BrandArena : June 2025

Saturday, 28 June 2025

Trump Tariffs Could Add $1 Billion to Annual Costs - Nike

American athletic footwear and apparel brand Nike has warned investors that it could face an additional $1 billion (£728 million) in costs this year if tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump remain at current levels.

Real Madrid has extended its global partnership with Cisco, reinforcing the company’s role as one of the club’s official technology partners. The renewed agreement includes the integration of Cisco’s advanced technology at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and expanded upgrades to Real Madrid City.

Carlos Alcaraz Lands Major Sponsorship Deal with Evian

...Joins Emma Raducanu and Others

Carlos Alcaraz has added another major name to his growing list of sponsors, signing a lucrative partnership with Evian.

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, has announced it will close all branches across the country earlier than usual on Monday, June 30, 2025, to conduct its half-year audit.

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has announced plans to list his $20 billion oil refinery on the Nigerian Stock Exchange by the end of 2026. Situated just outside Lagos, the refinery is Africa’s largest and has the capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, producing aviation fuel, naphtha, diesel, and gasoline.

In a historic overhaul of Nigeria’s tax and revenue architecture, President Bola Tinubu has signed into law four pivotal tax reform Acts, marking a turning point in the country's economic governance. The signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja was attended by senior government officials, including the Senate President, House Speaker, Minister of Finance, and Attorney General.

Samsung has officially confirmed that its next Galaxy Unpacked event will take place on July 9 at 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT in Brooklyn, New York. The event is expected to showcase the company’s latest innovations in foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and a new high-end device rumored to be the Ultra Fold.

African Leaders Call for Investment-First U.S. Partnership and Tariff Reform

African heads of state and finance leaders on Monday urged the United States to shift its approach from aid to investment and to immediately review punitive tariffs that hamper African exports. The appeal came during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit held in Luanda, where more than 2,000 delegates gathered.

Emirates and Uber have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at delivering smoother, more rewarding journeys for travellers. The partnership seeks to improve on-ground mobility for Emirates customers and extend loyalty benefits to Emirates Skywards members using Uber in select markets across the airline’s global network.

Mastercard is expanding its sonic branding in Africa with the release of two culturally resonant anthems: “Wami” in the Afrobeat genre and “Amazwe” in the Amapiano style. Featuring top artists Mayorkun from Nigeria and Sho Madjozi from South Africa, the tracks fuse Mastercard’s global sonic identity with the rich musical heritage of the continent.

Nigerians Without NIN Could Soon Be Barred from Accessing Credit

Nigeria is on the verge of a transformative policy shift that will link access to credit with the National Identification Number (NIN), in a bid to build a more transparent and accountable financial system. This change represents a pivotal step in encouraging responsible borrowing and strengthening economic inclusion across the country. As conversations intensify, the implications are becoming clear: having a NIN may soon become a non-negotiable requirement for securing any type of credit.

We are living in a moment that future historians may look back on as a pivot point in human evolution—not biological evolution, but cognitive and societal transformation. It is not the tools we are building, but what those tools are beginning to understand about us and how they are beginning to change us in return that signals something unprecedented.

Nigeria's women’s and men’s flag football teams have made history by becoming the first-ever champions of the IFAF African Flag Football tournament, marking a milestone in the sport’s journey toward a debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

In today’s digital age, the television has transformed from a simple screen into a central entertainment and lifestyle hub. A modern 4K TV is now expected to deliver stunning picture quality, smart functionality, and features that promote wellness. Whether you’re streaming Dolby Vision content, gaming at 120Hz, or casting from your smartphone, choosing the right TV has never been more important.

Nigeria Set to Spotlight Mining Potential at African Mining Week 2025

As Nigeria pushes forward with its mining ambitions, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, the continent’s leading mining industry event scheduled for October 1–3 in Cape Town, will feature a dedicated session highlighting the country’s mineral prospects and investment-ready projects.

Rolls-Royce Strengthens African Presence with New Regional Headquarters, Training Hub in Johannesburg

...New Facility to Enhance Service Delivery, Skills Development

Rolls-Royce has inaugurated a new regional headquarters and training centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, to support its Power Systems division. This expansion underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the African continent and will serve the growing number of mtu mobile and stationary power systems operating across critical sectors such as energy, technology, mining, transportation, and oil & gas.

A significant milestone in global cultural exchange has been achieved with the launch of Moscow’s first permanent space dedicated to contemporary African art. The inaugural exhibition, titled “And Behold!”, was unveiled by the I-A Gallery, offering Russian audiences a vibrant and immersive introduction to the contemporary African art scene.

Sofri, the innovative digital banking platform powered by Links Microfinance Bank, has announced the official launch of its revamped mobile app and the introduction of Corporate Internet Banking (CIB) services designed for SMEs and institutional clients.

NGX Explores Strategic Partnership with Shanghai Stock Exchange for Sustainable Market Growth

The Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, has called for a strategic collaboration with the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) to foster sustainable growth in Nigeria’s capital market.

Bolt, Africa’s leading ride-hailing platform, recently hosted the Bolt Family Fest in Lagos, a large-scale event aimed at celebrating driver loyalty, recognising top performers, and deepening community engagement across its network. With Lagos as its biggest market in Nigeria, the city was a fitting backdrop for this dynamic celebration of growth and partnership.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) has announced that beginning June 18, it will start deducting the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) fee directly from customers’ airtime balances.

The Nigerian stock market closed on a bullish note Tuesday as the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) hit a new record high, buoyed by a rally in blue-chip stocks. Investors gained approximately N1.18 trillion following a surge in demand for heavyweight tickers.

The Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA) has announced the inaugural edition of African Marketplace Dubai 2025, a global platform spotlighting export-ready small and medium enterprises (SMEs), brands, and products from Africa and the Caribbean. Representing sectors including fashion, agribusiness, tech, textiles, and the creative arts, the event aims to connect regional innovation to global opportunities.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), owners of Premier League champions Liverpool, are exploring the possibility of acquiring Spanish top-flight club Getafe as part of a broader push to build a global multi-club network, according to a report by The Times.

The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) has opened entries for the PRISM Awards 2025, marking a new chapter in celebrating excellence in public relations and communication across Southern Africa. The entry window remains open until 7 August.

A new survey from the Project Management Institute (PMI) reveals that 97% of creative agencies encountered major challenges in executing campaigns over the past year, amid mounting pressure to deliver fresh, engaging content in an oversaturated market.

Oando Foundation Expands Environmental Education Initiative to 50 More Schools Across Nigeria

...Phase V of “Clean Our World” Project Launches in FCT and Delta State, Sustains Impact in Lagos and Plateau

Oando Foundation, an independent charity established to support Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education goals, has launched Phase V of its flagship environmental education initiative, “Clean Our World” (COW). The new phase expands the program to 50 additional schools, including new implementations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Delta State, while strengthening activities in Lagos and Plateau States to ensure deeper impact and long-term sustainability.

LemFi has acquired Pillar, a UK-based fintech startup focused on credit scoring, marking a strategic move into the credit space as the remittance platform broadens its financial offerings.

Coca-Cola Unveils Fest Luanda: A Vibrant Celebration of Angolan Culture, Music, and Food

Coca-Cola has announced the launch of Coca-Cola Fest Luanda, a flagship brand experience in Angola. This vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM at the iconic Luanda Bay Waterfront, in front of the Fortaleza Shopping Center.

Ghana is accelerating the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock broader opportunities for local businesses by moving beyond the export of raw commodities like gold, oil, and cocoa, and focusing on value addition.

...Chinese brands shift focus as US trade tensions escalate

A new study from WARC, the experts in marketing effectiveness, has revealed that global advertising spend is now projected to grow by 6.2% this year to $1.16 trillion. This marks a downgrade of half a percentage point from WARC’s March forecast, as economic volatility and trade tensions intensify. Key sectors including retail (down 6.1%) and automotive (down 4.0%) are pulling back on ad budgets, while growth among technology and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands has slowed.

Egypt Secures $184.1 Million from African Development Bank for Continent’s Largest Solar, Battery Storage Project

The African Development Bank Group has approved a financing package of up to $184.1 million to support Egypt’s Obelisk solar energy project, a 1-gigawatt photovoltaic plant integrated with a 200MWh battery storage system, making it the largest of its kind in Africa.

As the countdown begins for what will be the largest FIFA World Cup in history, taking place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026, Visa has made a headline-grabbing move: naming 17-year-old football sensation Lamine Yamal as its official ambassador for the tournament.

Aliko Dangote, billionaire industrialist and one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, has announced his retirement as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. This marks the end of a transformative 20-year tenure, effective June 16, 2025.

Al Ahli Tripoli and Petro de Luanda to Clash in 2025 BAL Finals in South Africa on June 14

...Al Ittihad and APR Set for Third-Place Game on June 13

The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Finals are officially set. Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) will take on Petro de Luanda (Angola) on Saturday, June 14 at 4 p.m. CAT at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, concluding the league’s landmark fifth season.

MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GOtv, has shed approximately 2.8 million subscribers as persistent economic pressures weigh heavily on households across its African markets.

Meta Launches AI-Powered Video Editing Tool for Creative Storytelling

Meta has introduced a new generative AI video editing feature, now available in the Meta AI app, on the Meta.AI website, and in the Edits app. This feature allows users to apply preset AI prompts to transform short-form videos, changing outfits, locations, lighting, and more, before sharing them directly to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Meta’s Discover feed.

Rite Foods Limited, a prominent player in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry, powered this year’s Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebuland, Ogun State, reaffirming its commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement at the event held on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

TAJBank, a prominent non-interest financial institution in Nigeria, has finalised the agreement for the N20 billion second tranche of its N100 billion Mudarabah Sukuk bond programme.

Sky Sports and TNT Sports, the Premier League’s primary domestic broadcasters, both experienced a decline in viewership of up to 14 per cent during the 2024/25 season, according to figures obtained by The Times.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated that Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), operating under the name ST Technologies International Ltd., is still banned from operating in Nigeria.

...New weekly charter flights boost trade between Milan and Southeast China

Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has expanded its freighter operations across Europe, strengthening connections with key points on its global network. Strategically located between East and West, Emirates SkyCargo plays a vital role in facilitating global trade with speed, efficiency, and reliability.

The World Out of Home Organisation (WOO) President, Tom Goddard, addressed over 600 delegates from 58 countries during a keynote speech at the WOO Annual Congress held in Mexico City, highlighting major strides in the global Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising sector.

In a strong endorsement of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in education, Her Excellency, Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Josephine Piyo, has praised Oando Foundation, an independent charity committed to supporting Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education goals, for its sustained efforts in reintegrating out-of-school children through its LEARNOVATE-FLIP (Foundational Learning Improvement Programme) initiative.

Trump and Musk Feud Highlights the Consequences of Unchecked Wealth in American Politics

Elon Musk has publicly declared the extent of his political influence in the United States, exposing what is usually kept behind closed doors: the power of billionaire money in electoral outcomes.

Chinese mobile phone manufacturer TECNO has announced an expanded partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reaffirming its position as the Official Global Partner of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations for Morocco 2025 and KE-UG-TA 2027. The partnership builds on its successful involvement in 2023, where it served as the exclusive smartphone sponsor for the tournament.

MultiChoice has issued a warning to investors of a sharp drop in its financial performance, reporting a 50% decline in trading profit for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.

The Premier League's decision to ban gambling sponsorships on the front of team shirts starting from the 2026/27 season is more than a policy change; it's a pivotal moment in the evolution of football marketing. While much of the conversation has focused on the financial impact for clubs, this move also raises essential questions about the psychological effects of gambling advertising and the types of brands that should be associated with the world’s most-watched football league.

Publicis Groupe Africa has appointed Ashish Williams as Senior Vice President of Media, signaling a strengthened focus on delivering future-fit, innovative media solutions across the continent.

Meta has officially launched Teen Accounts on Instagram in Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to safer and more controlled online experiences for young users. The initiative is part of Meta’s broader strategy to enhance online safety for teenagers across Africa.

Saturday, 28 June 2025

Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Sunday, 22 June 2025

Thursday, 19 June 2025

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Friday, 13 June 2025

...Chinese brands shift focus as US trade tensions escalate

Thursday, 12 June 2025

Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Rite Foods Limited, a prominent player in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry, powered this year’s Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebuland, Ogun State, reaffirming its commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement at the event held on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

...New weekly charter flights boost trade between Milan and Southeast China

Sunday, 8 June 2025