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Tinubu approves N3.9tn road projects across 15 states

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | June 30, 2026

Key Points

  • Federal Executive Council approves 27 road projects worth more than ₦3.9 trillion across 15 states
  • Largest approval is the ₦1.8 trillion re-award of the 409-kilometre Niger State dual carriageway under the tax credit scheme
  • Government also approves concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and confirms completion of the first section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway

Main Story

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 27 major road infrastructure projects valued at more than ₦3.9 trillion across 15 states, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s transport network and improving connectivity.

Minister of Works David Umahi announced the approvals on Monday after the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saying the projects span Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe states.

The largest approval is the ₦1.8 trillion re-award of the 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State to businessman Aliko Dangote under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme. Other major projects include the ₦276 billion dualisation of the Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road, the ₦265 billion reconstruction of the Iseyin-Eruwa-Agbesi Road linking Oyo and Kwara states, and the ₦217 billion expansion of the old alignment from Ijaye to Ilorin Road with a spur to Akinmorin.

Additional approvals cover the rehabilitation and construction of several strategic highways and bridges across the country, including projects in Adamawa, Plateau, Lagos, Ebonyi, Kogi and Oyo states.

The council also approved the full business case for the operation and maintenance concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, alongside the immediate reconstruction of failed sections of the highway around the Ibadan corridor using concrete pavement.

“The first 118 kilometres of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, valued at ₦137 billion, has been completed,” Minister of Works David Umahi said while briefing journalists after the council meeting.

The completed section forms part of the Federal Government’s broader highway rehabilitation programme aimed at improving interstate mobility, reducing travel time and supporting economic activities.

What’s Being Said

The Federal Government says the approvals are part of its long-term infrastructure strategy to strengthen road connectivity, facilitate trade and reduce logistics costs across the country.

Works Minister David Umahi said the projects were selected based on their strategic economic importance and their potential to improve transportation links between commercial centres, agricultural hubs and border communities.

The administration has also maintained that expanding road infrastructure remains central to its broader agenda of stimulating economic growth, attracting investment and improving regional integration.

What’s Next

  • The Federal Ministry of Works is expected to begin procurement, mobilisation and project implementation in line with the approved contracts.
  • Work will commence on the reconstruction of failed sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway under the newly approved operation and maintenance framework.
  • Construction is expected to continue on other flagship highway projects, including subsequent sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway.

Bottom Line:

The approval of more than ₦3.9 trillion in road projects underscores the Federal Government’s continued focus on infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth. Delivering the projects on schedule and within budget will be critical to unlocking their anticipated benefits for trade, mobility and national development.

Nigeria urges African countries to accelerate AfCFTA implementation

World Bank approves $27 million performance incentives for Nigerian states

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | June 30, 2026

Key Points

  • World Bank-backed HOPE Governance Programme approves $27 million in performance-based incentives for Nigerian states
  • Five states will receive the largest share after meeting education and primary healthcare reform benchmarks
  • Programme rewards states that achieved governance and budgeting targets under its Year Zero performance assessment

Main Story

The World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Programme has approved $27 million in performance-based incentives for Nigerian states that successfully implemented key governance reforms in basic education and primary healthcare.

The National Coordinator of the HOPE Governance Programme, Assad Hassan, announced the incentive package during a retreat for commissioners, permanent secretaries and directors of budget and planning from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

According to the programme, Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi and Yobe emerged as the top-performing states after meeting the requirements under two key Disbursement-Linked Results (DLRs) covering education and primary healthcare planning. Each state will receive $3 million—$1.5 million for each performance indicator—bringing their combined allocation to $15 million.

Nine additional states qualified for incentives under a separate governance indicator that measures the adoption of harmonised local government budget guidelines and a unified chart of accounts, while 15 states earned rewards for publishing their 2025 Citizens Budget for basic education and primary healthcare within the programme’s stipulated timeline.

“The incentives are based on the findings and recommendations of the Interim Independent Verification Agent, which carried out a rigorous assessment of states’ performances against the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Indicators,” Hassan said.

He noted that several participating states failed to qualify because they either missed the March 31, 2025 deadline, did not satisfy the programme’s performance requirements or failed to publish the required documents on their official websites.

The HOPE Governance Programme, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is a $500 million World Bank-supported initiative designed to strengthen financing, transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s basic education and primary healthcare sectors.

What’s Being Said

Programme Coordinator Assad Hassan said the incentive scheme is intended to encourage institutional reforms rather than one-off compliance exercises, stressing that stronger coordination among ministries, departments and agencies is essential for long-term success.

He identified weak institutional coordination as one of the main reasons many states failed to qualify for the incentives, warning that inadequate ownership of reforms could undermine their sustainability.

The programme also announced plans to implement a comprehensive capacity-building initiative to provide technical support to states and improve their ability to achieve future performance targets.

What’s Next

  • The Interim Independent Verification Agent is expected to conclude the second phase of Year Zero verification by July 2026.
  • The HOPE Governance Programme will begin implementing a technical capacity-building plan to help states improve compliance with future reform benchmarks.
  • States that did not qualify for the initial incentives are expected to strengthen governance systems and meet subsequent performance indicators to access future disbursements.

Bottom Line:

The $27 million incentive package reinforces the growing shift towards performance-based financing in Nigeria’s public sector. For state governments, future access to development funding is increasingly likely to depend not only on policy commitments but also on measurable improvements in governance, transparency and service delivery.

Nigeria urges African countries to accelerate AfCFTA implementation

FG moves to scrap JSS-SSS separation as 20 million pupils drop out

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
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Pic.7. Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa (R) and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, during a news conference on update of the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU ) in Abuja on Wednesday (8/10/25).0049WED/OCT/8/2025/Deborah Bada/JAU/NAN

By Boluwatife Oshadiya, | June 30, 2026

Key Points

  • The Federal Government plans to abolish the separation of Junior and Senior Secondary Schools after more than 20 million pupils dropped out before reaching senior secondary education
  • Education Minister Tunji Alausa says the policy has failed, citing inadequate junior secondary schools and overcrowded classrooms
  • Government will present the proposal to the National Council on Education while accelerating the completion of UBEC-funded Smart Schools nationwide

Main Story

The Federal Government has announced plans to phase out the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), describing the arrangement as ineffective after data revealed that more than 20 million Nigerian pupils dropped out before progressing to senior secondary education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed the decision on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee. He said the policy, commonly known as the “disarticulation policy,” has failed to improve school transition rates and has instead created significant structural challenges across the education system.

According to Alausa, Nigeria currently has about 80,000 public primary schools but only around 15,000 junior secondary schools, creating a ratio of roughly one JSS to every eight primary schools. He noted that the imbalance has resulted in overcrowded junior secondary schools, while many senior secondary school facilities remain underutilised, particularly in Kaduna and several northern states.

“We have 20 million dropouts from primary school to JSS. Where are those students? This disarticulation policy has failed. We will phase it out because it is about doing what is best for every Nigerian child,” Alausa said.

The minister said the proposal to abolish the policy will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education, Nigeria’s highest policy-making body on education. If approved, the reform is expected to streamline the transition from junior to senior secondary education and improve access for millions of learners.

Alausa also inaugurated a committee chaired by Professor Rashid Aderinoye to oversee the completion, handover and operationalisation of UBEC-funded Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools across the country. He said several of the projects remain unfinished or have yet to admit learners despite substantial public investment.

The move forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to tackle Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, one of the largest in the world, particularly in rural, underserved and conflict-affected communities.

What’s Being Said

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa said the government can no longer justify maintaining a policy that limits access to education.

“We can’t be creating positions because we want to create a director level for people while we harm our education system. This government will not fail. We are fixing it,” Alausa said.

Education experts have consistently argued that improving enrolment requires more than constructing new schools. They maintain that completed facilities must be adequately staffed, equipped and opened for learning if Nigeria is to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children.

What’s Next

  • The Federal Government will present the proposal to abolish the JSS-SSS separation policy at the next meeting of the National Council on Education for consideration.
  • The newly inaugurated UBEC monitoring committee will begin supervising the completion and handover of Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools nationwide.
  • Education stakeholders will closely monitor how the proposed reform affects student transition rates and access to secondary education, particularly in states with high dropout levels.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: Scrapping the JSS-SSS separation policy signals a major shift in Nigeria’s education strategy, prioritising student access over administrative structure. If backed by effective implementation, adequate funding and operational school infrastructure, the reform could help reduce the country’s persistent out-of-school crisis and improve progression into senior secondary education.

Tinubu approves 27 road projects worth N3.9tn across 15 states

LeBron James ends lakers era ahead of record 24th NBA season

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
LeBron James

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | June 30, 2026

Key Points

  • LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons to continue his NBA career elsewhere
  • The four-time NBA champion informed the Lakers of his decision before free agency opened
  • James’ departure ends a historic spell in Los Angeles that included the 2020 NBA title and multiple individual milestones

Main Story

LeBron James has announced he will leave the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2026–27 season, ending an eight-year stint with the franchise as he prepares for a record-setting 24th NBA campaign.

The decision was confirmed on Tuesday, just hours before the opening of NBA free agency. According to reports, James informed the Lakers in advance through his agent, Rich Paul, allowing the franchise to begin planning for life without the league’s all-time leading scorer.

James joined the Lakers in 2018 after previous championship-winning spells with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. During his time in Los Angeles, he guided the franchise to its 17th NBA championship in 2020, captured the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament and became the league’s all-time leading scorer. He also made history by sharing the court with his son, Bronny James, following Bronny’s arrival in the NBA.

Despite turning 42 later this year, James remains one of the league’s elite performers. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists during the 2025–26 regular season, helping the Lakers reach the playoffs before their campaign ended in the second round.

His next destination has not been confirmed, although the Golden State Warriors and a potential return to the Cavaliers have emerged among the leading possibilities as free agency begins.

What’s Being Said

James thanked the Lakers and their supporters in a message posted on social media following the announcement.

“Truly an honor to wear the purple and gold while trying to continue the greatness and legacies that came before me. Hope I made a few proud during my stint,” James said.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss paid tribute to the NBA icon, describing him as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history and thanking him for delivering the franchise’s 2020 championship and numerous historic achievements during his eight-year stay.

What’s Next

  • NBA free agency is now underway, with James expected to evaluate offers before players can officially sign contracts.
  • Several championship contenders, including the Warriors, are expected to monitor James’ availability closely as the offseason unfolds.
  • The Lakers will begin reshaping their roster around franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić following James’ departure.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: LeBron James’ departure marks the end of one of the most successful chapters in Lakers history and reshapes the NBA’s competitive landscape heading into the 2026–27 season. His free agency instantly becomes the defining storyline of the offseason, with whichever franchise secures his signature gaining one of basketball’s greatest players despite his age.

CAWIN Mobility plans 10 solar-powered EV charging stations, 500 electric vehicles

Nigerian stock market rebounds as investors gain ₦653 billion

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
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Decline In Nigeria's Equity Market Creating Entry Opportunity For Investors - Analysts

By Boluwatife Oshadiya, Markets Correspondent | June 30, 2026

Key Points

  • Nigerian equities market added ₦653 billion as renewed buying interest lifted major stocks
  • The All-Share Index gained 1,017.26 points to close at 229,419.18, raising the year-to-date return to 47.43%
  • Airtel Africa, Prestige Assurance and Cutix led the gainers, while Custodian Investment, PZ Cussons and RT Briscoe topped the losers’ chart

Main Story

The Nigerian stock market rebounded on Tuesday, with investors gaining ₦653 billion as renewed demand for large- and mid-cap stocks reversed the previous session’s losses despite a negative market breadth.

Market capitalisation rose by 0.45% to close at ₦147.217 trillion, up from ₦146.564 trillion recorded on Monday. Similarly, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index advanced by 1,017.26 points, or 0.45%, to settle at 229,419.18 from 228,401.92 in the previous trading session.

The rally was driven by strong buying interest in stocks including Airtel Africa, Prestige Assurance, Cutix, Regency Alliance Insurance and Critical Minerals Financing Corp. The latest performance also pushed the market’s year-to-date return higher to 47.43%, reinforcing the positive momentum that has characterised the equities market in 2026.

Despite the overall market gain, investor sentiment remained mixed as decliners outnumbered gainers by 32 to 19.

Custodian Investment recorded the day’s biggest loss after shedding 9.98% to close at ₦65.85 per share. PZ Cussons and RT Briscoe followed with losses of 9.95% each, while UPDC and Honeywell Flour Mills also closed sharply lower.

On the gainers’ table, Airtel Africa, Critical Minerals Financing Corp and Prestige Assurance appreciated by the maximum daily limit of 10%, closing at ₦4,794.60, ₦4.18 and ₦1.54 per share, respectively. Cutix climbed 9.70%, while Regency Alliance Insurance gained 9.09%.

Trading activity, however, slowed during the session. Investors exchanged 966.66 million shares valued at ₦39.95 billion across 49,579 deals, representing an 8.44% decline in trading volume compared with the previous session.

Linkage Assurance emerged as the most actively traded stock by volume with 95.97 million shares changing hands, while Aradel Holdings dominated the value chart with transactions worth ₦11.59 billion, accounting for 29.02% of the total value traded.

The Issues

Tuesday’s rebound highlights the resilience of the Nigerian equities market despite persistent profit-taking and sector rotation. While institutional investors continue to position in fundamentally strong stocks, the negative market breadth suggests gains remain concentrated in a relatively small number of counters rather than reflecting broad-based market strength.

Market participants are also closely monitoring macroeconomic developments, including inflation, interest rate expectations and corporate earnings, all of which are expected to influence investor sentiment during the second half of the year.

What’s Being Said

Market analysts said Tuesday’s rebound reflects renewed investor appetite for fundamentally strong equities despite continued sell-offs in several consumer goods and financial stocks.

They noted that while the positive market capitalisation gain is encouraging, the higher number of losing stocks indicates investors remain selective, favouring quality counters with stronger earnings prospects and attractive valuations.

What’s Next

  • Investors will continue to monitor corporate earnings releases and dividend announcements for fresh market direction.
  • Trading sentiment is expected to remain influenced by movements in banking, telecommunications and industrial stocks during the week.
  • Analysts will also watch macroeconomic indicators, including inflation and monetary policy expectations, for their impact on equity valuations.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: Tuesday’s recovery reinforces the Nigerian stock market’s resilience, but the negative market breadth signals that investor confidence remains selective rather than broad-based. Sustaining the rally will depend on stronger corporate earnings, supportive macroeconomic conditions and continued institutional demand for fundamentally sound stocks.

Nigeria urges African countries to accelerate AfCFTA implementation

Mbappé brace fires France past Sweden into FIFA world cup round of 16

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-

By Boluwatife Oshadiya, Sports Correspondent | July 1, 2026

Key Points

  • France defeated Sweden 3-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
  • Kylian Mbappé scored twice to become joint-top scorer of the tournament, while Bradley Barcola added France’s second goal.
  • Les Bleus will face Paraguay in the next round as Didier Deschamps’ side continue their pursuit of a third World Cup title.

Main Story

France underlined their status as one of the favourites to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy after a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden, with captain Kylian Mbappé delivering another match-winning performance to send Les Bleus into the Round of 16.

Mbappé struck either side of halftime, while Bradley Barcola added another goal as Didier Deschamps’ men extended their impressive scoring run and eliminated a resilient Swedish side that struggled to contain France’s attacking quality.

The opening exchanges were closely contested, with both teams disrupting each other’s rhythm through a series of fouls. Sweden threatened first when Alexander Isak forced an early save, but France gradually assumed control of possession as Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé began finding space in the final third.

Despite Sweden defending in numbers, France repeatedly came close to breaking the deadlock. Mbappé had an effort ruled out for offside, while both he and Olise struck the woodwork as French pressure continued to mount.

The breakthrough finally arrived just before halftime following a well-worked short-corner routine. Mbappé timed his run perfectly before drilling a low finish beyond Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström to register his fifth goal of the tournament.

France wasted little time after the restart to tighten their grip on the contest. Olise produced an incisive pass through the Swedish defence to release Bradley Barcola, who confidently fired home to double Les Bleus’ advantage and leave Sweden facing an uphill task.

With the two-goal cushion, France controlled possession comfortably, forcing Sweden to chase the game while creating further opportunities through Olise, whose creativity repeatedly unsettled the Scandinavian defence.

Mbappé completed his brace in the 74th minute after another defence-splitting assist from Olise. The Real Madrid forward curled a composed finish into the far corner, sealing a comprehensive victory and drawing level with the tournament’s leading goalscorers.

The result also saw France become the first nation in FIFA World Cup history to score at least three goals in five consecutive tournament matches, highlighting the attacking efficiency that has made Deschamps’ side one of the standout performers in North America.

For Sweden, the defeat marked the end of their World Cup campaign after they struggled to convert limited opportunities against one of the competition’s strongest defensive units.

What’s Being Said

France manager Didier Deschamps praised his team’s maturity and attacking discipline after another commanding performance, saying the players maintained their focus despite Sweden’s defensive approach.

Mbappé’s latest brace has further strengthened his position among the favourites for the tournament’s Golden Boot award, while Michael Olise’s two assists moved him to the top of the World Cup assist standings, underlining France’s attacking depth.

Football analysts have described France as one of the most complete teams remaining in the competition, citing their balance between defensive organisation and clinical finishing.

What’s Next

  • France will take on Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 as they continue their quest for another world title.
  • Didier Deschamps is expected to retain the core of his starting XI after another convincing display, although squad rotation remains possible depending on player fitness.
  • Sweden will return home to begin preparations for future international competitions following their elimination from the tournament.

Bottom Line: France are gathering momentum at precisely the right stage of the FIFA World Cup. With Mbappé leading one of the tournament’s most potent attacks and a squad combining experience with youthful creativity, Les Bleus have strengthened their credentials as genuine contenders for the championship. Sweden exit with disappointment, but France’s ruthless efficiency proved the difference in a contest that showcased why the former world champions remain among football’s elite.

NiMet concludes strategic plan cascading exercise to drive 2026–2030 implementation

Norway edge Ivory Coast to reach FIFA world cup round of 16

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
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By Boluwatife Oshadiya | July 1, 2026

Key Points

  • Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory
  • Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland scored for Norway, while Amad Diallo netted a stunning equaliser for Ivory Coast
  • Norway advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Brazil, as Ivory Coast bow out after their best-ever World Cup campaign

Main Story

Norway booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after edging Ivory Coast 2-1 in a fiercely contested knockout clash, with Erling Haaland’s late winner proving decisive against an Ivorian side that produced one of its strongest performances of the tournament.

Making only their third appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds, Norway secured a historic first victory at this stage thanks to goals from Antonio Nusa and Haaland, while Ivory Coast exited the competition despite dominating large spells and creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Norway began brightly, with Haaland immediately testing the African side’s defence as Martin Ødegaard orchestrated attacks from midfield. However, Ivory Coast gradually settled into the contest, creating several promising openings through Nicolas Pépé and Yan Diomandé, who consistently stretched Norway’s backline with his pace and movement.

Just before halftime, Norway broke the deadlock when Nusa cut inside from the left flank and curled an excellent finish beyond goalkeeper Yahia Fofana after receiving space on the edge of the penalty area. The goal handed Ståle Solbakken’s men a crucial advantage heading into the break after a closely fought opening 45 minutes.

Ivory Coast responded with greater urgency after the restart, forcing goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland into several important saves as they pushed aggressively for an equaliser. Norway also threatened from set pieces, with Torbjørn Heggem coming within inches of doubling the lead before substitute Amad Diallo produced the game’s standout moment.

The Manchester United winger weaved through multiple Norwegian defenders before firing an emphatic finish into the net to restore parity and reignite Ivory Coast’s hopes of reaching the last 16.

However, Norway responded almost immediately. Patrick Berg delivered a low cross into the penalty area, where Haaland was perfectly positioned to tap home from close range, restoring Norway’s lead and ultimately sealing qualification.

Ivory Coast continued pressing during the closing stages and finished the match with an impressive 14 corner kicks, but Nyland produced another outstanding save late on to deny Diallo from a dangerous free-kick, ensuring Norway held on for a famous victory.

What’s Being Said

“We knew this would be a difficult game because Ivory Coast have been one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams. The players showed character, stayed disciplined and took their chances when they mattered most,” Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken said after the match.

Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé praised his players despite the defeat, insisting the team’s historic run demonstrated the country’s growing competitiveness on football’s biggest stage.

Football analysts also highlighted Amad Diallo’s impact after coming off the bench, describing his individual goal as one of the leading contenders for the tournament’s Goal of the Tournament award.

What’s Next

  • Norway will face tournament favourites Brazil in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 as they seek a place in the quarter-finals.
  • Ivory Coast will shift attention to preparations for upcoming continental competitions after recording their deepest-ever run at a FIFA World Cup.
  • Norway will also monitor the outcome of other Round of 16 fixtures, with a potential quarter-final meeting against England still a possibility depending on results.

The Bottom Line: Norway once again demonstrated the value of clinical finishing in knockout football, converting key moments into victory despite being outplayed for significant periods. For Ivory Coast, the defeat marks a painful end to an impressive World Cup campaign, but their performances throughout the tournament suggest the Elephants have established themselves as genuine contenders on the global stage.

NiMet concludes strategic plan cascading exercise to drive 2026–2030 implementation

Nigeria urges African countries to accelerate AfCFTA implementation

By
Kehinde Victor
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Joint AfCFTA Implementation Support Project Announces Progress Update

Trade

Key points

  • Nigeria has called on African countries to speed up implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
  • The government says the focus should shift from commitments to practical actions that create jobs and boost trade.
  • Nigeria wants greater investment in digital trade infrastructure, regional value chains and financing for MSMEs.
  • AfCFTA says more than 10,000 certificates of origin had been issued by March 2026 as implementation gathers pace.

Main story

The Federal Government has urged African countries to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote industrialisation, digital trade and shared economic prosperity across the continent.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, made the call at the 18th Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade in Abuja.

Oduwole said Nigeria would prioritise faster implementation by ensuring that member states move beyond commitments to practical actions capable of delivering jobs, expanding trade and stimulating economic growth.

She said the AfCFTA should produce measurable benefits for businesses, manufacturers, women, youths and the more than 1.4 billion people across Africa.

The minister urged African countries to strengthen regional value chains to increase trade in goods produced on the continent, while investing in digital public infrastructure, interoperable payment systems and secure cross-border data flows to support digital commerce.

She also advocated expanded access to finance through the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund and other financing mechanisms, particularly for women-led businesses, young entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Oduwole further encouraged member states to adopt emerging legal instruments, including electronic cargo documentation, to modernise trade processes, reduce transaction costs and improve customs efficiency.

She pledged that Nigeria would continue working with other member states to ensure the AfCFTA becomes a catalyst for industrialisation, economic growth and shared prosperity across Africa.

The minister noted that Nigeria had undertaken several reforms since ratifying the agreement, including establishing the AfCFTA National Coordination Office and developing a national implementation strategy to drive execution across government.

She added that Nigeria had submitted its schedule of tariff concessions and specific commitments under the Protocol on Trade in Services while advancing digital trade as Co-Champion of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol through regulatory collaboration with other African countries.

The Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Dr Wamkele Mene, said negotiations on the agreement’s legal instruments had largely been concluded, allowing greater focus on implementation.

According to him, implementation is gaining momentum, with more than 10,000 certificates of origin issued under the agreement by the end of March 2026.

Mene projected that Africa’s total trade would grow by about 10 per cent in 2026, while intra-African trade is expected to reach about $230 billion.

He urged member states to ratify outstanding protocols, establish national implementation committees and integrate AfCFTA into national development plans and budgets.

Mene also called for sustainable financing of the AfCFTA Secretariat, saying predictable funding would be essential to support implementation, industrialisation and Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

Also speaking, the outgoing Chairman of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, Dr Mohammed Saleh, urged African countries to remove trade barriers and fully implement the agreement to unlock investment, industrialisation and sustainable economic development.

He also commended Nigeria for hosting the meetings and called on member states to work closely with national authorities to eliminate obstacles facing exporters and importers.

The issues

Although AfCFTA has established the world’s largest free trade area by participating countries, implementation remains uneven. African governments are now focusing on reducing trade barriers, strengthening regional supply chains and improving digital and financial infrastructure to increase intra-African trade.

What’s being said

“Africa must shift from negotiating agreements to ensuring AfCFTA delivers tangible benefits for businesses, producers, women, youths and more than 1.4 billion Africans.” — Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

“Africa’s total trade is projected to grow by about 10 per cent in 2026, with intra-African trade expected to reach about 230 billion dollars.” — Dr Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, AfCFTA

What’s next

Member states are expected to accelerate ratification of outstanding protocols, strengthen national implementation frameworks and adopt measures that facilitate cross-border trade, digital commerce and regional industrial development.

Bottom line

Nigeria is pushing for faster implementation of AfCFTA, arguing that practical execution—not new negotiations—will determine whether the agreement delivers on its promise of boosting trade, industrialisation and economic growth across Africa.

Olam Agri publishes inaugural annual report, charts growth trajectory after SALIC investment

NiMet concludes strategic plan cascading exercise to drive 2026–2030 implementation

By
Ibe Wada
-

Key points

  • The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has concluded the cascading of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan across all directorates.
  • The exercise followed the launch of the agency’s Strategy 2026–2030 on March 16, 2026.
  • The strategy is built on the Balanced Scorecard framework with five strategic pillars and 12 strategic objectives.
  • The exercise aligns directorate-level goals with enterprise-wide priorities and establishes key performance indicators.
  • NiMet says the initiative will enhance organisational performance, accountability and the delivery of world-class meteorological services.

Main Story

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has concluded the cascading of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, marking a significant step towards aligning the agency’s enterprise-wide objectives with directorate-level implementation plans.

The exercise follows the official launch of NiMet’s Strategy 2026–2030 on March 16, 2026, and is designed to ensure that every directorate clearly understands its role in delivering the agency’s long-term strategic goals.

According to NiMet, the strategy is built on the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework and is anchored on five strategic pillars and 12 strategic objectives aimed at strengthening meteorological service delivery, improving organisational performance and advancing climate resilience across Nigeria.

The cascading exercise focused on translating enterprise objectives into directorate-specific priorities by aligning operational goals, processes and performance measures with the agency’s overall strategic direction.

It also established key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and integrated strategic objectives into individual performance plans to promote ownership, accountability and improved execution across the workforce.

To facilitate effective implementation, the exercise was conducted in four batches involving all nine directorates and the Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer.

The first batch comprised the Directorate of Weather Forecasting Services and the Directorate of Applied Meteorological Services. The second involved the Office of the Director General/CEO, the Directorate of Corporate Services and the Directorate of Research and Training.

The third batch brought together the Directorate of Engineering and Technical Services and the Directorate of Human Resource Management and Administration, while the final batch included the Directorate of Finance and Accounts, the Directorate of Public Affairs and Customer Protection, and the Legal Services Directorate.

NiMet said the structured implementation approach is expected to strengthen institutional capacity, improve coordination across departments and ensure that every directorate contributes effectively to the agency’s strategic vision.

The Issues

As climate variability and extreme weather events continue to pose significant risks to lives, agriculture, aviation and infrastructure, meteorological agencies are under increasing pressure to improve forecasting accuracy, service delivery and institutional efficiency.

Effective implementation of strategic plans remains a challenge for many public institutions due to weak coordination, inadequate performance monitoring and limited accountability mechanisms. By aligning operational activities with measurable performance indicators, NiMet aims to bridge the gap between strategy formulation and execution.

What’s Being Said

NiMet said the cascading exercise was designed to ensure that enterprise-wide objectives are translated into actionable directorate-level plans that support the agency’s overall vision.

According to the agency, the initiative provides a framework for aligning goals, processes and performance measures with strategic priorities while establishing key performance indicators and integrating them into individual performance plans to strengthen accountability and ownership.

What’s Next

Following the completion of the cascading exercise, NiMet is expected to begin full implementation of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan across all directorates.

The agency will monitor performance against established KPIs while strengthening institutional capacity and coordination to deliver improved meteorological services and advance climate resilience initiatives nationwide.

Bottom Line

By concluding the cascading of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, NiMet has laid the foundation for more coordinated execution, stronger accountability and improved service delivery, positioning the agency to better support Nigeria’s climate resilience and national development objectives.

Tinubu approves 27 road projects worth N3.9tn across 15 states

CAWIN Mobility plans 10 solar-powered EV charging stations, 500 electric vehicles

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • CAWIN Mobility and partners plan to build 10 solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations across Nigeria.
  • The project also includes the deployment of more than 500 electric vehicles for commercial operations in Abuja.
  • Partners signed agreements covering charging infrastructure, ride-hailing fleets and a technical training centre.
  • The initiative aims to support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation and develop local EV expertise.

Main story

CAWIN Mobility, in partnership with Blue Camel Energy and Joint Sustainable Energy, has unveiled plans to develop 10 solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Nigeria and deploy more than 500 electric vehicles for commercial operations in Abuja.

The announcement was made during the Abuja Electric Vehicle Ecosystem Strategic Partnership and Asset Handover Ceremony in Abuja.

As part of the initiative, the three companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop the charging stations, which will combine solar energy, grid electricity and battery storage systems to provide uninterrupted 24-hour charging services.

The event also featured agreements covering the deployment of between 400 and 500 electric vehicles for ride-hailing services, the development of Nigeria’s pilot electric vehicle charging station and the establishment of the Abuja Electric Vehicle Technical Excellence Centre.

CAWIN Mobility said it intends to expand the charging network to 30 stations nationwide in the near future, describing the target as achievable given ongoing investments in Nigeria’s electric mobility ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CAWIN Mobility, Wayne Ji, said electrifying Nigeria’s public transport system could generate significant economic and environmental benefits.

He estimated that widespread adoption of electric public transport could save about $3.5 billion annually in fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions by nine million tonnes each year and increase drivers’ annual earnings by as much as $2,000.

Ji described the deployment of 500 electric vehicles and the establishment of the Abuja Electric Vehicle Technical Excellence Centre as the beginning of a new phase for Nigeria’s electric mobility industry.

He said the first phase of the project includes the country’s pilot electric vehicle charging station, stressing that reliable charging infrastructure remains essential for the growth of the sector.

To encourage wider adoption, Ji announced a hire-purchase, or rent-to-buy, financing model that would allow ride-hailing drivers to acquire electric vehicles through flexible payment arrangements.

The company also introduced a digital fleet management platform integrating driver recruitment, vehicle monitoring, charging management, risk control and asset protection to improve fleet operations.

Ji added that CAWIN Mobility’s nationwide programme launched in September 2025 to provide free electric vehicle maintenance training to 2,000 Nigerian youths was helping to build local technical capacity and support the development of a sustainable EV industry.

CAWIN Power Mobility’s Umar Uba Abubakar said the Abuja Electric Vehicle Technical Excellence Centre would provide technical training, certification programmes, battery technology courses, charging infrastructure training, high-voltage safety education and research to develop skilled professionals for the industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of Blue Camel Energy, Yusuf Suleiman, said the pilot charging station would serve as the foundation for 10 hybrid charging stations across Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna and Gombe.

He said the project was intended to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to electric mobility while promoting technology transfer, job creation and clean energy development.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abubakar Aliyu, also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure.

The issues

Nigeria is seeking to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles as part of broader efforts to reduce fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions and expand renewable energy use. However, the growth of the sector depends heavily on charging infrastructure, financing options, technical expertise and supporting policies.

What’s being said

“Electrifying public transport in Nigeria can save $3.5bn annually in fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions by nine million tonnes per year, and increase drivers’ incomes by up to $2,000 annually.” — Wayne Ji, Managing Director and CEO, CAWIN Mobility

“We are announcing the commencement of the development of our first pilot EV charging station, which represents the first step towards building a nationwide charging network.” — Yusuf Suleiman, CEO, Blue Camel Energy

What’s next

The partners will begin developing the pilot charging station and deploy the first batch of electric vehicles while expanding technical training and preparing for a nationwide charging network.

Bottom line

The initiative combines charging infrastructure, vehicle deployment, technical training and financing to lay the foundation for a larger electric mobility ecosystem in Nigeria.

Olam Agri publishes inaugural annual report, charts growth trajectory after SALIC investment

Tinubu approves 27 road projects worth N3.9tn across 15 states

By
Ibe Wada
-

Key points

  • President Bola Tinubu has approved 27 road projects worth over N3.9 trillion across 15 states.
  • The projects were approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting in Abuja.
  • The largest approval is the N1.8 trillion 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State under the tax credit scheme.
  • FEC also approved the concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for operation and maintenance.
  • The Federal Government announced the completion of the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway.

Main Story

President Bola Tinubu has approved 27 major road projects valued at more than N3.9 trillion across 15 states as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen road infrastructure and improve connectivity nationwide.

The approvals were granted during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the projects cut across Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe states.

Umahi disclosed that the council approved the re-award of the 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State under the tax credit scheme to businessman Aliko Dangote at a cost of N1.8 trillion, making it the largest project approved.

Other key approvals include N276 billion for the dualisation of the Ilorin–Ogbomoso Road, N265 billion for the reconstruction of the Iseyin–Eruwa–Agbesi Road linking Oyo and Kwara states, N217 billion for the dualisation of the old alignment from Ijaye through the Federal Government College to Ilorin Road with a spur to Akinmorin, and N116 billion for the Abakaliki–Afikpo Road in Ebonyi State.

The council also approved N110 billion for the Ogbomoso–Oko–Illupu Road linking Oyo and Osun states, N104 billion for the rehabilitation of Sections One and Two of the Ilorin–Omorin–Ebe–Kabba–Obajana Road in Kwara and Kogi states, N98 billion for the construction of the Idi-Araba–Ayede–Olodo Road in Oyo State, and N92 billion for the rehabilitation of the Baban-Lamba–Sharan Phase Two Road in Plateau State.

Additional projects include the reconstruction of the Enugu–Abakaliki Road with a flyover, the Adikpo–Ajayi–Tese–Akpa–Otukpo Road linking Benue and Cross River states, the Jimeta–Mayo Belwa Road in Adamawa, and several rehabilitation and bridge construction projects across the approved states.

The council equally approved the full business case for the operation and maintenance concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and directed the immediate reconstruction of failed sections along the Ibadan axis using concrete pavement.

Umahi further announced that the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed.

The Issues

Nigeria’s road infrastructure deficit has continued to constrain economic activities, increase transportation costs and slow the movement of goods and people across the country.

The approval of the projects is expected to improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade, enhance road safety and stimulate economic development. However, stakeholders are expected to monitor funding, timely execution, project quality and maintenance to ensure value for public expenditure.

The use of the tax credit scheme and concession arrangements also reflects the government’s increasing reliance on public-private partnerships to bridge infrastructure financing gaps.

What’s Being Said

Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the approvals demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development across the country.

“The council approved the re-award of the 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State under the tax credit scheme to Aliko Dangote for N1.8 trillion.”

He also announced that the Federal Executive Council approved the operation and maintenance concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and confirmed the completion of the first 118 kilometres of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway.

What’s Next

The Federal Ministry of Works is expected to commence procurement and mobilisation for the newly approved projects while contractors begin execution in the various states.

The government will also move ahead with the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway concession and continue construction on the remaining sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway alongside other strategic road corridors approved by the council.

Bottom Line

The approval of over N3.9 trillion worth of road projects represents one of the Federal Government’s largest infrastructure investments in recent years, signalling a renewed push to modernise Nigeria’s road network, improve connectivity and support long-term economic growth.

FG proposes national risk market, special tribunal to boost investment

FEC approves $1.2bn for Sokoto–Badagry highway, $160m for Niger solar project

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • The Federal Executive Council approved a $1.2 billion financing facility for Section Two of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.
  • It also approved a $160 million financing package for rural solar energy projects in Niger State.
  • FEC approved N215 billion to expand investments under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative.
  • The projects are aimed at improving transport infrastructure, expanding electricity access and reducing transportation costs.

Main story

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $1.2 billion financing facility for Section Two of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway and a separate $160 million package to support rural solar energy projects in Niger State.

The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, announced the approvals while briefing State House correspondents after Monday’s FEC meeting.

Oyedele said the approvals formed part of 14 memoranda presented by the Ministry of Finance to the council.

According to him, the $160 million solar energy financing package comprises $150 million from the Islamic Development Bank and $10 million in counterpart funding from the Niger State Government.

He said the project is designed to expand access to electricity in rural communities through solar energy.

Oyedele also said the council approved the $1.2 billion financing facility for Section Two of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway in Kebbi State, describing the project as critical to improving connectivity and stimulating economic activities across the 11 states along the corridor.

He said the highway forms part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development programme aimed at strengthening transport networks and supporting economic growth.

The minister further disclosed that FEC approved N215 billion to complete ongoing investments under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative.

He said the funds would be used to procure CNG buses, electric vehicles, CNG-powered tricycles and establish additional vehicle conversion centres across the country.

According to him, the investment is expected to lower transportation costs while expanding access to cleaner and more affordable transport options.

The issues

The Federal Government is increasing investment in strategic infrastructure, renewable energy and alternative fuel programmes as part of efforts to improve connectivity, expand electricity access and reduce transportation costs. The projects also support broader economic growth and energy transition objectives.

What’s being said

“One of the memos approved by the council was the financing facility of about $1.2 billion for Section Two of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway in Kebbi State.” — Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance

“This is aimed at reducing the cost of transportation for Nigerians.” — Taiwo Oyedele

What’s next

The Federal Government is expected to conclude financing arrangements and begin implementation of the approved highway, solar energy and CNG projects in partnership with relevant agencies and development finance institutions.

Bottom line

The latest FEC approvals underscore the government’s focus on transport infrastructure, renewable energy and cleaner mobility as key drivers of economic development and improved public services.

Report urges governments to tap private pharmacies to expand HIV, TB, Malaria care

FG proposes national risk market, special tribunal to boost investment

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key Points

  • The Federal Government has proposed a national risk market to help attract private investment and reduce the burden of project risks on government.
  • It also plans to establish a specialised Commercial Dispute Resolution Tribunal to speed up business-related cases.
  • Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele says faster dispute resolution and stronger institutions are essential to attracting long-term capital.
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission and capital market academics called for stronger collaboration between regulators, researchers and industry.

Main story

The Federal Government has proposed the establishment of a national risk market and a specialised Commercial Dispute Resolution Tribunal as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate and deepen the capital market.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, announced the proposals at the second Biennial Conference of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (CMAN) in Abuja.

Oyedele said the proposed national risk market would enable the government to transfer and share risks with private investors instead of carrying them solely on its balance sheet.

According to him, the market would cover political, climate, agricultural and infrastructure risks, as well as policy continuity insurance, export guarantees and credit enhancement instruments.

He said the initiative would improve infrastructure financing by ensuring risks are priced appropriately and allocated to institutions best equipped to manage them.

The minister also proposed the creation of a specialised Commercial Dispute Resolution Tribunal to address one of the biggest obstacles to investment—lengthy litigation.

He said commercial disputes currently take an average of 15 years to progress through Nigeria’s judicial system, creating uncertainty for businesses and increasing the cost of investment.

Under the proposal, the tribunal would comprise judges and arbitrators with expertise in commercial, financial and capital market matters. It would also operate digital case management systems and mandatory timelines to speed up the resolution of disputes involving businesses, suppliers and joint venture partners.

Oyedele said the tribunal would complement the existing Investment and Securities Tribunal while improving confidence in Nigeria’s legal and investment environment.

He identified an independent judiciary, a credible Central Bank and an efficient public bureaucracy as critical institutions required to attract sustainable investment.

The minister also urged government officials, professionals and the media to improve communication around economic reforms, stressing that sound policies alone would not attract long-term capital without strong institutions, policy consistency and efficient justice delivery.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, called for stronger collaboration between regulators and academics to support evidence-based policymaking.

He said Nigeria’s capital market was undergoing significant reforms following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025, and the implementation of a new 10-year Capital Market Master Plan.

According to Agama, rigorous academic research and constructive debate would help ensure regulations remain responsive to changing market realities and aligned with international best practices.

Earlier, the President of CMAN, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, called for a stronger partnership between academia and the financial services industry to improve policy development and deepen Nigeria’s financial markets.

He urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission to recognise industry experience alongside academic publications in appointing and promoting lecturers in finance-related disciplines.

Uwaleke also recommended recruiting retired banking and capital market professionals as adjunct lecturers while encouraging financial regulators to institutionalise structured sabbatical and research fellowship programmes for academics.

The issues

Nigeria continues to face challenges attracting long-term investment due to policy uncertainty, slow judicial processes and institutional weaknesses. The government believes reforms that improve risk-sharing mechanisms and accelerate commercial dispute resolution could strengthen investor confidence while supporting broader capital market development.

What’s being said

“The proposed national risk market will allow government to share risks with the capital market instead of absorbing them directly on its balance sheet.” — Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy

“Commercial disputes currently take an average of 15 years to pass through the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.” — Prof. Taiwo Oyedele

“Good regulation begins with good thinking. The policies we make are only ever as strong as the evidence and the ideas that inform them.” — Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, SEC

What’s next

The Federal Government is expected to develop the legal and institutional framework for both the proposed national risk market and the specialised Commercial Dispute Resolution Tribunal as part of wider efforts to improve the investment environment and strengthen Nigeria’s capital market.

Bottom line

The proposed risk market and specialised commercial tribunal form part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce investment risks, improve dispute resolution and create a more predictable environment for domestic and foreign investors.

Heirs Energies, Redtech launch digital operations centre to boost OML 17 performance

Olam Agri publishes inaugural annual report, charts growth trajectory after SALIC investment

By
Ibe Wada
-

Key points

  • Olam Agri has published its first Annual Report as a standalone company following SALIC’s majority acquisition.
  • The company recorded record sales volumes, higher revenues and market share growth during 2025.
  • The report outlines a long-term investment strategy focused on strengthening global food security.
  • Olam Agri unveiled its refreshed Sustainable Futures Plan centred on climate, nature and livelihoods.

Main Story

Olam Agri has published its inaugural Annual Report, titled “Building a Brighter Future,” marking a significant milestone in its evolution as an independent global agri-business following the acquisition of a majority stake by the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) in April 2026.

The report reviews the company’s performance in 2025, highlighting record sales volumes, increased revenues and expanded market share across several strategic product categories.

According to the company, the strong performance was driven by continued expansion in key markets and investments aimed at strengthening its position in the global food, feed and fibre value chains amid growing demand for agricultural commodities.

Olam Agri said the report reflects its ambition to leverage its strengthened financial position and long-term shareholder support to pursue disciplined investments that enhance operational capabilities, improve resilience and create sustainable long-term value.

A key feature of the report is the introduction of the company’s refreshed sustainability strategy, the Sustainable Futures Plan, which focuses on three priority areas—climate, nature and livelihoods. The framework is designed to promote sustainable food systems, improve food security and deliver measurable environmental and social impact.

As part of its commitment to transparency, the company also released accompanying sustainability and climate-related disclosures alongside the Annual Report.

Beyond financial and sustainability performance, Olam Agri highlighted progress in its workforce development, noting that it was recognised by the Top Employers Institute in 10 countries and retained its Top Employer certification in Africa for the sixth consecutive year.

The Issues

Despite strong financial performance, the global agriculture sector continues to face significant challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, supply chain disruptions and increasing pressure on companies to improve environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Industry stakeholders are also paying closer attention to corporate transparency, climate disclosures and sustainable agricultural practices as investors and governments demand greater accountability from global agribusinesses.

Against this backdrop, Olam Agri’s renewed sustainability commitments and long-term investment strategy will be closely monitored for measurable outcomes.

What’s Being Said

Sunny Verghese, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Olam Agri, said the company delivered sustained growth while embarking on a transformative phase that positions it as a differentiated global agribusiness.

“We sustained our performance and growth in 2025, while beginning a transformative new chapter that will enhance our capabilities as a differentiated global agri-business and fully integrated food security leader.”

He added that SALIC’s long-term investment provides the company with greater capacity to expand profitably while meeting rising global demand for food, feed and fibre.

What’s Next

Olam Agri is expected to continue implementing its long-term growth strategy by expanding investments across strategic markets, strengthening its integrated food value chains and advancing the targets outlined in its Sustainable Futures Plan.

The company is also expected to continue publishing enhanced sustainability and climate disclosures as part of its annual reporting while pursuing initiatives that improve food security, environmental stewardship and inclusive economic growth.

Bottom Line

Olam Agri’s inaugural Annual Report signals the beginning of a new corporate chapter backed by long-term strategic investment, combining strong commercial performance with an increased focus on sustainability, transparency and global food security.

Heirs Energies, Redtech launch digital operations centre to boost OML 17 performance

Heirs Energies, Redtech launch digital operations centre to boost OML 17 performance

By
Ibe Wada
-

Key Points

  • Heirs Energies and Redtech have commissioned an Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre (IOMC) for the OML 17 Joint Venture.
  • The facility serves as a central digital hub for monitoring production, security, hydrocarbon evacuation and asset performance.
  • The centre integrates operational data into a single platform to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
  • It also provides enhanced surveillance and real-time threat detection for critical oil and gas infrastructure.
  • The IOMC lays the foundation for future capabilities, including artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and remote operations.

Main Story

The Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture has commissioned an Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre (IOMC) in partnership with Redtech, marking a significant step in its drive to digitise upstream oil and gas operations and improve operational efficiency.

Commissioned in Port Harcourt, the next-generation digital facility is designed to serve as the operational nerve centre for OML 17 by integrating production monitoring, operational intelligence, hydrocarbon evacuation, facility performance, security surveillance and critical asset data into a unified platform.

The initiative forms part of the Joint Venture’s broader strategy to leverage technology to improve asset performance, strengthen operational resilience and accelerate decision-making across one of Nigeria’s largest onshore oil and gas assets.

Developed through a collaboration between Heirs Energies, the operator of OML 17, and Redtech, the technology company within the Heirs Holdings Group, the centre provides real-time visibility into field operations, enabling faster responses to operational challenges and improving coordination across multiple business functions.

The Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre also enhances the protection of remote oil and gas assets through an advanced surveillance and intruder detection system capable of providing real-time monitoring, early threat identification and faster incident response across critical infrastructure.

Beyond current capabilities, the digital platform has been designed to support future technologies, including predictive analytics, artificial intelligence-driven decision support, advanced production optimisation and remote operations.

The Issues

Nigeria’s oil and gas industry continues to face operational challenges ranging from infrastructure security and production losses to ageing facilities and the need for greater efficiency. Digital technologies are increasingly being adopted by operators to improve asset visibility, reduce operational risks and optimise production.

Industry analysts believe that integrated digital operations centres can help operators reduce downtime, improve collaboration and support faster, data-driven decision-making while enhancing the security of critical energy infrastructure.

What’s Being Said

Osa Igiehon

“The future of upstream operations will be driven by data, technology and intelligent decision-making. The Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre provides us with a real-time operational view of our assets, enabling quicker decisions, improved collaboration and enhanced operational efficiency. It reinforces our commitment to deploying innovation to deliver safer, smarter and more resilient operations across OML 17.”

Emmanuel Ojo

“At Redtech, we believe technology should simplify operations, improve decision-making and create measurable business value. The IOMC demonstrates what is possible when digital innovation is applied to industrial operations. Working alongside Heirs Energies, we have delivered a platform that enables connected operations, intelligent monitoring and faster operational response.”

What’s Next

The Joint Venture said the Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre will serve as the foundation for expanding digital oilfield capabilities across OML 17 through artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, remote operations and advanced production optimisation.

The commissioning also reflects the broader digital transformation strategy within the Heirs Holdings ecosystem, where collaboration among portfolio companies is expected to drive innovation, improve operational performance and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.

Bottom Line

The launch of the Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre marks another milestone in the digital transformation of OML 17, demonstrating how technology is reshaping upstream oil and gas operations. By combining real-time monitoring, enhanced security and data-driven decision-making, the facility is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen asset integrity and support sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Report urges governments to tap private pharmacies to expand HIV, TB, Malaria care

Report urges governments to tap private pharmacies to expand HIV, TB, Malaria care

By
Ibe Wada
-

…Study says structured pharmacy engagement could help deliver over 650,000 additional HIV treatments, improve TB case detection and provide malaria care to nearly 16 million patients.

Key Points

  • Healthcare consulting firm Salient Advisory has called for country-level investigations into the role of private pharmacies in delivering HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria care.
  • The report covers 12 countries across Africa and Southeast Asia, including Nigeria.
  • Pharmacy engagement could support more than 650,000 additional antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiations, over 116,000 additional TB notifications, and RDT-confirmed malaria treatment for up to 15.8 million patients.
  • The report estimates that around 3.6 million people living with HIV across the 12 countries are not receiving ART, while about 764,000 TB cases remain undetected annually.
  • Researchers say private pharmacies already serve as the first point of care for many patients and should be integrated into national disease control strategies.

Main Story

A new report by healthcare consulting firm Salient Advisory has urged governments, donors and global health institutions to investigate how private pharmacies can be better integrated into the delivery of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria services, arguing that the channel could significantly improve access to care amid declining global health funding.

The report, titled Private Pharmacies as a Delivery Channel for HIV, TB, and Malaria Care, examines the potential of formalising pharmacy-based healthcare services across 12 countries in Africa and Southeast Asia, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines.

According to the report, approximately 3.6 million people living with HIV across the 12 countries are not yet receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), while about 764,000 tuberculosis cases go unnotified each year. In addition, adherence to the recommended “test-before-treat” protocol for malaria remains low in several high-burden countries.

Researchers found that private pharmacies already play a critical role in healthcare delivery, with an estimated 188,000 licensed outlets—including independent pharmacies, drug shops, pharmacy chains, digital platforms and software-enabled pharmacy networks—serving tens of millions of patients every month.

The report noted that private pharmacies are often the first point of care for between 42 and 74 per cent of tuberculosis patients and 41 to 60 per cent of malaria patients. For many people living with HIV, pharmacies also offer a more discreet option for accessing healthcare, helping patients avoid stigma or legal concerns associated with visiting public health facilities.

It further observed that regulatory frameworks in most of the 12 countries already permit pharmacies to provide selected services such as HIV testing and referral, tuberculosis case identification, and malaria diagnosis and treatment, creating opportunities to strengthen their contribution within existing health systems.

Drawing on programme evidence and 2024 health data, the report estimates that structured engagement of private pharmacy channels could facilitate more than 650,000 additional ART initiations, over 116,000 additional TB notifications, and rapid diagnostic test (RDT)-confirmed malaria treatment for up to 15.8 million patients.

The report also highlighted the potential role of pharmacy networks in supporting the rollout of emerging HIV prevention and treatment products, including generic Lenacapavir and MK-8527, an investigational antiretroviral drug being developed as a potential pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine.

Evidence from existing programmes demonstrates the potential impact of pharmacy-led care. In South Africa, a pharmacy chain-based antiretroviral therapy pick-up programme maintained viral suppression in 97 per cent of patients after 12 months, matching outcomes achieved through facility-based care. In Kenya, a diagnosis-linked reimbursement model increased malaria rapid diagnostic test uptake fourfold while reducing treatment costs by between 50 and 80 per cent per patient.

The Issues

Despite their widespread presence and accessibility, private pharmacies remain underutilised within many national disease control programmes. The report argues that limited formal integration, inconsistent financing mechanisms and regulatory constraints continue to restrict their contribution to HIV, TB and malaria service delivery.

With global health financing becoming increasingly constrained, researchers warn that governments may need to explore alternative service delivery models capable of expanding healthcare access without placing additional pressure on already stretched public health systems.

What’s Being Said

Abdullah Yusuf: “The conditions we found—delivery gaps, channel presence, documented care-seeking, regulatory permissions, and proof points from programmes already operating—amount to a case for taking the channel seriously, examining its potential market by market, disease by disease. The question is where those conditions converge sufficiently to justify moving from evidence to action.”

What’s Next

Salient Advisory is urging governments, development partners and international health organisations to commission country-specific assessments to determine where structured pharmacy engagement would be most effective.

The firm said future investigations should focus on countries where healthcare delivery gaps, patient demand, regulatory feasibility and sustainable financing mechanisms align, allowing private pharmacies to complement public health systems in expanding access to essential HIV, TB and malaria services.

Bottom Line

As governments grapple with shrinking global health funding and growing demand for healthcare services, the report makes the case that private pharmacies can no longer be viewed solely as medicine retailers. Instead, they should be recognised as strategic partners capable of helping countries close treatment gaps, improve disease detection and strengthen healthcare delivery for millions of patients.

African family businesses outperform global peers despite economic uncertainty, PwC report finds

African family businesses outperform global peers despite economic uncertainty, PwC report finds

By
Ibe Wada
-

Key Points

  • 66% of African family businesses reported sales growth, surpassing the global average of 57%.
  • 53% of respondents are targeting steady growth, while 27% plan faster expansion over the next two years.
  • 87% of businesses say they have a clear organisational purpose, but fewer than half communicate it publicly.
  • 82% prioritise reinvesting profits to drive long-term resilience and sustainable growth.
  • The survey draws on responses from 79 family businesses across Africa and forms part of PwC’s global study covering 1,325 family businesses in more than 60 territories.
  • PwC says stronger governance, strategic capital allocation and proactive tax planning will shape the next phase of growth for family-owned enterprises.

Main Story

Family-owned businesses across Africa are outperforming their global counterparts despite mounting geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, climate pressures and economic uncertainty, according to the latest PwC Africa Family Business Survey.

The report, which surveyed 79 family businesses across Africa and forms part of PwC’s global study of 1,325 family businesses in more than 60 territories, found that African family enterprises continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience through disciplined investment strategies, long-term planning and purpose-driven leadership.

According to the survey, 66 per cent of African family businesses recorded sales growth, significantly outperforming the global average of 57 per cent.

The report also found that African family businesses remain optimistic about the future, with 53 per cent targeting steady growth over the next two years, while 27 per cent intend to pursue more aggressive expansion.

PwC noted that family businesses globally are navigating a complex operating environment characterised by geopolitical shifts, rapid technological change, climate-related risks and economic uncertainty.

However, African businesses are responding by leveraging their unique strengths to build competitive advantage.

According to the report, many family-owned businesses are using a clearly defined organisational purpose to drive business growth, adopting more centralised decision-making structures that enable faster responses to changing market conditions, protecting their reputation as a strategic business asset, and deploying long-term capital with greater discipline.

The survey further revealed that while 87 per cent of African family businesses have a clearly defined organisational purpose, fewer than half actively communicate that purpose to external stakeholders, creating what PwC describes as a “purpose-action gap” that could limit business growth and stakeholder engagement.

The report also highlights a strong commitment to reinvestment, with 82 per cent of respondents prioritising the reinvestment of profits rather than short-term distributions, a strategy PwC says supports long-term resilience, sustainable growth and controlled expansion.

The Issues

Although African family businesses continue to outperform global peers, they face increasing pressure from a rapidly changing business environment.

Persistent geopolitical instability, inflationary pressures, evolving technologies, climate-related challenges and shifting regulatory frameworks continue to reshape the operating landscape.

The survey also identifies governance and succession planning as areas requiring greater attention, particularly as businesses expand across generations.

In addition, the report highlights the need for stronger communication of corporate purpose, noting that while most family businesses possess a clear sense of mission, many fail to translate it into a competitive advantage through effective stakeholder engagement.

What’s Being Said

According to PwC, African family businesses are successfully transforming their distinctive characteristics into competitive advantages by embracing long-term thinking, disciplined investment and agile decision-making.

The report states that the next phase of value creation will depend on establishing clearer decision-making responsibilities across family ownership, boards and executive management.

PwC also emphasised the importance of more deliberate capital allocation and stronger tax planning, urging businesses to view evolving government tax reforms as strategic opportunities rather than simply compliance costs.

What’s Next

PwC expects African family businesses to continue strengthening governance structures, improve strategic decision-making and increase long-term investments as they position themselves for sustained growth.

The report also suggests that businesses which strengthen communication around their organisational purpose, improve capital allocation strategies and adopt proactive tax planning are likely to be better positioned to navigate future economic uncertainties and remain competitive.

Bottom Line

Despite a challenging global business environment, African family-owned businesses are demonstrating stronger resilience and growth than many of their global counterparts. PwC says sustained investment, disciplined governance, clearer strategic direction and long-term thinking will be critical to ensuring these enterprises remain key drivers of economic growth across the continent.

World Bank ranks Tin Can, Apapa among World’s 20 most improved ports

World Bank ranks Tin Can, Apapa among World’s 20 most improved ports

By
Ibe Wada
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Key Points

  • The World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Tin Can Island Port 10th and Lagos Port Complex 12th among the world’s 20 most improved container ports.
  • The rankings are contained in the 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).
  • The recognition follows the introduction of the Ètò Electronic Call-Up System in February 2021.
  • More than 3.5 million truck movements have been processed through the digital platform.
  • Average truck turnaround time has reduced to two days or less, while cargo logistics costs have fallen by an estimated 65 per cent.
  • Containerised export activity increased by 464 per cent between 2020 and 2021.

Main Story

Nigeria’s two busiest seaports have earned global recognition after the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Tin Can Island Port and Lagos Port Complex among the world’s 20 most improved container ports over the past five years.

According to the 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), Tin Can Island Port ranked 10th, while Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) placed 12th globally for operational improvement between 2020 and 2025.

The report highlights a significant turnaround in the performance of Nigeria’s principal maritime gateways, which until a few years ago were plagued by chronic traffic congestion, prolonged truck queues and high cargo evacuation costs.

Before 2021, trucks accessing the ports frequently formed queues stretching from Apapa to Maryland and the Cele Expressway, with drivers often waiting between two and three weeks to gain entry. The congestion pushed cargo movement costs up by as much as 450 per cent, affecting trade efficiency and increasing the cost of doing business.

The transformation began in February 2021 when TTP Limited, in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority>, introduced the Ètò Electronic Call-Up System to digitise and coordinate truck access into the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors.

Since its deployment, the platform has processed more than 3.5 million truck movements, restoring order to one of Africa’s busiest logistics corridors.

According to TTP, average truck turnaround time for port access and cargo evacuation has reduced to two days or less, while cargo logistics costs have fallen by an estimated 65 per cent. The company also said containerised export activities grew by 464 per cent between 2020 and 2021.

Today, the Ètò platform provides real-time truck scheduling and access management across more than 120 facilities within the Lagos port ecosystem and has maintained 100 per cent system uptime since its launch.

TTP attributed the ports’ improved performance to continuous upgrades to the platform, including export truck pre-clearance, simplified booking processes, real-time vehicle tracking, turnaround-time analytics, intelligent demand management and stronger integration with key stakeholders across the port value chain.

The company said the innovations have reduced waiting times, improved cargo evacuation, enhanced operational visibility and strengthened coordination among terminals, transport operators and other port users.

The Issues

Although the global recognition highlights significant improvements in Nigeria’s port operations, industry stakeholders say sustaining the gains will require continued investment in infrastructure, technology and inter-agency collaboration.

Experts also note that addressing road infrastructure, expanding rail connectivity, improving cargo evacuation systems and accelerating port modernisation remain critical to further enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global maritime industry.

What’s Being Said

Jama Onwubuariri

“Five years ago, Apapa and Tin Can were global examples of the cost of inefficiency. Today, they are being recognised among the world’s most improved container ports. That transformation did not happen by chance. It is the result of bold reforms, collaboration across the port ecosystem, and the deployment of technology that has brought transparency, discipline and predictability to truck and cargo movement.”

Jama Onwubuariri

“The World Bank ranking validates what stakeholders have experienced on the ground since the introduction of Ètò. More efficient truck scheduling means faster cargo evacuation, improved terminal productivity, lower logistics costs and a more competitive maritime sector.”

What’s Next

TTP said it plans to continue enhancing the Ètò platform by deploying more intelligent mobility solutions to improve trade facilitation beyond Nigeria’s ports.

The company also intends to expand its technology-driven solutions across logistics corridors and border crossings in Africa, leveraging lessons from the Apapa and Tin Can transformation to support regional trade efficiency.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Tin Can Island Port and Lagos Port Complex among the world’s most improved container ports marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector, demonstrating how digital innovation and coordinated reforms can improve port efficiency, reduce logistics costs and strengthen the country’s position in global trade.

Renewed focus on digital public infrastructure: from vision to trusted delivery

Renewed focus on digital public infrastructure: from vision to trusted delivery

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
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growth in business and finance, growing graphs and charts with statistics and digits

Written By: Dr Jannie Zaaiman – Secretary General of Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa)

For years, governments and donors have launched thousands of apps tackling challenges ranging from healthcare to agriculture and school attendance. Well intentioned individually, they operate in isolation – from one another, from broader communities, and without considering socioeconomic realities such as connectivity – and disappear when funding ends.

Projects that could deliver far greater benefits if they shared identities, payment systems and data never progress beyond the test phase. This is ‘pilotitis’.

These characteristics, coupled with the fact that many disappear when funding ends, have given rise to the term “pilotitis”. Such projects could deliver far greater benefits across the continent if they shared identities, payment systems and data, yet too often they never progress beyond the test phase.

This is why the conversation around Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is so important. Essentially the digital equivalent of roads and bridges connecting cities and markets, DPI can be the backbone that connects identities to e-services such as social grants, bank accounts, and school enrolment – helping enable society-wide development

DPI should sit at the center of digital service delivery, particularly for a continent marked by deep inequality, but only if it is implemented correctly.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s position as a global leader in mobile money, and a 58% adult account ownership rate – up from 49% in 2021, according to the World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2025 – positions it well to benefit from interoperable payments, government-to-person transfers and small-business finance.

Yet challenges persist, such as connectivity gaps, affordability, fragmented civil registration, limited digital literacy and uneven institutional capacity, which means that DPI must reflect local realities. A system that works only for smartphone users with reliable connectivity, ignoring the need for offline and low-tech verification environments, cannot be considered true public infrastructure.

Within a safe ecosystem

Just as DPI can provide for digital inclusion, it can also be exclusionary. Identity systems can disregard informal workers, older adults, people with disabilities, people without smartphones, people in remote areas and those who experience biometric capture or authentication failures – eliminating access to services meant to be available to all.

Centralised data systems raise separate concerns. When oversight, data protection and redress mechanisms are weak, they can become instruments of surveillance and misuse rather than public benefit.

These are potential design flaws and, as a result, safeguards must be implemented from the design phase. The UN’s Universal DPI Safeguards Framework and the World Bank’s Identification for Development principles together emphasise inclusion, transparency, accountability, privacy by design, independent oversight and grievance redress, and these should be design anchors for any DPI implementation.

These overlapping governance frameworks should anchor any DPI implementation – because digital transformation isn’t the volume of digital services launched, but the strength, trustworthiness and reusability of the foundations on which those services depend.

This is why payment solutions require regulatory rules that balance innovation, competition, consumer protection, financial integrity and system stability. Likewise, data exchange requires secure APIs, metadata standards, registries, audit logs and middleware that allow systems to communicate reliably.

Countries must deliberately choose architecture, whether central registries, federated identifiers or verifiable credentials, based on context, risk, institutional capacity and – very importantly – public trust. Without that assurance, the infrastructure won’t achieve its intended purpose of empowering citizens.

Centralised systems may simplify integration but increase concentration-of-risk; federated or decentralised approaches can better protect privacy but require stronger standards and coordination.

Sustainable and empowering

To avoid the trap of pilotitis – apart from ensuring that projects are of countrywide-benefit – sustained funding is needed; not donor-dependent once-off projects. Governments need predictable budgets, clear ownership arrangements, public-sector capacity and long-term maintenance plans. This includes investment in cybersecurity, help desks, system upgrades, data governance teams, public communication and independent oversight.

Public-private partnerships are one source of funding that can accelerate implementation but they must be carefully structured. Government must retain control over policy, standards and accountability, with procurement favouring open standards, modularity and portability to avoid vendor lock-in.

GovStack provides useful guidance on modular digital government building blocks, while the OECD emphasises governance, funding, privacy, security and public-private collaboration as the pillars of sound DPI implementation.

Operational accountability requires governments to track coverage, authentication rates, transaction costs, uptime, cybersecurity incidents and complaint resolution – and to subject systems to routine independent technical, legal and social audits. Public reporting of results helps citizens, regulators and civil society assess whether DPI is delivering value.

Policy steps now

Policy makers can take practical steps now:

  1. Map user journeys and exclusion risks before designing systems – DPI should be built around real user needs, especially those most likely to be excluded.
  2. Adopt open standards and modular architectures to enable interoperability, reduce vendor lock-in and create space for local innovation.
  3. Build strong legal and institutional safeguards, including data-protection laws, cybersecurity requirements, independent oversight and accessible grievance redress.
  4. Pilot deliberately and scale conditionally – expansion should take place only after agreed technical, social and governance benchmarks have been met.
  5. Publish key performance indicators and independent audit results, because transparency is essential for building public trust.

DPI can only deliver on its full potential and become true public infrastructure, benefiting all, when it is interoperable, inclusive, rights-respecting, sustainably funded and governed in the public interest. The task is not only to build digital infrastructure, but to build trusted digital infrastructure for Africa.

FEC approves N34.4bn Gboko airstrip to strengthen security, emergency response

Mastercard launches Africa cybersecurity center of excellence to help secure the continent’s digital future

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
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  • New pan-African initiative aimed at strengthening collective cyber resilience across Africa’s digital economy
  • Brings together public and private sector organizations to share intelligence, build readiness and support improved response
  • Launch begins in South Africa and Nigeria, reinforcing Mastercard’s long-term commitment and investments in Africa’s digital transformation and supporting trust in the digital ecosystem

Mastercard announced the launch of its Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, a pan-African initiative designed to strengthen cyber resilience, enhance collaboration and help safeguard the trust that underpins Africa’s expanding digital economy.

The announcement was made during a visit to South Africa and Nigeria by Mastercard CEO, Michael Miebach, reflecting Mastercard’s long-term commitment to supporting Africa’s digital transformation by helping organizations anticipate, withstand and recover from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The Cybersecurity Center of Excellence extends Mastercard’s expertise and network, bringing global competence and intelligence to one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies.

This initiative follows through on commitments made in recent discussions with the Nigerian Government in Abuja, and the South African Government during last year’s G20 meetings in Johannesburg, to strengthen cybersecurity efforts in Africa.

His Excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, said: “We recognize that for digitization to be inclusive, it must be trusted and secure. Mastercard has long been a trusted partner to South Africa, and its Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence is a welcome step to build on that foundation, drawing on the country’s best and brightest to meet a challenge no government or company can solve alone.”

His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of Nigeria, said: “As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, secure and trusted systems will be critical to inclusion and growth. We welcome collaborations that strengthen our digital economy and build resilience for the future.”

As digital adoption accelerates across Africa, cybersecurity has become an imperative for economic growth. No single organization can face today’s cyber threats alone. The Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence has been established to support the strengthening of collective defense across the continent by bringing together financial institutions, public sector organizations and businesses to share intelligence, improve preparedness, anticipate threats earlier and build resilience over time.

Michael Miebach, CEO, Mastercard, said: “Africa is dynamic, fast-growing, and ready to scale its digital future. That won’t happen without trust. People don’t use what they don’t trust. That makes cybersecurity foundational to driving economic resilience and growth across the continent. By doing more to connect public and private sector efforts and share best practices, we can strengthen collective defense and secure a more confident and inclusive digital economy.” 

As Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, the need for greater collaboration has never been more urgent. Cybercrime across Africa is rising sharply, resulting in significant economic losses each year, with only an estimated 35% of incidents officially reported. This underreporting is driven by cyber maturity gaps, limited detection capabilities, and reputational concerns, thus creating a fragmented view of the threat landscape and weakening coordinated response efforts across the region. South Africa is the continent’s most targeted market, accounting for around 29% of ransomware attacks and 40% of phishing incidents in Africa, while Nigeria ranks among the most affected markets for ransomware and dark-web threat activity.

The multi-year initiative will be led by Mastercard. It will begin a phased rollout in 2026, starting with South Africa and Nigeria. Through this collective model, it is intended to support the strengthening of cyber resilience and preparedness and enable more secure digital growth across Africa.

Operating as a pan‑African hub delivered through connected digital platforms and capabilities, the Center will help participating organisations gain greater visibility into emerging threats. This includes a first‑year ecosystem cyber risk analysis covering up to 50 organisations, alongside access to an Africa‑focused threat intelligence feed developed by Recorded Future, a Mastercard company. Through collaboration among CISOs, business leaders and security practitioners – enabled by secure information‑sharing, joint exercises and coordinated response – the Center will strengthen a more connected and resilient cybersecurity ecosystem across Africa.

The Center of Excellence is designed to evolve over time, expanding its capabilities as market needs develop. At the heart of the initiative are three core pillars:

  • Threat intelligence & strategic insights: Providing participating organizations with Africa-focused threat intelligence, including cybersecurity intelligence assessments across Africa and a shared view of risks.
  • Collaboration & knowledge sharing: Bringing together CISOs, senior business leaders and security teams to support enhanced collective response capabilities and advance cybersecurity best practices across industries.
  • Readiness & resilience: Helping organizations anticipate emerging threats through ongoing risk monitoring, resilience assessments, and scenario-based exercises designed to strengthen response and recovery capabilities.

The launch of the Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence represents the next chapter in Mastercard’s broader mission to build trust in the digital economy. The company has invested more than $12.6 billion in cybersecurity innovation since 2018 and has supported the launch of more than 20 cybersecurity-focused startups. This marks a further step in Mastercard’s evolution from a payments network to a trusted technology and cyber intelligence partner, supporting the strengthening of cyber resilience across Africa and enabling secure, inclusive and sustainable digital growth.

By working alongside governments, financial institutions and businesses of all sizes, including SMEs, Mastercard intends to help strengthen the digital foundations that underpin inclusive growth.  By investing in capabilities that address the continent’s evolving realities, Mastercard seeks to support the development of a more secure and resilient digital future across the markets in which it operates.

FEC approves N34.4bn Gboko airstrip to strengthen security, emergency response
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