The Nation Newspaper

Category: Money

  • UK, Access Bank partner on $60m trade finance facility

    UK, Access Bank partner on $60m trade finance facility

    British International Investment (BII), the UK’s Development Finance Institution (DFI) and impact investor, has announced a $60 million trade finance facility for Access Bank Plc in Nigeria and five of its pan-African subsidiaries. 

    This will strengthen import and export capabilities among local businesses and plug the foreign currency supply gap. 

    The programme deepens BII’s commitment to bolstering financing environments in fragile economies and supports Access Bank’s strategy to enable continental trade. BII estimates the loan programme will stimulate African trade volumes by $90 million.

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    The agreement reinforces BII’s ongoing relationship with Nigeria’s largest commercial bank by assets and facilitates the provision of systemic liquidity during a period characterised by a challenging macroeconomic environment. 

    Higher inflation and rising cost of capital have placed downward pressure on currency performance, both domestically and in the programme’s target markets of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Zambia. 

    Intervention at this critical juncture underlines the key role of BII, and development finance institutions in general, in extending countercyclical support to build economic resilience.

    Between 80 and 90 per cent of world trade is estimated to rely on  trade credit, according to the World Trade Organisation. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the financing gap stood at $82 billion in Africa, and it is increasing. 

    Recognising the positive ripple effects of robust trade flows on economies and livelihoods, Access Bank is aiming to provide 15 per cent of trade finance across Africa, by growing the trade books of its subsidiaries.

    Currency instability in Nigeria can hinder the wider proliferation of dollar denominated trade loans across African markets, constraining countries’ ability to capitalise on opportunities opening up under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. 

    By specifically targeting import- dependent economies – many of which will mark the first engagement with BII’s Trade programme – the improved availability of US dollar denominated trade loans will ensure availability of key commodities and manufacturing inputs for the production and export of goods. The key outcome will be improving livelihoods and preserving jobs for the employees of importers and exporters with limited access to foreign exchange trade loans.

    With the loans channelled into companies in construction, manufacturing and FMCG, the programme will contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure).

    Simultaneously, the facility will improve inclusion. Qualifying under the 2X Challenge, aimed at strengthening female participation and leadership in business, Access Bank will ensure the allocation of loans is designed deliberately to advance its gender commitments. In addition, the facility will contribute to BII’s BOLD programme, dedicated to enhancing the availability of finance at more affordable rates to Black, African-owned businesses. 

    Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, Seyi Kumapayi, said: ”Access Bank is on a purposeful mission to scale intra-African trade and position the continent as a viable market for global trade. Hence, we are thrilled about the tremendous potential that this trade finance facility with the BII affords us across our pan-African subsidiaries. 

    “This strategic collaboration not only strengthens our import and export capabilities but also expands our resources to support local industries – especially women-owned businesses – and, ultimately, drive economic growth. By stimulating trade volumes, we will be playing a key role in fostering long-term economic resilience for the continent, while increasing its attractiveness for increased foreign investments.”

    Director and Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance at BII, Admir Imami, noted: “Access Bank is a long-standing partner of BII’s and our new partnership is a significant step closer to narrowing the trade finance gap in Africa, particularly in countries such as the DRC and Rwanda.   

    Access to finance in fragile states is hugely constrained, often these countries are buffeted by macroeconomic events far beyond their control. BII and Access Bank share a conviction that building the resilience of these businesses by ensuring affordable access to foreign exchange is vital to keep intra-African trade moving and support the growth of inclusive economies.”  

    Head of Office & Coverage Director for Nigeria, BII, Benson Adenuga,  said: ”Our latest commitment to Access Bank reiterates our assurance to this leading multinational institution and to Nigeria. It comes at a time when Nigeria’s fragile economic situation needs additional funding, particularly from counter cyclical investors like development finance institutions. Our funding will help bolster the economy and ensure the availability of staple goods, medicines and food across Africa.”

  • FITC, Nexford University partner to bridge skills gap

    FITC, Nexford University partner to bridge skills gap

    The Financial Institutions Training Center and Nexford University, an online university have partnered to bridge the emerging skills gap in the finance sector.

    This was revealed at the launch of the collaboration at the FITC headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer of Nexford University, Fadl Al Tarzi, the collaboration with FITC has two objectives; to provide training for those outside the finance sector for job opportunities in the sector and secondly to equip those already in the sector with skills that they need to enhance their career mobility.

    “We have two objectives; to help fresh graduates to secure jobs in organisations within the finance sector in Nigeria, essentially, it is qualifying entry-level applicants, so that they are job ready from day one. The second objective is helping existing staff in the financial sector build the skills that they need for social and career mobility, from one position to another position,” Al Tarzi said.

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    He added that “When we think about the disruptions that are happening in the financial sector here or across the world as a result of a number of different trends from Artificial intelligence to cyber security to the emergence of fintechs to mobile banking, these changes are putting a lot of pressure on banks. To respond to those trends, banks need to reskill team members. Maybe 30 years ago, banks would prioritise having more tellers in a branch, because people would walk into that branch to withdraw cash, deposit cash or pay for things in cash so tellers were important jobs 30 years ago, today, a lot more people are moving to mobile banking, online banking, digital currencies basically, so the role of the teller is not quite important as it used to be.

    “So instead of those tellers being let go, the number of transactions being done digitally is increasing, when that happens, it causes a lot of data to be created that requires business analysts and data analysts to analyse them. It also creates a lot of risks because everything is now digital. So banks need to address these risks and the way to do that is through upskilling and reskilling their team, to move tellers to become data analysts. This is a lot more effective for banks to do versus terminating employment and trying to hire new employees.”

    In her comments, the Managing Director of FITC, Chizor Malize said, “The finance sector is the worst hit when we talk about talent migration. Everyone in this room must have started to face some kind of significant reduction in the quality of services from their financial services providers and a lot of times, you hear that a lot of the people have left or migrated. Despite that, there are still a lot of opportunities around. There are still a lot of people who don’t have jobs but the jobs are there. This is to create capacity in the areas of need, some of which include software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics. A lot of tertiary institutions do not prepare people for these roles that I have mentioned right now and so you find people leave school and they are not employable. Some who are employable do not have the skill sets in the areas where the jobs are. So, as you can imagine, such a collaboration with Nexford helps us through this competence framework and competencies mapping. We are also able to find areas of opportunities and gaps and provide learning interventions to fill that.”

    For the Country Director, Nigeria, Nexford University, Oghogho Inneh, the collaboration will address the issue of mismatch between available jobs and available skills.

    She said, “It is not a shortage of jobs, it is that there is a mismatch between the skills ofpeople out there searching for jobs and the jobs that are available. I think that the project by virtue of creating opportunities for people to get skilled, get upskilled, we can start to see that unemployment addressed.”

    It was revealed that the training program has been specifically designed for the Nigerian market and will be delivered solely online via the university’s platform.

  • Utica Capital’s investment, insurance fixed income fund debuts

    Utica Capital’s investment, insurance fixed income fund debuts

    Utica Capital Limited has unveiled its investment and insurance blended fixed income fund known as Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund (UCAF). UCAF is an open-ended fixed income fund that offers investors who have a strong preference for regular income, the opportunity to invest in low to medium risk, fixed income instruments with competitive returns with Life Insurance as value add.

    “Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund (UCAF) is a product that represents not only our commitment to excellence but also our contribution to the success of the Funds and Portfolio Management Industry in Nigeria,” Ola Belgore, managing director, Utica Capital Limited said on Thursday during a media briefing in Lagos to unveil Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund (UCAF).

    Utica Capital Limited is an asset management company, licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 to provide top-notch investment and fund management services to High Networth Individuals (HNIs), Corporates, mass affluent and retail clients in Nigeria.

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    Belgore noted that, “Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund (UCAF) is a perfect blend of returns and protection. UCAF as an investment and insurance blended collective investment scheme embodies the very essence of our mission: to become one of the most sought-after brands in Asset, Portfolio and Funds Management industry in Nigeria and Africa within the first ten (10) years of existence”.

    A minimum amount of N100,000 is required for the initial subscription and N10,000 for additional subscription. In addition to providing regular income to investors who have a strong preference for regular income, the fund will provide life insurance cover (death and permanent disability by accident) up to a maximum limit of 10 times of the Unit holders principal investment in the fund not exceeding N35 million.

    Some of the key features that make the Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income truly exceptional, according to the managing director are: easy and flexible entry and exit from the fund, blend of investment and insurance – the Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund will provide life assurance benefits for individual subscribers.

    Another key feature is the bi-annual income distribution – for investors looking for investments that offer steady streams of income, the Utica Custodian Fixed Income Fund will avail them the opportunity alongside competitive returns. There is also the option of reinvestment of coupon for subscribers who want compounded returns on their investment.

    Also speaking at the event, Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, chairman, board of directors, Utica Capital Limited said, “We have gathered here to celebrate the unveiling of an investment and insurance blended collective investment scheme; the Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund (UCAF) that embodies our vision and unwavering commitment to the financial success of investors”.

    “As the chairman of this esteemed institution, I am profoundly proud of the remarkable strides our team has taken in our relentless pursuit of excellence. We are not just unveiling a mutual fund today; we are unveiling a testament to our dedication, expertise, and innovation. In our industry, where the dynamics are ever evolving and the challenges are relentless, it is our duty to provide the investing public with the opportunities needed to achieve their financial goals,” he added.

    “We understand that every investor has unique aspirations, dreams, and financial needs, and that is why we have meticulously crafted this new product, the Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund to cater to a diverse range of financial objectives,” Akin-Olugbade added.

    “Unlike other plain vanilla Funds, the Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund (UCAF) has been meticulously designed to provide additional value by way of life Insurance, covering death and disability caused by accident of up to ten (10) times on their principal investment to subscribers not exceeding N35million. The life insurance will benefit all active unitholders in the Fund,” said Aderonke Osho, portfolio manager, Utica Capital Limited.

    Also speaking further, Belgore said, “In the ever-evolving world of Investments, the need for innovative, reliable, and adaptable investment solutions has never been more crucial. Our team, here at Utica Capital, understand the unique challenges and opportunities that investors face in today’s dynamic marketplace. We have dedicated ourselves to designing products and services that align seamlessly with investors unique needs and financial objectives,”.

    “The Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund is not just about these features; it is about meeting the need of would-be investors and Utica’s unwavering commitment to the financial wellbeing of the investing public. We have partnered with other capital market professionals in the formation of the fund, and I would like to convey my appreciation to them all – the Trustee, Custodian, Registrar etc particularly our partner on the Insurance side of the Fund – Custodian Life Insurance Limited,” he said.

    “Their relentless pursuit of excellence has culminated in a product that we are truly proud of. Also worthy of commendation is the leadership of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The positive disposition of the management to new ideas is quite commendable and provides the environment for an innovative firm like Utica Capital Limited to thrive,” Belgore said.

  • Stanbic Fintech subsidiary Zest serves more consumers 

    Stanbic Fintech subsidiary Zest serves more consumers 

    Zest, the Fintech subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, unveiled its brand and key platforms. The event took place at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, with proxy unveil carried out in Port Harcourt, Kano and the FCT.

     Zest (formerly Stanbic IBTC Financial Services) started commercial operations in May 2023, functioning primarily as a Payment Service Provider, having received all the relevant regulatory approvals to commence operations. This event themed Universe 1.0 marks the introduction of the brand to the public.

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    Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Basil Omiyi, in his opening remarks, noted that Zest was setup to execute a solution-driven, platform orchestration strategy that will serve consumers, businesses, application developers, and other financial services providers. Delivering the keynote address, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Dr Demola Sogunle, afûrmed that Zest as the group fintech subsidiary, would be the epicenter of solutions delivery, new partnerships, and better experiences in the area of payments and customized solutions delivery. 

    Addressing the audience, Stanley Jacob, Chief Executive of Zest further explained the key design principles, which bothers on the delivery of a multi-railed platform strategy that enables businesses to collect payments in any form that the customer wants to pay, human centered design, growth powered by e-Commerce and operational excellence. He concluded by saying “when you use our platforms, we want you to experience better – better with payments, better with integrations and better with selling”, aligning with the brand tagline ‘Go for Better’.

    The hybrid event focused on unveiling the Zest brand, showcasing its identity and culture through various touchpoints. Highlight of the event was a commerce experience where guests and shoppers had first-hand experience of the e-Commerce platforms.

  • HumanManager Partners with MIGO on instant loans to employees

    HumanManager Partners with MIGO on instant loans to employees

    HumanManager Limited (HML), Africa’s leading human resources management organisation, has announced a partnership with MIGO, a prominent nano-lending company, to offer employees quick and easy access to loans.

    This announcement was made at the press conference held recently at the SystemSpecs head office in Lagos, Nigeria,The collaboration is a major step towards empowering staff to achieve better financial flexibility, emergency preparedness, and quality of life. Employees on the HML platform can now quickly address their financial needs through the seamless integration of MIGO’s lending services, without the usual difficulties involved in loan applications. Staff members have the opportunity to secure loans of up to 30% of their net salary at a 9% interest rate, with repayment scheduled for their subsequent salary.

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    Speaking at the press conference that marked the partnership, Adekunbi Ademiluyi, Managing Director of HML, explained how the alliance with MIGO supports the overall vision of the organisation, demonstrating their dedication to providing a simple, flexible, and innovative one-stop human resources solution for organisations of all sizes.

    “We are exultant about our partnership with MIGO. It is a significant stride geared at enhancing the financial well-being of staff using our platform. Through this collaboration, our aim is not only to bolster staff’s productivity but to also facilitate easy access to prompt, secure, and discreet financial support, thereby, enabling employees to address their financial needs without compromising their privacy and security,” she said.

    Similarly, the Group Managing Director, SystemSpecs Holdings, Mr. John Obaro further emphasized the importance of deepening access to credit and other financial services, as obtained internationally.

  • FirstBank promotes FDIs flow to Africa

    FirstBank promotes FDIs flow to Africa

    First Bank of Nigeria Limited has reiterated its commitment to promoting foreign direct investment flow to Africa.

    The bank recently sponsored the Africa International Trade Exhibition (A.I.T.E 2023), held recently in  New York. The event was themed “the imperatives of global trade for African SMEs as a game changer for the continent’s future prosperity”.

    Woven into the fabric of society, with the rich heritage of being the premier Bank in West Africa, FirstBank’s sponsorship of the event reiterated its commitment to being the bank of first choice and financial gateway in supporting businesses to boost the growth and socio-economic development of the continent in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.

     Visioner of the African International Trade Exhibition project, Tunde MacAlabi, said “The AITE project is conceived to assist African SMEs to gain greater penetration in the North American market that has huge potentials.

    The African American population in the US is 30 million strong, spending close to 1.2 trillion dollars as consumers.

    The popularity of our afrobeat music, the ground that it is gaining in North America and the globe is remarkable. With this idea, pushing authentic African made products into the market to rise on the wave of the popularity of our music can diversify the sources of foreign exchange income that we accurately need in Nigeria and Africa. 

    Our effort is a complementary private sector driven initiative to help bridge the commercial gap to increase the commercial engagement between Nigeria, Africa and the USA.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO of FirstBank Group said: “I am particularly delighted that this year’s theme beams the spotlight on a sector that can be referred to as the bedrock of Africa’s economic prosperity. Africa’s SME sector is also a good representation of the unyielding and resilient spirit of the African people in the face of many daunting challenges.”

    With a vision to become “Africa’s Bank of First Choice”, FirstBank’s commitment to the development and economic transformation of the African continent is unwavering and we will continue to make the required investments to actualize this goal. I make bold to say that, in FirstBank, Africa has a dependable ally.

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    Indeed, it is the turn of Africa to rise, and FirstBank is strategically positioned to provide the required financial services support to the SME sector that will catalyze the next phase of Africa’s growth and development,” he concluded.

    Representing Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, President & Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Mrs Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) said “I am grateful to the African International Trade Exhibition (AITE) for the kind opportunity to participate in this event. I congratulate AITE for building this unique platform to rally global investments and policy support towards the attainment of the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreements. These activities of AITE are significant complements to Afreximbank’s trade facilitation agenda. We are therefore pleased to be associated with AITE and its activities.

    We must continue to leverage the platforms created by the Bank and AITE to forge partnerships, share ideas and contribute to the growth and development of African SMEs to ensure that their potentials as the driving force for the transformation of the continent. As l like to say, the opportunity is now, and it has a shelf life.

    Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria noted that “the importance of the aviation sector in Nigeria and any country cannot be overemphasised. The gains of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) cannot be realized without a robust Aviation policy in Africa that will enhance the movement of goods and personnel across Africa.

    Encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to drive foreign direct investment into the country, Dr Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment spoke on behalf of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. She said “I enjoin Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in Nigeria. I know the spirit of being a Nigerian because I am one.

    We are very prosperous, resilient, persistent, bold, audacious. We like to make decisions in our favour profitably. We are also very warm and welcoming. Galvanizing all these qualities and focus it back home will lead to us doing a whole lot.

    The A.I.T.E 2023 Business, Trade, and Investment Summit convened business leaders, entrepreneurs and government functionaries from diverse sectors across Africa and the globe.

    Held on the sidelines of the 78th Session of UN General Assembly (UNGA), the event promotes networking amongst think tanks whilst being a viable avenue for organisations to showcase cutting-edge products and services, thereby building valuable business relationships to drive economic advancement and cooperation beyond the African continent.

  • Experts advise govt on ways to fix fiscal imbalances

    Experts advise govt on ways to fix fiscal imbalances

    Economic experts have called on the Federal Government to take steps that will curb fiscal imbalances and support economic growth.

    Speaking during a webinar on  the first 100 days of President Bola Tinubu‘s administration, the Founder of Nairametrics, Ugo Obi-Chukwu, said that curbing crude oil theft, promoting intra-African trade, and clearing foreign exchange backlogs are issues that should be prioritised to promote fiscal balance.

    The webinar was organised by Nairametrics with the theme: “Economic Recap of the Current Administration’s First 100 Days.”

    Obi-Chukwu said that curbing oil theft and increasing Nigeria’s oil production alone will boost Nigeria’s export base and significantly address  other major challenges facing the economy.

    Also speaking, Managing Director/CEO KSBC Academy Partners Ltd, Chika Mbonu, said government should raise revenue position for the economy and cut expenditure to put the economy on path of growth.

    He applauded the removal of petrol subsidy, saying the saved fund could be channeled to other sectors and put back into public finance.

     “The previous administration had always said that our problem is not debt but revenue. This is not the case because we cannot isolate them as they both go in tandem.

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    Ghana has been declared bankrupt and if we are not careful, bankruptcy is not far from us. Mbonu also called on the government to remove impediments that limited manufacturing and production capacity such as power, security, transport, and multiple taxes to boost trade and investment,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Blaque Advisory, Zeal Akaraiwe, said the government should implement policies to build confidence with investors and improve foreign exchange earnings.

    The economic research analyst at Chapel Hill Denham Nabila Mohammed called for the hosting economic conferences where investors’ fears would be allayed and assurances of return on investment provided can attract foreign capital into the economy.

    She also called on states to embrace Public Private Partnership (PPP) and provide incentives to businesses coming to operate in their region.

     “States can also have Public Private Partnership (PPP) in their states as a way of attracting investment to their states. These are two key things that they can do- first is to have conferences that show them the opportunities in their states, encourage public-private partnerships, and also provide incentives to businesses that operate in their jurisdiction,” she stated.

  • Naira closes flat at N995/$ at parallel market

    Naira closes flat at N995/$ at parallel market

    The naira yesterday closed at N995 to dollar at the parallel market. That was the same rate it closed last Friday. 

    The local currency however, exchanged at N773.25 to dollar at the Investors and Exporters window. The rate represents 3.41 per cent depreciation from Friday’s closing rate.

    Report from FMDQ Exchange showed there was $65 million turnover, an indication of continued low dollar liquidity.

    Former Registrar, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Uju Ogubunka, said Nigeria’s trade balance has been weakened by its inability to produce and earn forex.

    To firm up the naira, he said Nigeria must find new ways to boost production to earn more dollars and boost foreign reserves.  Ogubunka, who is also the President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, said aside boosting production, there is need to tackle insecurity to allow farmers go to their farms.

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    He said such effort will help increase crop yields and bring more dollar earnings for the economy that will, firm up the local currency. 

    According to him, insecurity and the political uncertainty are delaying several corporate investment decisions that would have brought in more dollars to the economy. 

    President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Dr. Aminu Gwadabe, said there was need to encourage market participants to source forex from independent windows to boost liquidity. 

    He called for enabling environment and fair treatment for all the players to achieve exchange rate stability.

  • Empowerment scheme for immigrants unveiled

    Empowerment scheme for immigrants unveiled

    Chairman, Pistis Empowerment Foundation (PEF),  Godman Akinlabi, has launched Find Your Voice, a global movement and platform to help immigrants achieve their goals.

    The scheme was launched in London, United Kingdom.

    Recognising the emotional challenges and hurdles immigrants face in their pursuit of stability and a better future, Find Your Voice seeks to empower them with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed for successful integration and societal impact.

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    Its mission is to help immigrants become effective ambassadors, fostering the right mindset, and building supportive communities, ultimately enabling their fulfilment and meaningful contributions to their new countries.

    “Immigration is a fact of life. Since time immemorial, people have crossed local and international borders to trade or live permanently. Beneath this reality lie untold stories of challenges, resilience, and the pursuit of belonging newcomers face in their adopted lands.”

    “By curating and sharing the experiences of immigrants before them, Find Your Voice hopes to kindle a fire of hope and motivation within others, encouraging them to achieve their dreams by adding significant value wherever they find themselves,”  Akinlabi, who is Global Lead Pastor, The Elevation Church, said.

  • Innovators Challenge winners to get cash prizes

    Innovators Challenge winners to get cash prizes

    The Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) has  launched the Innovation Makers’ Challenge (IMC), a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering innovation among young talents in the technology and telecoms sectors.

    The outstanding participants in the Innovation Makers’ Challenge (IMC) will have the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges at the Innovators Conference for a prize of N2million, N1million, and N500,000 for the winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up.

    Young innovators aged between 18 and 35 are invited to participate in the challenge by showcasing their original technology-driven ideas and products.

    The IMC features a talent discovery competition, an intensive boot camp, and culminates in an exhibition and conference, scheduled for November 9, at Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    To participate in the contest, submission should include a 90-second video pitch of your innovation, as well as response to the accompanying questions.

    Entries are open from September 11 – October 16.

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    From the entries, 20 finalists will be invited to participate in the Innovators Boot Camp, where they will get guidance, mentorship, and feedback from experts with a proven track record in the technology and telecommunications industry to improve their ideas.

    The finalists will also enjoy the privilege of showcasing their innovations at the grand event, pitch their innovations to venture capitalists and investors, and network with professionals and industry experts from across the country and abroad.

     Lead Consultant, TTSWG Secretariat, Bekeme Olowola said “Nigeria is rich in talent that needs more support, encouragement, and development to flourish and become major contributors to the nation’s economic growth.

     However, the country has often celebrated ideas that have no significant impact on national development. The IMC is designed to celebrate and empower young creatives in the technology space who can make a positive difference.”

    We invite everyone in this age group from all over the country to apply at www.ttswg-imc.com and follow @ttswg on all social media channels for more information.”

    The IMC conference will feature a remarkable array of international speakers, such as Kate Hancock, Founder, Metaverse XYZ, Oluwole Asalu, Chief Executive and Founder of Quomodo Systems Africa, Lanre Bamisebi, Executive Director of Access Corporation, Chuks Ekwueme, Chairman of UNICCON Group, and many more.