BrandArena : April 2025

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Samsung Warns of Smartphone Market Slowdown Amid U.S. Tariff Impact

Samsung Electronics has projected a year-on-year decline in the global smartphone market for the second half of 2025, citing macroeconomic uncertainty linked to U.S. tariff policies.

A new global report from LIONS reveals that creative confidence—the belief in bold, original ideas driving business growth—is under threat. According to The State of Creativity 2025, the biggest barriers to creativity today are poor-quality insights and slow responses to cultural change.

FBNQuest Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc and a leading provider of trust solutions, has taken its estate planning advocacy to Port Harcourt with the launch of its inaugural Estate Planning Summit in the city.

Emirates and Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Arabian Travel Market to boost inbound tourism and elevate Nigeria’s global tourism profile. The collaboration aims to attract international travellers from Emirates’ network of over 140 destinations, aligning with Nigeria’s ambition to become a premier African holiday destination.

The African Private Capital Association (AVCA) hosted its fifth Venture Capital (VC) Summit yesterday in Lagos, a key event within its 21st Annual AVCA Conference, running through 2 May. The summit brought together venture capitalists, startup founders, corporate investors, and accelerators to examine the trends shaping Africa’s early-stage investment landscape.

Top Brands and Agencies Recognised as WARC Awards 2025 Honours Marketing Excellence in Middle East and Africa

...Gold, Silver and Bronze accolades presented across seven categories in three key markets

The winners of the WARC Awards 2025 for the Middle East and Africa have been announced, celebrating marketing and strategic effectiveness across the region. In its fifth year and held in association with LIONS, the programme recognises outstanding campaigns that deliver real business impact.

RTFKT NFT Owners Sue Nike Over Web 3.0 Shutdown, Claiming Loss of Value

American athletic footwear and apparel corporation Nike is facing a class action lawsuit from owners of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) issued by its RTKFT digital fashion subsidiary, alleging their assets have become worthless following the company's decision to shut down its Web 3.0 operations last year.

Once upon a time, your work life and personal life were distinct. You could clock out and leave your privacy intact. But today, that boundary is eroding, and technology is at the heart of the issue.

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has named Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as the new Chair of its Board of Directors, succeeding Mr. Emeka Emuwa, who completed 12 years of dedicated service to the Corporation.

Mercedes-AMG’s First Electric Super Saloon Poised to Take on Porsche Taycan

...Up to 1,000bhp Expected from Mercedes-AMG’s Upcoming Electric Flagship

Mercedes-AMG is preparing to unleash its first all-electric flagship, and for once, there’s no V8 soundtrack in sight. Instead, the brand’s new high-performance four-door saloon will rely entirely on electric power.

Messaging platform WhatsApp has announced plans to seek an urgent stay of execution and appeal the ruling of Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which upheld a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

The Presidency has stated that the proposed Tax Reforms Bill will ease the cost of housing in Nigeria by reducing the tax burden on the construction and real estate sectors.

In a move sure to delight longtime fans, Sony has announced a major PlayStation 5 system update that reintroduces a beloved feature from past generations: customisable themes. Beginning April 24, PS5 users worldwide will start receiving the update, which also includes a new audio enhancement tool called “Audio Focus.”

VFD Group Plc Declares Major Turnaround in 2024 Audited Financial Results

...Net investment income rises by 95% to N59.0 billion

VFD Group Plc, a proprietary investment firm, has released its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, highlighting a year of extraordinary growth and transformation. The company’s impressive performance is credited to strategic innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Meta Cuts Jobs at Reality Labs as It Refocuses Metaverse Strategy

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, has initiated another round of layoffs, this time within Reality Labs, the division leading the charge on the company’s augmented and virtual reality ambitions. While Meta declined to specify how many employees were affected, the cuts spanned several teams, including those at Oculus Studios, the internal game development branch behind Quest VR headsets.

China on Thursday firmly denied engaging in any tariff negotiations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, contradicting his earlier suggestion of progress in talks.

MTN Nigeria Plc saw a modest gain in its market capitalization on Thursday, rising by 2.51% to N5.143 trillion on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), driven by heightened investor activity. The telecom giant, like many others in the sector, is beginning to rebound from macroeconomic challenges largely stemming from the naira’s devaluation.

In a move to elevate content quality and empower original voices, Meta has unveiled new updates aimed at reducing spammy content on Facebook. These changes are part of a wider effort to improve the Feed experience and reward creators who consistently produce engaging and original posts.

The GRAMMY Museum Grant Program has announced $200,000 in funding to support 15 recipients across the United States, focusing on innovative music research and critical sound preservation initiatives.

Sage Grey Finance Limited, a purpose-driven financial institution specialising in lending, investments, fund management, and strategic advisory, has deepened its commitment to sustainable business practices by officially joining the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, a global initiative that promotes corporate responsibility and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Nigeria’s Foreign Reserves Slide by $3bn, Reach Lowest Level in Six Months

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have dropped by $3 billion in under four months, falling to $37.888 billion, their lowest level in half a year, amid fluctuating inflows and sustained interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the FX market.

In celebration of Earth Day 2025, LG Electronics is taking meaningful climate action in Nigeria through a new partnership with Hinckley Recycling, the country’s foremost e-waste management company. Together, they’ve launched an E-Waste Collection Drive—an initiative aligned with this year’s Earth Day theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.”

Tesla Postpones Launch of Budget-Friendly Model Y, Report Says

Prospective buyers hoping for a more affordable Tesla Model Y will have to wait a while longer. According to a new Reuters report, the production timeline for Tesla’s long-promised entry-level Model Y has been pushed back, with U.S. manufacturing now expected to begin between Q3 2025 and early 2026.

Son Heung-Min’s signature journey with adidas continues as the brand unveils his second custom boot - the F50 TAEGEUK7. Following his debut signature release in 2023, this latest design pays homage to both his South Korean heritage and his journey in English football since joining Tottenham Hotspur.

Google has announced the call for applications for its 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme, a three-month initiative aimed at empowering early-stage startups that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve Africa’s most critical challenges.

The recent shutdown of CBEX and PCEX platforms has left thousands of people in Africa and Europe reeling from financial loss, once again highlighting the dangers of unregulated and deceptive trading platforms masquerading as investment opportunities. The platforms, like MMM and many others before them, operated as Ponzi schemes, promising high returns with little to no risk while luring in users through aggressive referral models and opaque operations.

Nike Unleashes Ja 3 with Bold New Look

...Ja Morant to Debut Kicks in Game 1 vs Thunder

Nike has revealed the Ja 3, the third signature shoe from Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. Set to make its on-court debut today, Sunday, April 20th, during Game 1 of the Grizzlies vs. Thunder series, the Ja 3 will launch in a striking “Max Volume” colourway.

Pernod Ricard Nigeria, FRSC Join Forces to Curb Drink-Driving During Easter

...Driving Home the Message of Safety, Responsibility, and Mindful Choices on Nigerian Roads

Pernod Ricard Nigeria, a prominent player in the wines and spirits industry, has teamed up with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to launch a campaign aimed at discouraging drink-driving and promoting responsible road use.

Congo Energy & Investment Forum Returns to Brazzaville Amid Major Oil and Gas Expansion

The Republic of Congo is set to host the second edition of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) from March 10 to 12, 2026 in Brazzaville. Held under the theme Invest. Build. Empower: Transforming Congo’s Energy Landscape, the forum comes at a pivotal moment for the country as it accelerates oil production and deepens its footprint in the global gas sector.

Sage Grey Finance and Bank of Industry Join Forces to Bridge MSME Funding Gap in Nigeria

… initiative delivers loans up to ₦5 million at 9% interest, plus business advisory support through the FGN MSMEs Fund

Sage Grey Finance Limited has announced a strategic partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to expand affordable financing opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. Unveiled in Lagos, the collaboration is backed by the Federal Government’s MSMEs Fund and aims to support business growth, job creation, and inclusive economic development through tailored financial solutions.

In a joint push for environmental responsibility, LG Electronics and Hinckley Recycling have kicked off a week-long electronic waste collection campaign running from April 15 to 21, 2025.

From April 18 to 21, Emirates is marking both Easter and Orthodox Easter with a festive lineup of seasonal treats and entertainment for travelers of all ages.

As Ghana’s gold mining sector undergoes rapid expansion, AngloGold Ashanti has stepped forward as a Gold Sponsor of the upcoming Mining in Motion 2025 summit. The global mining leader’s sponsorship reinforces its dedication to sustainable mining practices and economic development in one of Africa’s leading gold-producing nations.

Luka Modrić Joins Swansea City Ownership Group

Croatian football icon Luka Modrić has officially become a minority owner of Swansea City, joining the English Football League (EFL) club as a co-owner and investor.

Tottenham Hotspur has announced Vinai Venkatesham as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a major leadership shift during a challenging time for the club.

The naira strengthened against the US dollar at the official market on Tuesday, appreciating by N5.50 as foreign exchange (FX) demand pressures moderated.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking steps to improve access to market-based financing for Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Startups across Africa’s blue economy sector can now apply to pitch their ideas at BlueInvest Africa 2025, set to take place in Lomé, Togo on October 15–16. Organised by the European Union in partnership with the Government of Togo, the event is a key opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with international investors and public sector stakeholders.

What once looked like the perfect opportunity to escape financial struggle has become another chapter in Nigeria’s long history of digital deception. CBEX, a platform that dazzled users with promises of AI-powered wealth and easy returns, has collapsed, exposing thousands to painful losses and reigniting national conversations about scams, trust, and tech-fueled false hope.

The Federal Government has revealed that plans are underway to settle the N4 trillion debt owed to Power Generation Companies (GenCos) for electricity already supplied to the national grid.

Stitch Raises $55M to Scale Payment Infrastructure Across Africa

Cape Town-based fintech Stitch has raised $55 million in fresh funding to accelerate the development of its end-to-end payment solutions for businesses across Africa. The new capital injection reinforces Stitch’s mission to simplify and unify digital transactions on the continent, where demand for streamlined financial services continues to surge.

Nigeria’s energy transition plan has received a significant boost, with over $5 billion in new investments flowing into the gas sector as of 2024, according to the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA).

Nigeria: Minister Announces May 1 Rollout for Reforms on Expatriate Quota, E-Visa, and More

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has confirmed that several key reforms by the Ministry of Interior and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), particularly concerning expatriate quotas and new visa processes, will be implemented starting Thursday, May 1, 2025.

The German Football League (DFL) is in advanced discussions with Adidas regarding a strategic partnership that could see the sportswear giant invest €100 million (US$113.7 million) into the league, according to Bild.

After years of anticipation, Instagram has finally released its iPad app, marking a major milestone for users of the popular platform. The new app brings a smoother, more intuitive experience, purpose-built for the iPad’s larger screen.

Sterling Bank has taken a groundbreaking step by eliminating transfer fees on its OneBank digital platform, a move that could reshape the landscape of the Nigerian banking sector.

MTN Nigeria Plc's market capitalisation has dipped below N5 trillion as selling pressure intensified on Friday, with investors trimming their holdings in telecom stocks. The company's share price fell by 4.08%, closing at N235 ahead of its upcoming annual general meeting with shareholders.

Airbnb Community Fund Donates $150,000 to Boost AfriLabs' Pan-African Innovation Mission

AfriLabs, the leading network of innovation and tech hubs across Africa, has received a $150,000 unrestricted donation from the Airbnb Community Fund. The contribution marks a notable endorsement of AfriLabs’ work in nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across the continent.

Dr. Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist and Managing Director of Research and Trade Intelligence at Afreximbank, has warned that Nigeria must achieve an annual growth rate of at least 40% to mitigate the economic risks posed by the recent tariff increase by the United States. Speaking at the 2025 Vanguard Discourse held in Lagos, Kale emphasized the urgency of bold, long-term reforms if Nigeria is to meet its ambitious one trillion-dollar economic vision.

From Parking Lot to Play Zone: Bolt Debuts Chess Park in Lagos

...Kicking Off ‘Playtivism’ Campaign

Africa’s leading ride-hailing platform, Bolt, has launched its bold new "Playtivism" campaign in Lagos, starting with an imaginative urban makeover: converting a regular parking lot at Ikeja City Mall into a lively Chess Park.

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