General
African Agribusinesses Get $85m Funding Support
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About $85 million has been put down to support agribusinesses in Africa to increase productivity and expand food systems in rural areas.
This money was provided by the trio of Swedfund, British International Investment (BII), and Norfund. It will be distributed to the beneficiaries through a specialist investor transforming agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa, AgDevCo.
The investment will enable AgDevCo to expand its portfolio of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This will include agribusinesses producing nutritious foods for local consumption and high-value export crops.
AgDevCo’s portfolio contributes to improved food security, poverty reduction in underserved communities and the growth of competitive industries.
A statement made available to Business Post indicated that the investment in the firm by the trio comprises up to $20 million from Swedfund, $50 million from BII and $15 million from Norfund.
AgDevCo’s investments have already benefited over two million smallholder farmers, improving their livelihoods, climate resilience and food security.
“Improved Food Systems is one of Swedfund’s focus areas. It is important to invest across the food value chain to boost resilience, adaptability, and food security,” the Senior Investment Manager at Swedfund, Tomas Wadström, said.
Also, the Director and Head of Food, Agriculture and Natural Capital at BII, Roman Frenkel, said, “This investment underscores BII’s commitment to empowering agribusinesses that are driving sustainable practices, strengthening food systems, and building economic opportunities for rural communities.”
“Our $15 million to bring our total investment in AgDevCo to $35 million reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting enterprises that empower smallholder farmers, enhance local food systems, and build resilience against climate change.
“By addressing the financing gaps and driving sustainable practices, this partnership is not only a catalyst for increased productivity but also a vital step toward lifting underserved communities out of poverty,” the Investment Manager at Norfund, Donald Muchiri Kariuki, stated.
“Developing commercial agriculture in Africa requires patient and strategic investment. We are fortunate to have shareholders who recognize the huge potential as well as the challenges of investing in the sector.
“This latest capital injection from BII, Norfund, and Swedfund strengthens AgDevCo’s position as a leading specialist investor, enabling us to grow our portfolio and drive positive impact at scale,” the chief executive of AgDevCo, Daniel Hulls, remarked.
Africa faces complex and urgent challenges in its agricultural sector, including limited financing, climate vulnerabilities, low market access and underdeveloped value chains.
AgDevCo works to address these issues by investing across the agricultural value chain, from primary production to logistics, ensuring sustainable practices and improved resilience.
In 2023, over 2.4 million small-scale farmers, customers, and traders of which 29 per cent were women benefited from markets and income opportunities linked to AgDevCo’s portfolio companies. Furthermore, over 28,000 jobs were directly supported in the same year.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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