The Nation Newspaper

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  • Zest is connecting businesses and lifestyle to payments

    Zest is connecting businesses and lifestyle to payments

    Zest is connecting businesses and lifestyle to payment through a multi-railed platform, e-Commerce capabilities, value added services and more.

    Set up as the fintech subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Zest will execute a solution-driven and platform orchestration strategy that will serve consumers, businesses, application developers, and other financial services providers. Zest will also be at the epicentre of solutions delivery, new partnerships, and better experiences in payments and customised solutions delivery for the group.

    Zest, which unveiled its brand and platforms in a recent event in Lagos with proxy unveils in Port Harcourt, Kano and Abuja. This event, themed Universe 1.0, marked the introduction of Zest, showcasing its identity and culture through various touchpoints.

    Zest’s fundamental design principles focus on delivering a multi-railed platform strategy that enables businesses to collect payments in any form the customer wants, human-centered design, growth powered by e-commerce and operational excellence. Using Zest platforms is to experience better – as their tagline, Go for Better promises.

    With more businesses  looking to expand and grow their revenue and access new network of customers by going online, Zest is positioning as the platform to make that happen with free e-Commerce platforms to enable business go digital and sell online. Through Zest’s ecosystem, businesses can easily begin selling retail items or services online, sending payment links for services and collecting payments through cards, USSD, QR or transfers. 

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    “Our onboarding was easy and happened in 3 minutes. We were thinking of going beyond our physical store and accessing a new wave of customers by selling our farm produce online. Zest was an easy choice because of pricing, customer support and easy integrations”, said Ayodele Adeyinka, Managing Partner, Easy Mart; a customer of Zest.

    Businesses can operate more efficiently, access new customers, and scale. With the payment gateway dashboard, business owners and managers have a comprehensive view of store performance, their settlements, and user access control as well as inventory management.

    About Zest.

    Zest is a platform orchestrator that connects consumers and businesses to payments. We enable multiple options for businesses to collect payments, sell online, access value-added services, flexible shipping for order fulfilment and more. www.zestpayment.com

  • Green Remedies International Wins Naturopathic Company of the Year Award

    Green Remedies International Wins Naturopathic Company of the Year Award

    Few weeks after the company get NAFDAC approval for more of their products, Green remedies International has also won the Naturopathic Company of the year at the just concluded 8th Ghana Nigeria Achiever Award (GNAA 2023).

    The award which was held in in Accra, Ghana is to celebrate the Ghanians and Nigerians who are doing extra ordinarily well in their industry and as a herbal company which has been serving the humanity in regaining their health and well being  using herbal remedies, Green remedies International has been awarded the Best in the herbal Industry.

    Green Remedies International is a naturopathic (herbal) company that makes natural and organic herbal remedies to help battle some of the most deadly ailments that have been proven difficult to treat.

    Some of these ailments includes all types of infections, erectile dysfunction, prostate enlargement, ulcer, fibroid, and fertility problems.

    While receiving the award at the event, Quazeem Amuda, the Managing Director and CEO of Green Remedies International Limited, gave his vote of thanks to the organizers of the Ghana Nigeria Achiever Awards, his team of staff, as well as the customers who patronize the brand all across Africa and many continents of the world.

    He also emphasizes on why Nature should not be pushed aside when it comes to the treatment of diseases.

    In his vote of thanks, he also gave reference to what makes their products stand out among others:

    “We use the power of nature to create amazing remedies that will make you feel better and live a happier life without side effect. Our herbal products are not limited to Africa as we use the number one science backed herbs across the world to make sure you get the best result in the shortest time. We also take our time to test these products to certify their efficacy. That is why they are all have been tested and approved by the NAFDAC

    All these are also the secret behind the positive feed backs we get daily from our end users across different countries of the world”

    The award category won by Green Remedies International also had a number of Nominees from Ghana and Nigeria but Green Remedies International stole the show.

    This award for this category is like getting a gold medal at the Olympics for making the best natural products.

    The nomination and winning of this award category point to the fact that Green Remedies International is the best in their industry and when it comes to providing herbal remedies that really works, they are the people’s choice.

    When asked if their products are available online, Amuda said…

    All our products can be gotten from our website at www.greenremediesintl.com anyone can order for it directly on the website and get it delivered to their doorstep.

    You can also have access to them through our Instagram or Facebook Page, just search @Greenremediesintl or @Greenremedies_intl. Tiktok is also @Greenremedies_Intl

  • SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN US SUPPLY CHAINS: BUSINESS ANALYTICS PERSPECTIVE

    SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN US SUPPLY CHAINS: BUSINESS ANALYTICS PERSPECTIVE

    AUTHOR: CHRISTOPHER ODEDINA

    ABSTRACT
    This paper explores the impact of business analytics on enhancing supply chain efficiency in the United States. Supply Chain Analytics involves the analysis of historical and real-time data to identify patterns and make data-driven decisions. By utilizing descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, businesses can optimize inventory management, capacity planning, logistics solutions, and sales and operations planning. The adoption of business analytics in supply chain management offers various benefits, including improved decision-making, cost reduction, and enhanced customer value. Future trends involve the integration of diverse data sources, disruptive technologies, and building resilient supply chains. In summary, business analytics is pivotal for streamlining supply chain operations and gaining a competitive edge in the US.

    INTRODUCTION

    This paper delves into the application of business analytics to enhance supply chain efficiency in the United States. Supply Chain Analytics involves the examination of historical and real-time data to identify patterns, gain insights, and make data-driven decisions. Businesses can optimize inventory management, capacity planning, logistics solutions, and sales and operations planning by employing descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Future trends encompass integrating diverse data sources, embracing disruptive technologies, and focusing on building resilient supply chains. Implementing business analytics in supply chain management offers numerous advantages, including improved decision-making, cost reduction, enhanced customer value, and increased productivity. In sum, business analytics is pivotal for streamlining supply chain operations and securing a competitive edge in the US.

    OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS ANALYTICS IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

    In the context of supply chain management (SCM), business analytics involves using advanced analytical techniques to solve supply chain-related problems and address questions. It is a transformative technology that employs data, statistical methods, quantitative analysis, and predictive modeling to gain fresh perspectives and new insights into business performance. The ultimate objective of business analytics is to enhance decision-making, boost profitability, and secure a competitive advantage. Business analytics encompasses three main types: descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, and prescriptive analytics.

    1. Descriptive analytics: Analyzes historical data to understand past events and patterns. It provides visibility into internal and external systems, enabling assessments of supply chain performance.
    1. Predictive analytics: Uses statistical and machine learning techniques to forecast future outcomes. It supports proactive decision-making, optimal inventory management, and seamless delivery channel operation.
    1. Prescriptive analytics: Recommends the best course of action for optimization by considering various factors and their impact on the supply chain. It aids in data-driven decision-making.
    1. Diagnostic analytics: Identifies problems and their root causes, enabling corrective actions to enhance supply chain efficiency.

    Implementing supply chain analytics offers numerous benefits, including improved decision-making, cost reduction, optimized inventory management, and meeting customer expectations. By harnessing reports, dashboards, and visualizations generated through supply chain analytics, businesses can refine every aspect of the supply chain, resulting in enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.

    SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY

    The impact of business analytics on supply chain performance is substantial. It applies advanced analytic techniques to data, leading to data-informed decision-making in supply chain management. Investments in supply chain analytics enable companies to reduce costs swiftly and achieve higher profit margins. Business analytics is leveraged across various supply chain areas, including inventory planning, sourcing and procurement planning, demand planning and forecasting, logistics and distribution planning, sales and operations planning, production planning, vendor and supplier selection, risk management, and benchmarking.

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    ROLE OF BUSINESS ANALYTICS IN SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT

    Supply chain management (SCM) stands to gain significant benefits from the application of business analytics. While traditional enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) systems have primarily focused on transactional data, the introduction of supply chain analytics offers numerous advantages. These advantages include improved customer engagement, increased productivity, enhanced responsiveness, better decision-making support, and cost reduction through improved inventory visibility and accurate demand forecasting.

    Business analytics, which encompasses data analysis, statistical methods, quantitative analysis, and predictive modeling, has emerged as a powerful tool for enterprises to improve profitability and gain a competitive advantage.

    CURRENT POLICY AND FUTURE TRENDS

    Business analytics plays a pivotal role in improving supply chain efficiency. To enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience, organizations can adopt best practices:

    Optimize Inventory: Implement inventory management solutions that ensure periodic stock control based on demand forecasts, enhancing productivity and fulfillment efficiency.

    Plan Capacity and Sense Demand: Predict future demand patterns accurately by gaining real-time insights into capacity planning needs.

    Deploy Logistics Planning and Management Solutions: Utilize AI-powered logistics solutions to reduce complexities and improve logistics costs, inventory levels, and service levels.

    Implement Sound Sales & Operations Planning Process (S&OP): Establish a robust S&OP process that aligns supply chain strategy with sales and financial priorities while minimizing unnecessary costs.

    Efficiency is crucial for supply chains, but resiliency should not be overlooked. Recent challenges, such as supply chain disruptions during crises, underscore the need for resiliency. In the US, logistical challenges related to inadequate infrastructure can hinder supply chain efficiency, emphasizing the significance of policy interventions to improve infrastructure.

    CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, business analytics is an invaluable tool for improving supply chain efficiency in the United States. By leveraging data and generating insights, businesses can make informed decisions and optimize various aspects of the supply chain. Future trends indicate further integration of data sources and disruptive technologies, as well as a focus on building resilient supply chains. Implementing business analytics offers numerous benefits, including improved decision-making, cost reduction, enhanced customer value, and increased productivity. Ultimately, business analytics plays a pivotal role in streamlining supply chain operations and maintaining a competitive edge in the US.

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  • How To Get a Loan From an American Bank?

    How To Get a Loan From an American Bank?

    The financial institutions in the USA are similar in structure and composition to banks in other countries. The only significant difference is the presence of a common credit structure that combines both private and state banks together with a reserve system that provides stability. The credit market includes the banking and commercial segments, each of which has its own composition of participants, the amount of funds, interest rates, and loan terms like this app.

    The main advantage of the system is a simplified version of lending. The minimum set of documents, process control, transparency of credit histories, and short terms for reviewing an application and processing a loan allow you to contact the bank even to buy products on credit.

    Student loan

    Investing in education is the best investment that in the future can bring dividends in the form of a good job and provide income and position in society.

    The banking segment provides the following types of educational loans:

    • Parental. The loan term is 10 years with the possibility of deferral for 2 months, the amount of payments is from $50/month.
    • Federal. The loan is issued by a bank (interest up to 5 points and without payment for the issuance, if the financial situation is low) or an educational institution.
    • Consolidated. Combines several options for educational loans.

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    Mortgage

    Large institutions are ready to issue a loan and finance up to 75% of the cost of the object. However, practice shows that in American banks, foreigners can often count on loans only half the value of the real estate.

    In order to receive a mortgage loan, a bank client must:

    1. Contact the branch for pre-approval. Consultants will consider the financial solvency of the borrower and the possibility of issuing the required amount, and interest on the loan.
    2. Pass the credit check stage, when the bank examines the person’s credit history and clarifies other information about the borrower.
    3. Prepare the necessary list: identity document, income level, permanent place of work.
    4. Sign the documents of purchase and sale of real estate, which means the transfer of ownership. The borrower receives a mortgage agreement and the keys to the apartment.

    Credit institutions seek to minimize risks, therefore, they collect information regarding the financial reliability of the client.

    The list of documents for a mortgage that must be submitted to the bank includes:

    • Photocopy of passport, American visa.
    • The exact address of the property. If owned, then an invoice for payment of property tax, and payment of insurance. If rental housing, you should attach a copy of the agreement, and a letter from the owner of the property.
    • Workplace data: company name, phone numbers, email.
    • Account statement for the last two months.

    The policy of the USA is focused on the support of its people. This is done by the mortgage interest rate. Locals can take a mortgage loan from an American bank at a rate of 3.5-7% per year, banks offer a loan to a foreign citizen at 5-9%. The amount of the contract, as a rule, does not exceed $150,000 and is issued for a period of 15–30 years.

  • How to secure your BVN, NIN, Phone Number

    How to secure your BVN, NIN, Phone Number

    It is always a good practice to keep your BVN, NIN and phone number confidential. Such personal information when compromised can be used by scrupulous person(s) for illegal activities. Here are some tips that can help you make sure your BVN and NIN are protected.  

    How to protect your BVN

    Below are some tips on how you can protect your BVN so they don’t get into the hands of scrupulous person(s). You can learn how to check BVN using your bank’s USSD code or mobile app.

    • Do not share your BVN, Card Number, or PIN with anyone else. 
    • Only enter your BVN and Card details on secure websites.
    • Keep your BVN and Card details confidential.
    • Be aware of phishing scams that involve BVNs, and ATM Cards.
    • Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
    • Do not enter your personal information on apps and websites that you do not trust.

    If you think your BVN has been compromised, you should take the following steps immediately:

    • Contact your bank and report the compromised BVN and account information.
    • Freeze your bank accounts to avoid unauthorized transactions.
    • Block your old ATM card and order a new one.
    • Monitor your bank statement for any suspicious activity.

    How to protect your NIN

    Remember, the National Identification Number (NIN) is your identity. It is confidential and may only be released for legitimate transactions. You can learn how to check NIN number using the NIMC website or mobile app.

    • Avoid submitting your NIN and identification details as well as making payments to unauthorised, fraudulent websites and social media pages run by individuals illegally charging fees while collecting and exposing personal ID details online.
    • Beware of dubious apps collecting your NIN or BVN details. Use only apps from NIMC and clearly identifiable, authorised NIMC partners.
    • You should always protect your NIN, because crime committed with your SIM will be traced to you.
    • Do not release your NIN for illegitimate or illegal transactions. 
    • Your NIN can be used by unscrupulous person(s) for illegitimate or illegal activity. Ensure that you protect and keep your NIN confidential at all times.

    How to Protect your mobile number

    If scammers know your number, they can target you with phishing texts and calls, they may also use it to hack your social media accounts, or trick you into downloading malware and giving up personal information. For newly registered mobile number, here’s how to check phone number on all networks.

    Here are some tips to help protect your phone number:

    • Do not give your phone number to strangers or unknown person online: Be cautious and thoughtful when sharing personal information, including phone numbers, online or with people you don’t know very well. 
    • Keep your phone number private: Be careful of listing your phone number publicly on social media or other online platforms. If you must list a phone number, create a new phone number for this purpose, or consider using a proxy number service that masks your real number.
    • Use a Caller ID Spoofer: This is a caller ID spoofing tool that allows you to call someone without revealing your real phone number. If someone needs to contact you but you don’t want to give out your real phone number, use a caller ID spoofer app or website to make the call instead.
    • Setup Two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring an additional code, sent via text or another method, to access your accounts.
    • Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi when surfing the web or making calls because it can expose your phone number to hackers.
    • Your phone number can be used to gain unauthorised access to your social media handles. Keep any phone numbers associated with your social media safe.
  • Japa with Africhange — How Africhange is helping build the diaspora community

    Japa with Africhange — How Africhange is helping build the diaspora community

    When Africhange’s CEO David Ajala first moved to Canada in 2010, he had no idea what a startup was. Much less that he’d be a founder at one before the decade ended. After four years of trying to emigrate, he was just happy to finally be in the country of his dreams, pursuing a tertiary education and hopefully, a better life.

    Despite his immigration being many years in the making, it was anything but ideal. David arrived in Canada as many immigrants arrive at their destination countries; with barely enough money on him and no idea where he would spend his first night. He survived his first few weeks by a combination of luck and the goodwill of other Africans he met. In those early days, there were very few African faces in Edmonton, the city he would go on to call home for the next 13 years, but coming across a fellow African was always a good omen, especially because they were very helpful.

    “There’s a kind of shared goodwill among Africans in Canada regardless of your country of origin. Once an African person identifies you as a fellow African, they’re super willing to help. It was one of the things that helped me settle here quickly,” David said about his experience in Canada. A Sierra Leonean woman he met on the bus offered him a place to sleep on his first night and eventually helped him find his next job. African members of his local church would also help him with donations that provided sustenance while he was in school.

    In the years since David moved to Canada, immigration from African countries has spiked as many young Africans search for better economic opportunities in Europe and North America. Between 2016 and 2021 alone, the B  lack population in Canada (largely comprised of African immigrants) grew by over 20% from 1.2 million to 1.5 million people. The

    fast-growing number of immigrants is a positive indicator for Africhange, a remittance company that has served immigrants in Canada since 2020.

    But it is not just the numbers; the increase in immigrants has had a net positive influence on the lives of other immigrants.  “When I moved to Edmonton, there were not a lot of Africans here and it felt quite lonely. We had only one Nigerian restaurant in the entire city. Today, there are so many options to choose from and a thriving African community to boot,” David added.

    Although Africhange may appear to be like any other remittance company on the outside, the sense of shared African goodwill David experiences in its early days is hard-baked into its culture, influencing how it operates. According to employees, the startup has always championed giving back to the community.

    Despite being a bootstrapped startup, it has consistently sought to provide the lowest rates for immigrants since its founding in December 2020. Speaking on the ethos that drives Africhange, David revealed, “From our earliest days, we’ve recognized the importance of affordable remittance services for individuals and families who rely on it for essential needs, so we’ve always tried to keep the rates low enough to allow us to run efficiently and stay competitive.” While the company is open to raising venture investment in the future, it promises to keep its ethos and culture as-is for the foreseeable future.

    As David did in 2010, many Africans are migrating via the academic route as it is more accessible for educated middle-income Africans. While academic migration is a global phenomenon, the reality is often different for African migrants. Unlike many of their global peers, African immigrants often arrive at their destination countries without much of a safety net. Many of them have to work to meet up with the financial demands of their new realities and a significant percentage even have to send money back home. This means that for those who receive aid from home, every dollar counts.

    These students form a significant part of the remittance market that Africhange serves and the company has created new ways for to support them via the Africhange Foundation. The Africhange Foundation is a sister organization that seeks to improve the entire range of cross-border experiences for African immigrants starting with Nigerians. Tega Gabriel, The Growth Manager at Africhange, had this to say about the Africhange Foundation, “The first few months for any student immigrant are the most important. Their immediate community and support system set the tone for how much value they are able to gain from immigrating. At Africhange Foundation, we want to support as many   student migrants to get the best possible experience by offering them a soft landing in the form of grants and exclusive exchange rates.”

    For its first initiative, the Africhange Foundation is starting with a grant program for  25 to 30 students in Canada. The students will receive between $2500 to $3000 which will go towards their education and upkeep. The foundation has also instituted a Student Advantage Program (SAP) which provides discounted rates to students who register through the program. The discounts cover transactions in the NGN-CAD allowing them to receive funds from home at the best rates..

    Although Canada is where the startup currently calls home, its true home is wherever there is an immigrant community. Pending license approvals, Africhange plans to expand to the US, EU, and UK in the next year. It also wants to expand its services to serve immigrants all around the world. As an immigrant-led startup, the company wants to enable other immigrants to access the support they need to set up a new life in a new country. For a bootstrapped startup, Africhange is making the change it wants to see in the world.

  • Hamas possibly had chemical weapons provided by Ukraine to fight Israel

    Hamas possibly had chemical weapons provided by Ukraine to fight Israel

    An Egyptian news outlet Elbashayer has recently released an investigation conducted by a journalist who obtained a mobile phone that allegedly belonged to a Hamas fighter. The phone contains media files and messenger correspondence between the phone owner Ahmed and a certain Nazar, presumably an Azov battalion fighter. The conversation lasted from late July to mid August of 2023.

    whatsapp chat between Ahmed and Nazar

    The correspondence implies that in early August (at least from the 3rd to the 10th) several members of the Hamas group were at the training camp of the Azov battalion in Ukraine. Most of the conversation consists of the discussions of personnel training regime, modern warfare methods and critique of the “global Zionism.” Some parts of the conversation uncover the degree of cooperation between Hamas and Azov. The conversation implies that during the training Hamas fighters studied not only network-centric warfare tactics, but also other methods of modern warfare, such as drone operating, urban combat, and the use of chemical weapons.

    Earlier, there were reports of negotiations between Hamas and the Ukrainian military command. One such case was the meeting at the summit in Saudi Arabia in May, where the President of Ukraine Zelenskyy, current Minister of Defense Umerov, and the head of the Crimean Tatar Muslims Dzhemilev were present. Zelenskyy and high-ranking Hamas officials have reached an agreement to perform joint trainings between Hamas and the Azov battalion. Ukrainian side coordinated the transportation of Hamas fighters by sea and the training was held at a military camp in Western Ukraine.

    The correspondence also mentions several times that this cooperation is mutually beneficial to both Hamas and Azov. In one of the messages, Ahmed mentions a person named Ali who departed for Makhachkala and told that “it will take 3-4 months to activate the cells.” In a few days after that, Nazar says that he hopes for the success of the Hamas’ “part of the deal,” to which Ahmed replies that jihad in Caucasus is inevitable.

    The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is being actively discussed in all news outlets, and many publications have stated how it is possible that weapons sent earlier as aid to Ukraine could fall into the hands of Hamas. In their conversation, Nazar tells Ahmed about the arrival of the “present,” mentioning three boxes. It can be assumed, that they are implying some kind of weapons and ammo. Nazar added that “the rest will be delivered later.” On another day, the two fighters discussed a possibility of Hamas using chemical weapons against the “Zionists”, considering it something Israel “definitely doesn’t expect.” Ahmed also claimed that Hamas will leave no evidence which could point at the origin of such weapons.

    A 30-seconds long audio message is attached to the conversation, in which Ahmed thanks Nazar, Azov, And Zelenskyy for “the lessons.” Immediately after the message, Ahmed asks to send his thanks to Kalina, which is a call sign of Sviatoslav Yaroslavovych Palamar, one of the commanders of the Azov battalion. Palamar was captured by the Russians during the Mariupol siege, then he was sent to Tukrey as part of Russian-Turkish agreements. On July 8 he returned to Ukraine.

    The phone also has a number of photos of armed men, presumably taken during joint training of Hamas and Azov fighters.


    Photos from Ahmed’s phone gallery

    There number of confirmations of cooperation between Ukraine and Hamas in the media is constantly growing. Moreover, it is important to note that Zelenskyy delivers to Hamas not only weapons and ammunition supplied to Ukraine by NATO countries, but also shares Ukrainian combat experience with them. The first days of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict showed that Israel was not ready for the changed realities of waging war, unlike the Hamas militants, who obviously have gained a lot of experience from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Zelenskyy’s motives in this deal remain an important issue. One of the return services from Hamas, apparently, is their assistance in activating radical Islamic groups in the North Caucasus and Crimea.

  • Sustainability and green solutions: A new trend in e-commerce revealed by PromoCodius research

    Sustainability and green solutions: A new trend in e-commerce revealed by PromoCodius research

    E-commerce is going through an ecological transformation. Sustainability is more important than ever. In 2023, one of the biggest trends in e-commerce is sustainability – over 80% of consumers worldwide stated that they expect eco-friendly delivery and other green solutions from e-retailers.

    E-shoppers are aware of the impact of large-scale online sales on the planet. Most of them (82%) are concerned about the environmental damage of e-commerce and expect online stores to offer eco-friendly solutions, such as green delivery with reduction of carbon emissions, plastic-free packaging or fair trade products from sustainable materials.

    Contrary to popular belief, e-commerce is already considerably more climate-friendly than stationary commerce. According to data from promo codes website Promocodius, e-commerce has an ecological advantage in the majority of sectors. This is due to a higher average efficiency in the various product life cycles, but especially in transport over the “last mile”, i.e. the final delivery of goods to the customer.

    E-shoppers demand green solutions for their online purchases

    Sustainability is more important than ever in our society – and therefore also in e-commerce. Consumers are demanding future-oriented behavior, and sellers are making environmental protection and social responsibility part of their corporate identity.

    “In response to consumer demand for greener solutions, more and more e-commerce retailers are improving their green delivery offerings and other sustainable ways to offset their carbon emissions. Zalando is a leader in this sector, having committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its deliveries and returns to zero. Customers can opt for green delivery for just a few extra cents on Zalando and Zalando Lounge. The company managed to go carbon neutral on their own operations and all deliveries and returns”, gives an example Alisa Sklyarova, project managerfrom PromoCodius.

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    Advantages of green solutions for e-retailers

    Despite being fervent supporters of green delivery, most consumers still expect delivery costs to stabilize, which means higher costs for e-retailers themselves. Indeed, the latest e-commerce statistics show that 36% of e-shoppers are prepared to pay for it, a figure that is rising sharply every year.

    As an e-commerce brand, this means retailers have to weigh up the expense of green delivery against the competitive advantage it brings them in the eyes of customers. The extra cost of green delivery is still holding some companies back, but including it in the delivery options allows companies to offer what is still a competitive advantage, but will soon become the norm.

    How to make an online store more sustainable?

    Sustainability will therefore remain one of the dominant trends in e-commerce in the years to follow. But how and where to start transforming e-commerce business?

    It’s essential to take a close look at one’s own value chain and determine where the main problems lie – and which options represent a realistic alternative. Experts recommend starting with the “basics”, such as CO2-neutral shipping options, and gradually – if possible and desired – moving towards a fully sustainable online store. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

    CO2-neutral shipping options

    The following measures can be a useful starting point:

    • Shipping and packaging: using respectful shipping materials, reducing waste and litter, offering CO2-neutral shipping options.
    • Reducing return rates: a reduction can be achieved in a number of ways, for example by improving product descriptions, increasing product quality or using advanced features such as augmented reality in the online store (more on this later). An interesting side-effect: retailer’s costs go down at the same time.
    • Sustainable materials: designing one’s own value chain in the most sustainable way possible and – very importantly – communicating this transparently to the outside world, for example in the online store itself, in the form of a newsletter, via social media or on the official website.

    Other possibilities include the offsetting of CO2 emissions. Until now, very few companies have been able to operate without emissions. With offsetting, companies first measure the amount of pollutants they continue to produce and then make a positive environmental contribution of an equivalent amount, for example by funding various climate protection projects.

    PromoCodius is an online platform that offers current coupons, deals, and discounts for thousands of well-known and leading retailers. Founded in 2016. Operated in Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain, Mexico, United States, Turkey.

  • 8 African-Born Players That Took the NFL by Storm

    8 African-Born Players That Took the NFL by Storm

    The NFL has become more and more international each year, with players coming from all around the world. But it isn’t just players flooding to America that has made headlines. no, the Land of the Free is also bringing its favorite sport to countries all over the world. this year, we have seen five games hosted overseas, with the Jacksonville Jaguars playing two of their games in London, as well as the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans squaring off in the Big Smoke.

    As well as that two AFC heavyweights in the form of Tua Tagovailoa’s Miami Dolphins and Patrick Mahomes’ reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs battled it out in Germany, as will the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts on November 12th. With the continued expansion of the NFL, it won’t be surprising to see teams located outside of the United States on a permanent basis in years to come. That day has not yet come however, players from overseas are still flocking Stateside in their droves to test their mettle against the very best football players in the world.

    Africa is no different and the giant continent has sent plenty of talent to American shores over the years. Here are some of the best of them.

    Christian Okoye

    Nicknamed the “Nigerian Nightmare,” Christian Okoye was a force to be reckoned with on the field. Born in Nigeria, he went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. At 6’1″ and over 250 pounds, Okoye was a hard-running back who would bulldoze through defenders like they were made of paper. He earned two Pro Bowl nods and is still considered one of the best running backs in Chiefs’ history.

    Ndamukong Suh

    Next on our list is the one and only Ndamukong Suh. The giant Cameroonian became one of the most fearsome defensive tackles in the NFL and played for a number of illustrious teams such as the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Rams. His talent has seen him secure plenty of accolades over the years including five Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro selections. As well as that, he has consistently been among the league leaders in sacks and tackles for losses.

    Barkevious Mingo

    Another Cameroonian-born linebacker who played at the highest level is Barkevious Mingo. The former LSU star was drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 2013 Draft by the Cleveland Browns however, he was unable to transform the fortunes of the franchise, and the Ohio outfit still only has four postseason appearances since 1990. He moved on to the New England Patriots in 2016 where he would become a Super Bowl Champion at Super Bowl Li however he couldn’t find a home in Boston either. Since then, he has featured for the likes of the Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and Finally the Atlanta Falcons, before falling out of the league entirely in 2021.

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    Efe Obada

    Next, we have the one and only Efe Obada, a Nigerian-born defensive end who signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2017 and now features for the Washington Commanders, a team that the football betting odds providers have been made +20000 outsiders for the Lombardi this term. He was once homeless and was even trafficked to the UK from the Netherlands at the age of 10. Still, he didn’t let his difficult past affect his passion for football.

    The 31-year-old made his debut in 2018, becoming the first player to make the roster via the NFL’s International Pathway Program, which offers overseas players the opportunity to play professionally in the big leagues. Since then, the 6’6″ defensive end has become a fan favorite for his incredible play and inspiring story.

    Christian Scotland-Williamson

    Also on our list, we have Efe’s fellow Nigerian-born compatriot, Christian Scotland-Williamson. Scotland-Williamson was a professional rugby player before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad in 2018. His impressive size and strength make him a natural fit for the tight-end position, however, he was unable to replicate the success he had with the Worcester Warriors on the other side of the pond and was cut by the Steelers shortly after his tryout.

    Ziggy Ansah

    Born in Ghana, Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah is a defensive end who has played for the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and the San Francisco 49ers. Ansah is known for his pass-rushing ability, and he’s racked up numerous sacks and forced fumbles throughout his career. He earned his only Pro Bowl nod with the Detroit Lions in 2015.

    Born in Ghana and a former BYU standout, Ansah was drafted fifth overall by the Lions in the 2013 NFL draft. With a 6’5″ frame and incredible athleticism, he was an integral part of the Lions’ defensive line.

    Tamba Hali

    Next up, we have Tamba Hali, born in Liberia, who played as a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2006 to 2018. Hali was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and even finished in the top 100 in sacks in NFL history. His contributions to the Chiefs cannot be overstated, and he will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

    Jermaine Eluemunor

    Finally, we have Jermaine Eluemunor, a Nigerian-born offensive lineman who played collegiately at Texas A&M. The New England Patriots drafted him in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, but he spent his first two years with the Baltimore Ravens.