Safe Streets Festival: Road Safety Strengthens Economy

By Adedapo Adesanya The leader of the coup that ousted Gabon’s President, Mr Ali Bongo, Mr Brice Oligui Nguema, has promised to bring reforms as he was sworn in as interim president of the central African country on Monday. In Africa’s ninth coup in three years, army officers led by Mr Nguema (a general) seized power on August 30, minutes after an announcement that Mr Bongo had won his third term election in his 14 years as president. According to reports, Mr Nguema, a cousin of the deposed Garbonese leader, was given a standing ovation by military officers and officials

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), a group of emerging market powers and one of the most popular organizations, seeks to approve African States into its fold and build on its existing economic and trade with other invited African leaders during the 15th summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The BRICS members are meeting to deliberate on a broad range of important multiple issues, including new membership, common currency, various parameters of development and security and institutional architecture. More than 70 states are participating, including African leaders, while 23 States have submitted formal applications to

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS summit from August 22 to 24. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) members have thoroughly discussed a wide range of significant issues, including the bloc’s expansion, common currency, investment and trade, the bloc’s strategy and geo-policy. We already know that BRICS members consistently champion the rights and interests of Africa and also play an increasing role and influence in the global governance system – particularly international financial and economic organisations. Holding the 15th summit, especially this crucial time, within the context of the emerging multipolar world, BRICS discussed

By Modupe Gbadeyanka Comviva and Cassava Fintech have been announced a joint winners of the GSMA GLOMO award in the ‘Best Mobile Innovation for Women in Emerging Markets’ category for the EcoCash Savings Club service powered by Comviva’s mobiquity Money platform. The award was presented to the winners at the MWC 2018 held in Barcelona, Spain on February 27. Judged by a panel of world-leading industry experts, EcoCash Savings Club developed and managed by Cassava Fintech and powered by Comviva was recognized for its ability to increase digital & financial inclusion for women in Zimbabwe, as well as supporting the

By Josephine Wawira The African economy has gathered momentum over the years, with an estimated increase of 3.8% of the real output growth in 2017. As the largest economies gradually strengthen, the 2018/2019 performance should reach 4.1% according to the African Development Bank. This economic growth and sustainable development has largely been contributed by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In Kenya for instance, SMEs contribute approximately 40% to the GDP and employ over half of the country’s workforce. Yet, becoming a profitable SME in the continent is never a smooth sail for many. There’s the presence of stringent government regulations

By Adedapo Adesanya The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has alleged that some foreign airlines engage in back-catering, a situation where they bring in food from their countries instead of from Nigeria. This claim was made by the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Funmi Sessi in Lagos. She pointed out that Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines and Rwanda Air were the culpable operators involved in the alleged act. Mrs Sessi said that preventing local suppliers from providing catering services for the airlines had reduced employment opportunities for the Nigerian populace. “As part of building the economy and trying to boost

By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke As the price of oil continues to nosedive globally and the Nigerian economy is in recession, this has resulted to cutting in government expenditure and the loss of jobs. But an interesting thing that is happening in this recession is that sectors that have been ignored for years are being given attention by the Nigerian government. One of such industries is the Nigerian tech space. Technology in Nigeria has continued to grow since the turn of the decade. Today, there are hundreds of tech startups, tech ecosystem and incubation hubs making a significant contribution to the Nigerian

By Dipo Olowookere Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Renmoney Microfinance Bank Limited, Mrs Oluwatobi Boshoro, has resigned from the position. A statement issued by the lender and signed by its Secretary, Ighiwi Erhahon, confirmed this information on Tuesday in Lagos. According to the press release obtained by Business Post, Mrs Boshoro exited the company to attend to some personal issues that may not allow combine both responsibilities. “Renmoney Microfinance Bank Limited hereby announces the resignation of its Managing Director/CEO, Mrs Oluwatobi Boshoro. “Mrs Boshoro has resigned to attend to personal matters,” the statement said. The firm further said, “In the

By Adedapo Adesanya The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has proceeded to sue President Bola Tinubu over the withdrawal of the accreditations of 25 journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa. In the suit filed on behalf of SERAP its lawyers, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, and Miss Valentina Adegoke, it was argued that, “The ban on the journalists from covering the Presidential Villa fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.” According to reports, the federal government recently withdrew the accreditations of some journalists, preventing them from covering activities at the Presidential Villa,

By Adedapo Adesanya The unlisted securities market closed bullish on Friday after three stocks invited the bulls back to the exchange with a 1.25 per cent growth. The three securities that lifted the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange yesterday belonged to Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc, Central Securities Clearing Systems (CSCS) Plc and FrieslandCampina WAMCO Plc. Their sterling performances expanded the market capitalisation of the bourse by N6.79 billion to N549.74 billion from N542.95 billion and increased the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) by 9.55 points to end the day at 773.39 points as against 763.84 points it recorded at