BrandArena : February 2026

Sunday, 8 February 2026

LG Unveils Smart Home Appliances for Middle East and Africa at InnoFest 2026

LG Electronics (LG) has unveiled a comprehensive range of AI-powered home solutions designed specifically for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at LG InnoFest 2026 MEA in Abu Dhabi, running from 3–5 February. Under the theme “Innovation, Forward Together,” the event showcases LG’s latest innovations in clothing care, kitchen appliances, built-in kitchen solutions, and total cleaning technologies, with a focus on user-centric design and regional relevance.

GCR Ratings has assigned a national scale long-term issue rating of AA-(NG) to Lagos State Government’s ₦230 billion Series 4 Senior Unsecured Fixed Rate Bonds, with a stable outlook.

Mastercard has welcomed its 2026 Youth Employment Service (YES) cohort, reinforcing its commitment to creating opportunities for young South Africans and strengthening the nation’s future talent pipeline.

Samsung Electronics, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, has unveiled its plans to enhance the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 by integrating mobile innovation and Galaxy AI across Games-time experiences.

The iGarden M1 Pro Max, recently named a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree, has officially launched worldwide, setting a new benchmark in pool cleaning technology. Touted as the world’s first Bionic Dual-Vision pool cleaner, the M1 Pro Max moves beyond the randomised navigation of traditional robotic cleaners by adopting a biomimetic “Eye, Brain, and Body” design. This advanced architecture enables the device to perceive depth, make intelligent decisions, and carry out heavy-duty cleaning autonomously, redefining the category.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have formalised a strategic partnership to strengthen data privacy and protection across Nigeria’s fast-expanding telecommunications sector.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded a strong performance last week, with the All-Share Index and market capitalisation rising by 3.84 per cent to close at 171,727.49 points and ₦110.235 trillion, respectively.

adidas Originals has reunited with Japanese streetwear label BAPE as the two brands look ahead to the 2026 World Cup with a new football-focused collaborative collection.

Emirates adds second daily Dubai–Tokyo Narita flight from May

...Enables smooth onward connections to destinations across Africa, Europe

Emirates has announced it will expand its operations to Tokyo Narita with the launch of a second daily service from 1 May, operated by a retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

LG Electronics (LG), a leader in AI-powered home solutions, has unveiled plans to accelerate growth across emerging markets, with a strong focus on the Middle East and Africa (MEA), at LG InnoFest 2026 MEA in Abu Dhabi. The company also highlighted opportunities in Latin America and Asia as part of its broader global growth strategy.

BYD Named Official Car Partner for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

BYD, a global leader in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), has been confirmed as the Official Car Partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The company will supply 90 fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to support transport and operations during the Games.

Nigeria has taken a major step towards transforming Africa’s automotive landscape by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) to establish the continent’s first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant.

Google has opened applications for the 10th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, marking a milestone edition that places artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of its support for African founders. The programme is designed to equip growth-stage startups with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to scale AI-driven solutions across the continent.

Lafarge Africa Plc has announced plans to expand production capacity at its Ashaka cement plant in Gombe State and its Sagamu plant in Ogun State, the company informed the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public.

MTN Group has formally approached the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for approval to acquire a controlling stake in IHS Towers, a move that could transform the telecommunications landscape across emerging markets.

Transnational Corporation Plc, the Debt Management Office, CardinalStone, Chapel Hill Denham, and MTN Nigeria Communications were among the standout winners at the 2025 Made of Africa Awards, hosted by the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), recognising institutions driving excellence in Nigeria’s capital markets.

Hallos, the edtech platform formerly known as Aahbibi, has announced a full rebrand alongside the launch of more than 5,000 self-paced courses designed to strengthen knowledge transfer, accelerate skills development, and improve literacy for everyday learners across Africa and the global market.

Rite Foods Limited, the proudly Nigerian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturer, has reiterated its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and clean energy adoption, marking the 2026 International Day of Clean Energy with a high-level multi-stakeholder engagement on Nigeria’s energy transition and sustainable industrial growth.

Shell plc has reported adjusted earnings of $3.3 billion for the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by strong operational performance in its Upstream and Integrated Gas businesses despite a lower price environment. Cash flow from operations (CFFO) for the quarter came in at $9.4 billion, with year-end movements partly offsetting underlying performance.

Nigeria’s attempt to deepen election transparency through technology has encountered another legislative hurdle after the Senate declined to make real-time electronic transmission of results compulsory. During deliberations on proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, lawmakers retained provisions allowing the use of technology in elections but rejected language that would force immediate uploads of polling unit results, particularly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026 is set to play a pivotal role in unlocking global capital for Africa’s sustainable development, with Sanlam Investments returning as headline sponsor for the third consecutive year. The summit will be held in Cape Town from 24 to 27 February 2026.

CLG has terminated the employment of its Chief Executive Officer, Zion Adeoye, following an extensive internal and external investigation into serious personal and professional conduct violations.

Oando profit after tax rises 10% to ₦241.3bn as upstream output jumps 32% in FY 2025

Oando PLC has reported a 10% increase in profit after tax to ₦241.3 billion for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, driven largely by a sharp rise in upstream oil and gas production.

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the eight finalists selected for the first cohort of its flagship Afreximbank Accelerator Programme, a three-month initiative launching in March 2026 to support high-growth African startups driving innovation in intra-African trade.

Dangote Industries Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) have formalised expanded gas supply agreements aimed at supporting large-scale industrial growth, cleaner energy adoption and Nigeria’s long-term gas strategy.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to open ₦1.15 trillion worth of Nigerian Treasury Bills for investor subscription on Wednesday, in line with its February primary market auction programme.

Preparations are underway for the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo (RACE 2026), Africa’s leading platform focused on regulatory technology, digital innovation, and policy reform. The high-profile event is scheduled to take place from 20 to 22 May 2026 at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Facebook spotlighted creativity, community, and sustainable growth at the 2026 African Creators Summit in Lagos, delivering a major on-ground activation designed to help African creators expand their audiences, build meaningful communities, and earn from their content.

Emirates and Marriott International have signed an agreement to launch Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 40-key, all-inclusive luxury lodge set within a 7,000-acre conservation reserve in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

AXA Mansard Profit Jumps 117% to N26.9bn in 2025 as Earnings per Share Rise to 279k

AXA Mansard Plc. recorded a strong financial performance in 2025, with profit after tax surging by 117 per cent to N26.88 billion, according to the company’s audited financial statements for the year.

French media group Canal+ is considering rolling out its streaming app to customers of MultiChoice Group across Africa following its acquisition of the pay-TV operator last year, a move that could reshape how millions of viewers access entertainment on the continent.

English football club Blackburn Rovers has been sued by its kit supplier, Macron, after the Italian sportswear brand filed court papers against the Championship club on January 28, alleging a breach of contract.

Dogecoin (DOGEUSD) fell by 4 per cent over the past 24 hours as extreme fear triggered fresh sell-offs across the cryptocurrency market, pushing prices lower amid heightened volatility.

Airtel Africa has posted a strong performance for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2025, reinforcing its position as a major driver of connectivity and financial inclusion across Africa. The pan-African telecommunications group reported a 10 per cent increase in its total customer base to 179.4 million, reflecting sustained demand for mobile and digital services across its markets.

The combined market capitalisation of Nigeria’s five biggest banks fell to N11.7 trillion as investors offloaded shares in First Holdco following a sharp decline in earnings.

Apple may be preparing to break with its long-established tradition of releasing a new iPhone every year, with reports indicating that the standard iPhone 18 could be delayed until 2027. While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in the autumn of 2026, the regular model may not arrive until the following year, marking the first such disruption to Apple’s annual iPhone cycle since 2007.

First Trustees, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc. and a leading provider of trust solutions for individuals, corporates and government institutions, has announced plans to host its 8th Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja on February 7, 2026.

Sunday, 8 February 2026

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Monday, 2 February 2026

Sunday, 1 February 2026