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7 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Leather Jacket

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It is no secret that a high-quality, classy leather jacket is one of the most crucial wardrobe staples for both men and women. And, this is the reason why buying a good leather jacket is considered to be a long-term investment.

Besides this, a high-quality leather jacket is not only long-lasting but serves as the perfect clothing item for different types of events, may it be a professional meeting or a late-night party.

However, with so many options available in the market, getting your hands on the perfect leather jacket can be a tricky feat, especially if you’re buying it for the first time. But, don’t worry, we have your back!

In this blog post, we have listed down the top 7 things that you need to know before buying a leather jacket.

1.      The Skin of the Leather Jacket

The first point to note is, which type of animal skin would you prefer for your leather jacket? This is because different types of leather jackets are available in the market. Some are made from cow skins, and some from lamb, etc.

If you want a leather jacket that is durable and tough, then you should go for the one that is made from cow’s skin. On the contrary, if you are looking for a leather jacket that is soft and expensive, then you should buy the one that is made out of lamb’s skin, as lamb’s skin is generally used for premium, high-end products.

2.      Leather Type or Grading

The next thing that you should consider while buying a leather jacket is the type of leather used in it. For example, you need to check whether the jacket of your choice is made out of top-grain leather, full-grain leather, or corrected or genuine leather.

If you want a leather jacket with natural marks and patterns, then you should go for full-grain leather. Besides this, the full-grain ones are quite durable as only the best quality hides are used in their making.

However, if you are looking for a leather jacket that is thinner and more flexible, then a top-leather jacket would be more suitable for you.

Apart from this, if you are on a low-budget and can’t afford the premium leather jackets, then you can get your hands on a corrected-grain leather jacket as it comparatively lower in price and is processed to look like a high-quality one.

3.      The Finishing of the Leather

If you are looking to buy a high-quality leather jacket, then you can’t overlook the finishing of the leather in any case, as this factor makes your leather jacket stand out the most. When talking about the finishing of the leather, you will typically come across terms, such as aniline or semi-aniline.

Wondering what aniline leather is? Aniline leather refers to the natural form of leather in which the marks and blemishes are retained. This type of leather is quite expensive but can easily get damaged due to constant exposure to sunlight or water.

On the other hand, semi-aniline leather is blemish-free and more durable than aniline leather. So, if you are looking to buy a leather jacket that lasts long, then you should go for a semi-aniline one.

4.      The Number of Panels

A study conducted by Statista Research revealed that the global jacket and coat market is predicted to generate around 94.5 billion U.S. dollars in retail sales by the year 2021, up from approximately 81 billion U.S.

And, according to fashion experts, wearing leather jackets has become one of the hottest trends because they make you look classy and professional at the same time.

However, while buying a leather jacket, many people forget to pay attention to the number of panels in a jacket. Generally, a leather jacket that is made with fewer panels is more expensive than the one made with many panels or joints.

So, if you want to elevate your fashion statement by wearing a high-quality leather jacket, then it is best to go for the single panel ones.

5.      The Inner Lining

Due to the growing demand for leather goods in the fashion industry, even countries like Nigeria are working to improve the leather manufacturing sector. Therefore, giving consumers a wide variety of leather products to choose from.

So, if you are planning to buy a leather jacket, don’t forget to check its inner lining. This is because the inner lining of a leather jacket is not just an extra layer of fabric, instead, it makes your jacket more comfortable to wear.

Wondering which type of inner lining will go with your favourite leather jacket? According to fashion experts, the Bemberg lining is one of the best options for the inner lining as it is light, breathable, and has a silky touch to it.

6.      Accessories

The types of accessories used in a leather jacket reveal a lot about its quality as well. So, while buying a leather jacket with studs, make sure that the studs used are of high quality and won’t get rusted easily.

Besides this, there are many brands available in the market that allow you to add custom studs to your leather jackets, thereby helping you stand out from the crowd.

7.      The Style

Last but not the least, it is crucial to pay attention to the style of the leather jacket. This is because there are several different styles of jackets available in the market that you can choose from, such as classic bikers, flight jackets, bombers, etc.

If you are looking for slim-fit style leather jackets, then you should go for biker jackets. On the contrary, if you want a stylish-looking jacket with a round neck collar, then a bomber jacket is a must-buy.

The Final Words

By now, we know that although jackets are available in several different fabrics, such as denim, cotton, wool, and polyester, however, leather jackets have their own class. This is because a high-quality, durable leather jacket does not just make you look good but protects you as well. And so, while shopping for a leather jacket, you shouldn’t overlook the above-mentioned factors.

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The Future of Payments: Key Trends to Watch in 2025

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Luke Kyohere

By Luke Kyohere

The global payments landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. New technologies coupled with the rising demand for seamless, secure, and efficient transactions has spurred on an exciting new era of innovation and growth. With 2025 fast approaching, here are important trends that will shape the future of payments:

1. The rise of real-time payments

Until recently, real-time payments have been used in Africa for cross-border mobile money payments, but less so for traditional payments. We are seeing companies like Mastercard investing in this area, as well as central banks in Africa putting focus on this. 

2. Cashless payments will increase

In 2025, we will see the continued acceleration of cashless payments across Africa. B2B payments in particular will also increase. Digital payments began between individuals but are now becoming commonplace for larger corporate transactions. 

3. Digital currency will hit mainstream

In the cryptocurrency space, we will see an increase in the use of stablecoins like United States Digital Currency (USDC) and Tether (USDT) which are linked to US dollars. These will come to replace traditional cryptocurrencies as their price point is more stable. This year, many countries will begin preparing for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), government-backed digital currencies which use blockchain. 

The increased uptake of digital currencies reflects the maturity of distributed ledger technology and improved API availability. 

4. Increased government oversight

As adoption of digital currencies will increase, governments will also put more focus into monitoring these flows. In particular, this will centre on companies and banks rather than individuals. The goal of this will be to control and occasionally curb runaway foreign exchange (FX) rates.

5. Business leaders buy into AI technology

In 2025, we will see many business leaders buying into AI through respected providers relying on well-researched platforms and huge data sets. Most companies don’t have the budget to invest in their own research and development in AI, so many are now opting to ‘buy’ into the technology rather than ‘build’ it themselves. Moreover, many businesses are concerned about the risks associated with data ownership and accuracy so buying software is another way to avoid this risk. 

6. Continued AI Adoption in Payments

In payments, the proliferation of AI will continue to improve user experience and increase security.  To detect fraud, AI is used to track patterns and payment flows in real-time. If unusual activity is detected, the technology can be used to flag or even block payments which may be fraudulent. 

When it comes to user experience, we will also see AI being used to improve the interface design of payment platforms. The technology will also increasingly be used for translation for international payment platforms.

7. Rise of Super Apps

To get more from their platforms, mobile network operators are building comprehensive service platforms, integrating multiple payment experiences into a single app. This reflects the shift of many users moving from text-based services to mobile apps. Rather than offering a single service, super apps are packing many other services into a single app. For example, apps which may have previously been used primarily for lending, now have options for saving and paying bills. 

8. Business strategy shift

Recent major technological changes will force business leaders to focus on much shorter prediction and reaction cycles. Because the rate of change has been unprecedented in the past year, this will force decision-makers to adapt quickly, be decisive and nimble. 

As the payments space evolves,  businesses, banks, and governments must continually embrace innovation, collaboration, and prioritise customer needs. These efforts build a more inclusive, secure, and efficient payment system that supports local to global economic growth – enabling true financial inclusion across borders.

Luke Kyohere is the Group Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Onafriq

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Ghana’s Democratic Triumph: A Call to Action for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

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In a heartfelt statement released today, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has extended its warmest congratulations to Ghana’s President-Elect, emphasizing the importance of learning from Ghana’s recent electoral success as Nigeria gears up for its 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP highlighted the need for Nigeria to reclaim its status as a leader in democratic governance in Africa.

“The recent victory of Ghana’s President-Elect is a testament to the maturity and resilience of Ghana’s democracy,” the CNPP stated. “As we celebrate this achievement, we must reflect on the lessons that Nigeria can learn from our West African neighbour.”

The CNPP’s message underscored the significance of free, fair, and credible elections, a standard that Ghana has set and one that Nigeria has previously achieved under former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. “It is high time for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a beacon of democracy in Africa,” the CNPP asserted, calling for a renewed commitment to the electoral process.

Central to CNPP’s message is the insistence that “the will of the people must be supreme in Nigeria’s electoral processes.” The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria CNPP emphasized the necessity of an electoral system that genuinely reflects the wishes of the Nigerian populace. “We must strive to create an environment where elections are free from manipulation, violence, and intimidation,” the CNPP urged, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

The CNPP also expressed concern over premature declarations regarding the 2027 elections, stating, “It is disheartening to note that some individuals are already announcing that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027. This kind of statement not only undermines the democratic principles that our nation holds dear but also distracts from the pressing need for the current administration to earn the trust of the electorate.”

The CNPP viewed the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment for Nigeria. “The 2027 general elections present a unique opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a leader in democratic governance in Africa,” it remarked. The body called on all stakeholders — including the executive, legislature, judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society organisations — to collaborate in ensuring that elections are transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.

As the most populous African country prepares for the 2027 elections, the CNPP urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles. “We must work together to ensure that our elections are free from violence, intimidation, and manipulation,” the statement stated, reaffirming the CNPP’s commitment to promoting a peaceful and credible electoral process.

In conclusion, the CNPP congratulated the President-Elect of Ghana and the Ghanaian people on their remarkable achievements.

“We look forward to learning from their experience and working together to strengthen democracy in our region,” the CNPP concluded.

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The Need to Promote Equality, Equity and Fairness in Nigeria’s Proposed Tax Reforms

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By Kenechukwu Aguolu

The proposed tax reform, involving four tax bills introduced by the Federal Government, has received significant criticism. Notably, it was rejected by the Governors’ Forum but was still forwarded to the National Assembly. Unlike the various bold economic decisions made by this government, concessions will likely need to be made on these tax reforms, which involve legislative amendments and therefore cannot be imposed by the executive. This article highlights the purposes of taxation, the qualities of a good tax system, and some of the implications of the proposed tax reforms.

One of the major purposes of taxation is to generate revenue for the government to finance its activities. A good tax system should raise sufficient revenue for the government to fund its operations, and support economic and infrastructural development. For any country to achieve meaningful progress, its tax-to-GDP ratio should be at least 15%. Currently, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio is less than 11%. The proposed tax reforms aim to increase this ratio to 18% within the next three years.

A good tax system should also promote income redistribution and equality by implementing progressive tax policies. In line with this, the proposed tax reforms favour low-income earners. For example, individuals earning less than one million naira annually are exempted from personal income tax. Additionally, essential goods and services such as food, accommodation, and transportation, which constitute a significant portion of household consumption for low- and middle-income groups, are to be exempted from VAT.

In addition to equality, a good tax system should ensure equity and fairness, a key area of contention surrounding the proposed reforms. If implemented, the amendments to the Value Added Tax could lead to a significant reduction in the federal allocation for some states; impairing their ability to finance government operations and development projects. The VAT amendments should be holistically revisited to promote fairness and national unity.

The establishment of a single agency to collect government taxes, the Nigeria Revenue Service, could reduce loopholes that have previously resulted in revenue losses, provided proper controls are put in place. It is logically easier to monitor revenue collection by one agency than by multiple agencies. However, this is not a magical solution. With automation, revenue collection can be seamless whether it is managed by one agency or several, as long as monitoring and accountability measures are implemented effectively.

The proposed tax reforms by the Federal Government are well-intentioned. However, all concerns raised by Nigerians should be looked into, and concessions should be made where necessary. Policies are more effective when they are adapted to suit the unique characteristics of a nation, rather than adopted wholesale. A good tax system should aim to raise sufficient revenue, ensure equitable income distribution, and promote equality, equity, and fairness.

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