative territory, with key indicators dropping by 0.43%, reversing the previous day’s marginal recovery.

WARC Creative 100 Rankings 2025 Unveiled: Top Campaigns and Companies Celebrated for Creative Excellence

The WARC Creative 100, the definitive global benchmark recognizing the most awarded campaigns and companies for creativity, has been released. Compiled by WARC Creative, the annual ranking highlights the standout creative work from 2024, as determined by the most prestigious global and regional creative awards.

CIG Group Appoints Adeleye Fabusoro as Group Marketing and Corporate Communications Director

CIG Group has announced the appointment of Adeleye Fabusoro as its new Group Marketing and Corporate Communications Director. 

Nissan Names Ivan Espinosa as New CEO Amid Management Shake-Up

Nissan on Tuesday announced the appointment of the company’s Chief Planning Officer, Ivan Espinosa as its new CEO, effective April 1, ending weeks of speculation about who would succeed Makoto Uchida. Uchida, who has led the struggling Japanese automaker, faced increasing calls to step down due to Nissan’s declining financial performance and the recent breakdown of merger talks with Honda Motor Co.

Manchester United Reveal Plans for Landmark 100,000-Seat Stadium to Replace Old Trafford

English football giants Manchester United have unveiled ambitious plans for a 100,000-seater stadium, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe envisions as the “world’s greatest” football venue.

Nigeria: Lawmakers Urge CBN to Halt ATM Withdrawal Fee Hike

The House of Representatives has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend its recent directive increasing ATM withdrawal charges.

Stop Chasing Payments: 7 Proven Ways to Get Paid on Time

Running a business in Nigeria goes beyond delivering quality products or services—it’s also about ensuring timely payments. Many business owners constantly follow up on unpaid invoices, send multiple reminders, and struggle with cash flow gaps. A PwC report reveals that 48% of Nigerian SMEs face delayed payments, which can disrupt operations, affect salaries, and hinder business growth.

Flutterwave Gains Approval to Facilitate Inward Remittances in Ghana

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has secured approval from the Bank of Ghana to offer inward remittance services in the country. This milestone reinforces Flutterwave’s commitment to enhancing payment efficiency and expanding financial opportunities across Africa.

Access Bank to Issue N125bn Bond Following Recapitalisation

Nigeria’s leading commercial lender by total assets, Access Bank Plc, is set to raise N125 billion from the debt capital market following its successful recapitalisation.

TikTok Updates Parental Controls and Wellness Tools for Teen Safety

As social media continues to influence how young people connect, learn, and express themselves, TikTok is expanding its efforts to foster a safe and balanced digital experience for teens. The platform has introduced new Family Pairing features, providing parents with greater control over their teens’ screen time, content interactions, and digital habits. Additionally, TikTok is rolling out a wind-down feature to reduce nighttime screen use and promote healthier online behaviour.

Empowering a Generation: Africa CEO Unveils '10 Million African Girls' Initiative

The President & CEO of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa, Simi Nwogugu has launched a transformative initiative aimed at equipping ten million girls across the continent with vital entrepreneurship, leadership, and advocacy skills. The goal is to foster thriving, sustainable communities, eradicate extreme poverty, and combat gender-based violence in sub-Saharan Africa.

UK, Nigeria Strengthen Ties in Cybersecurity Cooperation

The United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has successfully concluded its cybersecurity inward trade mission to Nigeria, reinforcing collaboration between the two nations in digital security.

Nike Introduces Air Max Dn8 with Next-Gen Dynamic Air

Nike has invited athletes, sneaker enthusiasts, and cultural pioneers to experience its latest Air Max breakthrough: the Air Max Dn8, an evolution of the groundbreaking cushioning technology the brand has refined for over three decades.

FirstBank Introduces Dollar Investment Platform for Women on International Women’s Day

First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. has launched the First Women Network Dollar Fund, a new initiative aimed at helping women diversify their investments and create steady income streams.

Trade Tension Makes World Cup Co-Hosting ‘More Exciting’ - Trump

President Donald Trump’s trade disputes with Canada and Mexico could create an unusual political backdrop as the three nations prepare to co-host the FIFA World Cup next year. However, Trump suggested that heightened tensions might actually enhance the event.

Nigeria: Stock Market Transactions Drop 8.81% Amid Lower Turnover

Investors on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) traded a total of 1.818 billion shares valued at N47.226 billion in 64,222 transactions this week, reflecting a decline in market activity.

JMG Champions Gender Equality, Marks International Women’s Day with Action

JMG, a leading provider of electromechanical solutions in Nigeria, proudly joins the global community in marking International Women’s Day under the theme "Accelerate Action."

YP4T Champions Youth Engagement with Civic Workshop and Launches Educational Grant Initiative

Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T) is advancing its mission to empower young Nigerians by hosting a Civic Participation Workshop by bringing together 1,200 participants. The event provided essential knowledge and skills to enable young Nigerians to play active roles in shaping the country’s future. As an organization committed to driving national progress in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for economic transformation, YP4T continues to mobilize young professionals dedicated to Nigeria’s development.

Visa and Access Bank Unveil Innovative 'Tap to Phone' Payment Technology in Nigeria

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has partnered with Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, to introduce 'Tap to Phone' in Nigeria. This groundbreaking solution allows merchants to seamlessly process payments using their mobile phones, enhancing convenience and efficiency for businesses and consumers.

TKO Teams Up with Saudi Arabia to Unveil New Boxing Promotion

America's media conglomerate TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has finalized a multi-year agreement to establish a new boxing promotion in collaboration with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), and Sela, a leading entertainment company and shirt sponsor of Premier League club Newcastle United.

UK Introduces Digital Travel Authorisation for Visitors

Travellers to the United Kingdom can now apply for the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which will become a mandatory requirement starting April 2. After this date, a passport alone will no longer be sufficient for entry into the UK.

ECOWAS Advances Plan for Single Currency and Regional Growth

The 11th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convergence Council convened in Abuja, bringing together Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors to strengthen regional economic integration and advance the launch of the Eco currency by 2027. 

First Bank Secures Approval for Landmark 43-Storey Headquarters at Eko Atlantic City

...Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Start of Construction

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, officially approved the construction of First Bank’s 43-storey headquarters within Eko Atlantic City, a move set to redefine the skyline of Victoria Island, Lagos.

Canal+ Extends MultiChoice Acquisition Deadline Amid Regulatory Roadblocks

Canal+, the French media conglomerate, has postponed the finalization of its acquisition of South Africa’s leading pay-TV broadcaster, MultiChoice, by six months, setting a new target date of October 8, 2025. The extension is due to ongoing regulatory approval challenges that remain unresolved.

LoftyInc Capital Raises $43 Million to Bridge Funding Gaps for African Startups

LoftyInc Capital, a leading African investment firm, has secured $43 million to expand its support for startups across the continent. This milestone follows a report by VC firm Partech highlighting only a slight dip in Africa’s funding deals and investment volumes over the past year. For over a decade, LoftyInc has been a key player in backing startups at the pre-seed and seed stages.

SKOT Communications Joins PROI Worldwide as Newest Partner in West Africa

PROI Worldwide, a leading global network of independent communications agencies, has announced its newest partnership with SKOT Communications, a Lagos-based strategic communications consultancy with a strong focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration bolsters PROI’s presence in the West African market.

Oando Foundation Launches LEARNOVATE-FLIP to Strengthen Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Nigeria

…Program to Impact 80 Public Primary Schools Across Four States

Oando Foundation, an independent charity dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education goals, has reaffirmed its commitment to foundational literacy and numeracy with the introduction of the Foundational Learning Improvement Programme (LEARNOVATE – FLIP). In collaboration with Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa, Quality Education Development Associates (QEDA), and Hilltrust Top Foundation, this groundbreaking initiative employs evidence-based methodologies to address Nigeria’s learning crisis and enhance educational outcomes for pupils in Ebonyi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Adamawa states.

TikTok’s Global Ad Boom Faces Uncertainty Amid Potential US Ban

...$12bn in Ad Revenue at Stake as US Remains TikTok’s Largest Market

TikTok, the ByteDance-owned video-sharing platform, is increasingly recognized for its ability to drive full-funnel marketing outcomes—from discovery to search to purchase. However, concerns over a potential US ban introduce uncertainty for advertisers and creators.

Emirates Expands Asia Network with New Flights to Shenzhen, Da Nang, and Siem Reap

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is further enhancing its presence in Asia with the launch of daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Shenzhen starting 1 July 2025. The airline will also introduce four weekly services to Da Nang on 2 June and three weekly flights to Siem Reap from 3 June, with both destinations linked via Bangkok.

WHX Lagos & WHX Labs Lagos: A New Era for Healthcare and Laboratory Innovation

…upcoming co-located events receive strong support from the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, and others

Informa Markets, a global leader in event organisation, has unveiled a bold new chapter in its healthcare exhibitions portfolio with the launch of WHX (World Health Exhibitions). As part of this global transformation, Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa have been rebranded as WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos, respectively. This strategic evolution reinforces WHX as a premier platform for driving innovation, collaboration, and progress in the healthcare and laboratory industries.

Nigerian Banks Introduce New ATM Transaction Charges

Following a regulatory review, Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have begun implementing revised fees for ATM transactions, effective March 1, 2025.

Kenya and Afreximbank Partner to Drive Industrial Growth with Landmark Agreements

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Africa’s leading trade development bank, has signed a series of strategic agreements with the Kenyan government in Mombasa to accelerate the country’s industrialisation and export-driven growth. These agreements, formalised during a high-level signing ceremony, will enable Afreximbank to finance the development and operationalisation of industrial parks (IPs) and special economic zones (SEZs) to enhance Kenya’s manufacturing and trade capacity.