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

Sunday, 28 September 2025

Revolut Seeks South African Banking Licence in First Move Into Africa


Revolut, the London-based digital banking giant, has applied for a full banking licence in South Africa, marking its first step into the African market. The announcement was made on 23 September at the opening of Revolut’s new global headquarters in London and signals the company’s intent to challenge South Africa’s fast-growing digital banking sector.

adidas and Arte Antwerp Unveil Lightblaze POD in First-Ever Footwear Collaboration


adidas has joined forces with Belgian streetwear label Arte Antwerp to launch their first-ever collaborative sneaker, the Lightblaze POD, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two brands.

BYD Opens 100th UK Dealership in Just Two Years as Chinese Carmakers Surge in Europe


Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has reached a major milestone in the UK with the opening of its 100th franchised sales site, less than two and a half years after its first dealership launched in April 2023.

AfricInvest Secures €50 Million First Close for Third French-African Fund, Boosting Cross-Border Investment Strategy


Paris-based AfricInvest Europe, a subsidiary of AfricInvest Group, has reached the first close of its third French-African Fund (FFA III), securing commitments of around €50 million. With the milestone, the firm’s French-African Fund strategy now manages approximately €150 million in assets, strengthening its role as a leading investor connecting French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with African markets.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Finalise TikTok U.S. Ownership Deal


President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order cementing a landmark deal that brings TikTok’s U.S. operations under American control, ending months of uncertainty over the app’s future.

CBN Boosts Naira With $70m FX Injection as Reserves Hit $42.2bn


The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) strengthened the naira this week by selling $70 million to authorised dealer banks in the foreign exchange market, a move that eased dollar pressures and bolstered market confidence.

Canal+ Announces New Leadership Team for Africa After MultiChoice Takeover


French media giant Canal+ has wasted no time reshaping its African operations after sealing its landmark acquisition of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group. Just days after the deal was finalized, the company unveiled a sweeping new executive structure that places the continent’s largest pay-TV operator under foreign ownership for the first time in its history.

Saturday, 27 September 2025

Reddington Hospital, Oniru of Iruland Launch Free Medical Outreach for Over 500 Residents


The Reddington Multi-Specialists Hospital, Lagos, in collaboration with His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland, has brought free medical care to the people of Oniru community in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Mastercard Expands Partnership with Smile ID to Drive Digital Identity and Financial Inclusion Across Africa


Mastercard has deepened its partnership with Smile ID, Africa’s leading identity verification provider, to accelerate the rollout of secure digital identity solutions across the continent. The move aims to combat rising fraud, streamline customer onboarding, and widen access to financial services for millions of people.

FAAN, Paystack Launch Cashless Payment System at Lagos and Abuja Airports Starting September 29


The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in collaboration with Paystack, has announced the rollout of a cashless and contactless payment system at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, effective September 29.

Israel Faces Possible UEFA Ban Amid Mounting Pressure Over Gaza Conflict


Israel’s national football teams and clubs could face suspension from UEFA competitions as early as next week, the PA news agency understands.

Bitcoin Slides to $109K as Crypto Market Cap Shrinks to $3.77 Trillion


Bitcoin’s price slipped below $110,000 on Saturday, extending a week of losses as retail investors cut positions and leveraged bets collapsed across major exchanges. Ethereum also traded lower, with the global cryptocurrency market capitalisation falling to $3.77 trillion.

Zimbabwe Chosen as Headquarters for New Intra-African Trade Fair Institution


Zimbabwe has been selected as the permanent home of the Intra-African Trade Fair Company (IATFCO), the newly established independent entity that will oversee Africa’s premier trade and investment event, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). The headquarters will be based in Harare, following a competitive bidding process.

TikTok Expands #LevelUpAfrica Programme to Train 3,000 Creators Across Sub-Saharan Africa


TikTok has announced a major expansion of its flagship #LevelUpAfrica programme, with plans to train and empower more than 3,000 content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative, which began in 2021, has been pivotal in amplifying African voices on the global stage, offering creators access to economic opportunities, brand-building support, and pathways to sustainable careers in the digital space.

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Visa Introduces Affluent Rewards Program for Premium Cardholders in Nigeria


Visa has launched the Visa Affluent Rewards Program in Nigeria, offering premium cardholders access to exclusive lifestyle benefits tailored to their tastes and ambitions. The program, the first of its kind in the country, provides a curated range of rewards, privileges, and experiences across fine dining, fashion, wellness, and staycations.

JMG Limited Marks World Clean-Up Day with Bold Sustainability Drive in Lagos


JMG Limited, a leading provider of integrated electromechanical solutions in Nigeria, has taken its commitment to sustainability to the heart of Gbagada, Lagos, as part of activities marking World Clean-Up Day 2025. On September 20, the company’s top executives and staff set aside their formal suits for gloves and waste bags, rolling up their sleeves to clear plastics and solid waste from the community where JMG’s largest workforce operates.

AFC, ASSA Launch $1.17tn Africa Savings-for-Infrastructure Plan


A landmark initiative aimed at mobilising Africa’s vast institutional savings for infrastructure development has been launched under the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), part of the UN Global Compact.

Access Holdings Shares Drop as Investors React to Earnings Delay


Access Holdings Plc saw its market value fall by nearly 5% on Tuesday as investors responded negatively to the company’s request for more time to release its first-half earnings report.

CBN Cuts Interest Rate to 27% as 14 Banks Meet New Capital Requirement


Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has reduced the country’s benchmark interest rate, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), from 27.50 percent to 27 percent. The decision, announced on Tuesday, signals a shift from the aggressive tightening stance the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained since 2024.

Afreximbank Renews Partnership with AAAM to Boost Africa’s Automotive Industry


The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), reaffirming its commitment to advancing Africa’s automotive sector and promoting intra-African trade and investment.

Paga Group Expands to U.S. Market With Digital Banking for Africa’s Diaspora


Paga Group, a UK-headquartered financial technology company and one of Africa’s fastest-growing startups, has announced its entry into the U.S. market with a new digital banking service designed specifically for Africans living in America.

Nigeria’s CAC Introduces Artificial Intelligence to Fix Company Registration Delays


For months, business owners in Nigeria have voiced their frustrations with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Many complained about failed payments, stalled applications, and weeks-long approval delays. Behind the scenes, the commission was struggling with a backlog of more than 7,000 pending company registration requests.

Huawei Unveils "R.I.S.E" National Government Cloud Reference Architecture at 2025 Global Summit


Huawei has launched its "R.I.S.E" National Government Cloud reference architecture, a major step toward accelerating the digital and intelligent transformation of government services. The announcement was made at the 2025 Global Public Sector Cloud & AI Summit, where global leaders and technology experts gathered to discuss the future of cloud and artificial intelligence in public service delivery.

Monday, 22 September 2025

Nigeria: FG Revokes 1,263 Mining Licences Over Unpaid Service Fees


The Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licenses following defaults in the payment of mandatory annual service fees.

Emirates Skywards Launches Flight Rewards for Premium Economy Travel


Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has expanded its rewards portfolio by introducing flight redemptions for Premium Economy travel. The move gives more than 35 million members worldwide the chance to use Skywards Miles for Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards in the airline’s highly sought-after Premium Economy cabin.

Sunday, 21 September 2025

Nexamont Acquires 21.4% Stake in Royal Exchange Plc


Royal Exchange Plc has confirmed that Nexamont Company Ltd. has acquired a significant 21.4% equity stake in the insurance and financial services group.

Cadillac Targets Up to $70 Million Per Year From Potential F1 Title Sponsor


Cadillac is seeking a lucrative title sponsorship deal worth up to US$70 million annually as it prepares to enter Formula One, according to a report by Sports Business Journal (SBJ).

Foxconn Eyes Ogun State for Major Investment, Explores Manufacturing Opportunities


Taiwanese multinational and global electronics powerhouse, Foxconn, has set its sights on Ogun State as a potential hub for manufacturing and technology investment in West Africa.

Thursday, 18 September 2025

Nigeria Immigration Service Launches First-Ever Centralised Passport Production


The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially ended decentralised passport production, introducing a single centralised system for the first time in its 62-year history.

Loeries Creative Week 2025 Programme Unveiled in Cape Town


The programme for Loeries Creative Week 2025 has been announced, with the internationally renowned festival set to take place from Sunday, 5 October to Friday, 10 October in Cape Town. This year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet, attracting record entries and drawing attendees from across Africa, the Middle East and beyond.

Lagos Introduces Drone Technology to Tackle Traffic Gridlock and Road Safety Challenges


Traffic congestion in Lagos remains one of the city’s greatest challenges, with millions of residents enduring daily gridlock. For years, officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have directed traffic in all conditions, managing accidents and attempting to keep order across Africa’s largest city. But this week, the agency admitted that traditional methods are no longer enough.

Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Puma Shares Rise Amid Adidas Takeover Rumours


Shares in Puma SE climbed nearly 5 percent on Tuesday following growing speculation that Adidas could be preparing a potential takeover bid for its longtime sportswear rival.

Amazon launches AI-powered Prime Vision simulcast for Champions League coverage in UK, Germany and Italy


Amazon Prime Video is set to roll out a new data-driven simulcast of its UEFA Champions League coverage, introducing Prime Vision, an enhanced broadcast featuring real-time statistics, tactical graphics and AI-powered insights for fans in the UK, Germany, and Italy.

Tinubu Urges Unified Identity System to Boost Security, Governance and Economic Opportunities


President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the importance of a harmonised national identity system, saying it is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s security, governance, and socio-economic development.

Google Unveils Windows Desktop App with Spotlight-Style Search Experience


Google has quietly expanded its reach into desktop computing with the launch of a new Windows application designed to bring a Spotlight-style search experience to PCs. The app, currently being introduced gradually, enables users to search both local files and the web through a single, streamlined interface.

Monday, 15 September 2025

FBNQuest Merchant Bank Certified a 'Great Place to Work', Showcasing Commitment to Employee Engagement and Leadership


FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a globally recognised achievement that highlights its dedication to fostering one of Nigeria’s most innovative and high-performing workforces. 

Nigeria’s Foreign Reserves Hit $41.7bn as Bonny Light Crude Gains – CBN


Nigeria’s gross external reserves have climbed to $41.698 billion, according to the latest foreign exchange figures released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Commodity market data also showed Bonny Light crude closing higher at $68.56 per barrel.

Visa Unveils World’s First Local Cloud Payment Platform in Saudi Arabia


Visa has launched the world’s first local cloud payment platform in Saudi Arabia, a milestone that positions the Kingdom at the forefront of financial innovation in the Middle East and sets a precedent for global payments infrastructure.

Sunbeth Global Concepts Earns ‘A’ Credit Rating from DataPro as Agro-Trade Expansion Accelerates


Sunbeth Global Concepts, a leading international agro-commodities sourcing and trading company, has received an ‘A’ financial rating from DataPro, a top Nigerian credit rating agency.

LG Electronics Empowers Ogun State Community, Unveils Solar-Powered Borehole, Mobile Laundry Facility



LG Electronics has commissioned a solar-powered borehole and mobile laundry cabin in Abeokuta, delivering free access to safe drinking water and laundry services for local residents. The initiative highlights the company’s commitment to deploying sustainable technology that strengthens communities and enhances quality of life.

Sunday, 14 September 2025

Nigerian Navy Reports Major Success in Niger Delta Oil Theft Crackdown


The Nigerian Navy has announced that its ongoing campaign, Operation Delta Sanity, has significantly reduced crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, contributing to improved oil production and economic growth.

UEFA Postpones Decision on Overseas Domestic Matches Amid Fan Backlash


UEFA has postponed its decision on whether European domestic league matches can be staged overseas, confirming it will consult fans and other stakeholders before making a final ruling.

Albania Makes History with World’s First AI Minister ‘Diella’ to Lead Anti-Corruption Drive


Albania has become the first country in the world to appoint an artificial intelligence–generated government minister, unveiling a bold digital experiment in the fight against corruption.

Friday, 12 September 2025

Air Peace Pilots Tested Positive for Alcohol and Drugs After Port Harcourt Runway Incident – NSIB Report


The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that an Air Peace pilot and co-pilot tested positive for alcohol and other substances following a runway excursion at Port Harcourt International Airport on 13 July.

Spotify Showcases Afrobeats’ Global Journey in New Animated Video


Spotify has unveiled a new animated short film that captures the vibrant evolution of Afrobeats, charting its rise from the early 2000s to the 2020s and celebrating the genre’s cultural and global impact.

EvaluatePR 30th Edition to Spotlight “Reputation, Reality, and the Risk of Automation” in Global PR and Media Discourse


P+ Measurement Services, Nigeria’s leading independent media intelligence and PR measurement agency, will host the 30th edition of EvaluatePR on Friday, 26 September 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (WAT) via Google Meet.

GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025: Africa’s Premier Fashion Exhibition Set to Hold 8–9 November


The highly anticipated GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 is set to return on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November, bringing together fashion lovers, industry leaders, and global style influencers for two days of creativity, enterprise, and cultural celebration in Lagos.

Wednesday, 10 September 2025

IsDB Launches Comprehensive Islamic Microfinance Toolkits to Boost Financial Inclusion


The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and the IsDB Global Practice & Partnership (GPP) Directorate, through its Cooperation and Capacity Development Department (CCD), have launched a five-volume series of Islamic Microfinance Toolkits, designed to strengthen inclusive financial systems across IsDB Member Countries.

Canon Launches EOS C50: Compact Full-Frame Cinema Camera with 7K Open Gate Recording for Creative Professionals


Canon Europe has introduced the EOS C50, a versatile, full-frame, RF-mount hybrid Cinema EOS camera designed for professional videographers and agile production teams.

FIFA and DAZN Claim Record 2.7 Billion Viewers for 2025 Club World Cup


FIFA and sports streaming giant DAZN have announced that the 2025 Club World Cup reached a global audience of 2.7 billion viewers, marking the biggest tournament in the competition’s history.