BrandArena : August 2025

Saturday, 30 August 2025

China’s CCXI Affirms Afreximbank’s AAA/Stable Credit Rating, Strengthening Africa–China Trade Finance Outlook

China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), one of China’s leading credit rating agencies, has reaffirmed the African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) long-term issuer credit rating at AAA with a stable outlook.

RwandAir has strengthened its operations with the addition of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft this month, one of which has already entered service. The airline confirmed that newly serviced aircraft have also returned to operation, with another aircraft scheduled to join the fleet in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Samsung has officially confirmed its next major Galaxy Event, scheduled for 4 September 2025 during the IFA technology trade show in Berlin, where it is widely expected to unveil the Galaxy S25 FE and the new Galaxy Tab S11 series.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded a significant decline in market activity last week, as investors traded 3.199 billion shares valued at ₦85.399 billion across 142,477 transactions.

As preparations heat up for the 2025 edition of Carnival Calabar, Africa's largest street party and one of the top five carnivals worldwide, Okhma Global, the official marketing and brand management agency appointed by the Cross River State Government, hosted an influential investment workshop aimed at corporate leaders.

The Federal Government has announced a sharp increase in Nigerian international passport fees, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism across the country. Beginning 1 September 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) confirmed that the cost of obtaining a passport in Nigeria will double, with the new rates applying exclusively to domestic applicants.

West Ham United are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sell up to a 49 percent stake in its Women’s Super League (WSL) team to the Monarch Collective, a deal which would value the club at £55 million (US$74.3 million). This move would see the Hammers become the second WSL club to attract US-based investment.

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced a new policy requiring a mandatory prepaid customs duty of USD $80 (approximately N122,400) for all international shipments from Nigeria to the United States.

adidas has unveiled the fourth instalment of its six-part brand campaign, spotlighting the unsung heroes of youth sport, the parents, guardians, coaches, and supporters whose encouragement shapes the journeys of young athletes. The series explores how positivity from the sidelines can transform doubt into confidence and pressure into joy.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced a major capital injection into its banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTBank), increasing its paid-up share capital to ₦504 billion.

The Industry Newspaper, one of Nigeria’s leading brand marketing publications, has unveiled a new recognition platform titled Industry Men of Impact 2025, designed to celebrate the 50 most influential and reputable male practitioners across integrated marketing communications (IMC), entertainment, banking, telecommunications, entrepreneurship, technology, and energy.

The 6th edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout, one of Nigeria’s leading events uniting digital innovation, entertainment, and community, will take place from Friday, 21st November to Sunday, 23rd November 2025.

McLaren Racing has confirmed that Mastercard will become the Official Naming Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team from the 2026 season.

Kaspersky Reports Rising Cyberthreats in Africa Ahead of GITEX Nigeria 2025

Data from Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company, reveals that Sub-Saharan Africa experienced 42.4 million web attacks and 95.6 million on-device attacks in the first half of 2025. The region saw more than a twofold increase in spyware, a 64% rise in password stealer attacks, and a 12% increase in backdoor infections compared with the same period last year.

The 2025 IAA Mobility motor show in Munich is set to showcase headline debuts from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Renault, alongside a stronger turnout from Chinese carmakers following their absence from last year’s Paris event due to new EU tariffs on electric vehicles.

E-commerce company Jumia has submitted a proposal to appoint Hassanein Hiridjee, founder and director of Axian Telecom, to its Supervisory Board. The move follows the recent resignations of Angela Mwanza and Elizabeth Huebner, which left the board with only four members, below the six required under the company’s articles of association.

Global payments technology company, Visa and PEMANDU Associates, a global government advisory firm, have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at helping governments improve efficiency, enhance citizen services, and expand financial inclusion.

Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR) has reaffirmed African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) A- issuer credit rating with a stable outlook.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all banks, mobile money operators, super agents, and other licensed players in the payments ecosystem to fully migrate to the ISO 20022 payment messaging standard and geo-tag all point-of-sale (POS) terminals by 31 October 2025.

Apple has officially confirmed the date for its highly anticipated 2025 autumn event. Scheduled for 9 September at 7 PM CAT / 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT, the launch will take place at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, where it is expected to unveil its next generation of products. The event carries the tagline “awe dropping,” a teaser that suggests major announcements while keeping details firmly under wraps.

Google Launches AI Mode in Search for Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa

Google has officially introduced AI Mode in Search for users in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, marking a major step forward in how people access and explore information online. The new feature is designed to transform the search experience by providing more intuitive, detailed and context-aware answers.

adidas has confirmed the release of the highly anticipated VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish trainers by Pharrell Williams in an orange colourway, arriving on 23 August. Released under VIRGINIA – Pharrell’s new creative identity, community platform and brand – the design draws inspiration from his home state of Virginia while aiming for global resonance.

Heirs Holdings, the family-owned pan-African investment group established by Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, is celebrating 15 years of transformative impact, driving inclusive economic growth across Africa through strategic investments in key industries.

Jaiz Bank Plc has seen its market value fall by around 6.6% on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) as the Islamic lender undergoes a rebranding exercise and distributes dividends to shareholders.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised N1.2 trillion from its Open Market Operations (OMO) and Treasury Bills auctions as part of its liquidity management strategy last week. The auctions were conducted in the primary market to absorb excess liquidity caused by large inflows from maturing OMO and Treasury Bills.

YouTube Music is commemorating its official tenth anniversary with a slew of new features that demonstrate how much the site has changed since its inception. YouTube Music is launching enhancements to improve community participation, bring listeners and artists closer together, and highlight the fervour of devoted fans as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. What started out as a straightforward streaming substitute has developed into a platform that combines social engagement and music discovery, paving the way for its next phase.

FBNQuest Merchant Bank Facilitates Landmark ₦5 Billion Commercial Paper Programme

...₦2 Billion Series 1 Issuance for Accion Microfinance Bank

FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited has reinforced its leadership in Nigeria’s capital markets by acting as Exclusive Arranger and Dealer for Accion Microfinance Bank Limited’s debut ₦5.0 billion Commercial Paper (CP) Programme, which successfully launched with a ₦2.0 billion Series 1 issuance.

Nigeria: Court Freezes Jaiz Bank Accounts Linked to Ex-NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari Over Alleged ₦661m Fraud

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Mr Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over allegations of fraud and money laundering.

Samsung Launches Vision AI TVs with Real-Time Translation and Smart Features

Samsung has raised the bar in home entertainment with the launch of its 2025 range of Vision AI-powered TVs, available across Neo QLED, QLED, OLED and The Frame models. More than a product release, the launch signals Samsung’s ambition to transform the television from a passive screen into an intelligent companion that adapts, learns, and enhances everyday life.

The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to step in and strengthen collaboration between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) has opened applications for the seventh edition of the MEST Africa Challenge, a pan-African pitch competition designed to identify and support high-potential technology startups.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to open Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) worth N230 billion for subscription at the primary market auction on Wednesday. Acting on behalf of the monetary authority, the Debt Management Office (DMO) will issue treasury bills across the standard tenors of 91-day, 182-day, and one-year maturities.

FIFA is reportedly considering turning the revamped Club World Cup into a biennial event from 2029, according to emerging reports.

MTN Group has announced a major leadership shake-up as the telecoms giant embarks on its next phase of strategic growth across Africa and the Middle East. The restructuring, which takes effect on 1 November 2025, includes several high-profile executive appointments and changes to the Group Executive Committee.

Contrary to circulating online reports, a Dangote Cement truck was not responsible for the fatal accident that occurred on the Auchi-Okpella-Okene road, near Omega Fire Ministry in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

WhatsApp has announced the rollout of three new features designed to improve the user experience on its messaging app, with the highlight being the ability to schedule calls in advance.

Republic of Congo and AfDB Sign $602,000 Grant Agreement to Rebase National Accounts

The Government of the Republic of Congo and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have signed a $602,000 grant agreement to support the rebasing of the country’s national accounts, a key step towards modernising economic statistics and strengthening fiscal transparency.

HUAWEI AppGallery is preparing to make a major impact at Gamescom 2025, offering gamers an unforgettable experience at the Cologne Fair from 21 to 24 August. Visitors can find the showcase at Booth A.040, where blockbuster titles, immersive activities, and exclusive promotions will take centre stage. With interactive gameplay, community-driven events and unique rewards, HUAWEI AppGallery is set to captivate gaming fans from across Europe.

Oando Plc, the dual-listed indigenous energy company, has confirmed the successful completion of the first phase of its share distribution programme to eligible shareholders, according to a disclosure on the Nigerian Exchange.

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Sign Network Infrastructure Sharing Agreement to Boost Digital Inclusion Across Africa

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered into a strategic network infrastructure sharing agreement in key African markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), subject to regulatory approval in each country.

TLcom Capital, the Africa-focused venture capital firm, has expanded its early-stage portfolio through its dedicated $5M pre-seed fund, TAPSI (TIDE Africa Pre Seed Investments). Its latest investment in TurnStay, a South African travel payments platform that has recently closed a $2M seed round, brings TAPSI’s capital deployment to 50%.

AfDB, Invest in Africa Sign $850,000 Grant Agreement to Create Inclusive Green Jobs in Ghana, Senegal

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a $850,000 grant agreement with Invest in Africa (IIA), a non-profit organisation, to support the MicroGREEN project, which aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalised and vulnerable communities in Ghana and Senegal.

First Securities Brokers Limited, the stockbroking subsidiary of First Holdco Plc, has secured the top position in the latest Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Broker Performance Report for July 2025, leading in both trading volume and transaction value.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has unveiled the technical blueprint for Project BRIDGE — a landmark national infrastructure initiative to deploy 90,000 km of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria. The project aims to transform the country’s digital backbone, delivering high-speed, reliable and equitable broadband connectivity to communities nationwide.

The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATON) has urged the Lagos State Government to take immediate action against what it describes as exploitative practices by e-hailing app companies.

On Saturday, 9 August 2025, Meta, in collaboration with Nigerian designer Ifeanyi Nwune’s I.N. Official, unveiled Transcendence, the first AI-powered fashion collection, at Africa Fashion Week London.

Volkswagen Set to Launch Two New Hybrid Models

Volkswagen is preparing to introduce two new hybrid models in the North American market soon, as it works to respond to shifting consumer demand away from fully electric vehicles towards hybrid options.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich announced on Friday that they will reduce ‘Visit Rwanda’ branding as the club moves “away from a commercial sponsorship” with the African nation, which is facing criticism over alleged support for rebels in neighbouring Congo.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed the trading week lower on Friday, with key performance indicators slipping by 0.56 per cent.

Shoprite Holdings, South Africa’s largest supermarket chain, has confirmed its exit from Ghana and Malawi, marking its seventh withdrawal from African markets. The decision reflects the retailer’s renewed focus on consolidating and expanding its operations in South Africa after years of challenging trading conditions across the continent.

Saturday, 30 August 2025

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