Tag: Africa

  • Christopher Kolade: One of Africa’s finest sons!

    Christopher Kolade: One of Africa’s finest sons!

    Sir: What more can be said about Dr. Christopher Olusola Kolade that hasn’t already been said? His exceptional life of discipline, dignity, modesty, respect, service, selflessness, achievements and integrity has long made him a towering figure—a legend seemingly awaiting canonization.

    When the news broke on October 10 that the inimitable, inspirational iroko had fallen—that Dr. Kolade had embarked on his final journey from this sublunary abode to his rightful place in paradise—I was extremely sad yet unrestrained in my gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe for a lifetime well-spent.

    Waking up miles away and hours ahead of Nigeria in the UAE, I began the day by posting fond stories and photos on Facebook, with the privileged information I had (without giving away anything).

    Then, the news officially broke. The outpouring of tributes and heartfelt reminiscences that followed were unparalleled. It would be an understatement to say that the profound impact of his passing has been felt globally. Even the heavens above felt it as the angels rejoiced, if I could speak for them, and justly too, that one of their own was headed back home to eternal bliss.

    Lest my words run short in celebrating this African, nay, global icon, I must quickly share one encounter that perfectly illustrates or captures the profound humanity and humility of this man who I first met and immediately admired when I joined Cadbury Nigeria as Media Relations Manager in 1994 and he the Executive Chairman.

    It was in 2002. I was tasked with an urgent, significant mission: deliver a confidential letter from the chairman, Dr. Kolade, to President Olusegun Obasanjo at the fabled Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. This meant picking up the letter that evening and catching an early morning flight.

    The alarm woke me pre-dawn. As I prepared to leave home at 5.00 am, my phone rang. It was Dr. Kolade. He apologized profusely for disturbing my sleep and for whatever disruption the trip was causing. He gave clear instructions for navigating the Villa protocol. Then, astonishingly, he asked to speak to my wife.

    My wife, though momentarily horrified by the gravity of the call, composed herself. Dr. Kolade then apologized to her for disturbing her sleep and taking her husband away at such an ungodly hour, assuring her that he would ensure my return home that very same day. (In my mind, I naughtily wondered why the “old man” just deftly blocked any fun overnight stay in Abuja!)

    Read Also: NECO opens UK exam centre for Nigerians in diaspora

    I completed the mission, delivered the letter, and returned to Lagos, adding a successful Aso Rock visit to my CV!

    Weeks later, while watching NTA Network News, in Abuja on a different assignment, the news broke: Dr. Christopher Kolade had been appointed the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2002-2007).

    I called immediately to congratulate him. Instead of accepting the praise, he thanked me for “making it happen.” Confused, I asked how. He reminded me how, just weeks earlier, I had graciously delivered his acceptance letter for the appointment to the president. My joy was boundless. What a man!

    People like the man whose life we revere and celebrate never die; they live forever in the hearts and minds of millions whose lives they touched by their exemplary conduct. And so it is with Dr. Christopher Kolade.

    Every single testimony speaks to his integrity and forthrightness and I dare add his remarkable fortitude, having survived the immense pain of his sons who predeceased him. He bore his losses with exemplary grace and dignity.

    I express profound gratitude for the lessons learned from his life of exemplary leadership, service as well as his fatherly love. Lest I forget, CK did come with a great sense of humour, sometimes diabolical, especially when masked by his sometimes unsmiling face.

    May his memories be always blessing to all who knew and loved him.

    •Emeka Oparah, Airtel Africa, UAE.

  • Fertiliser crisis, climate change threaten Africa’s food security — Scholar

    Fertiliser crisis, climate change threaten Africa’s food security — Scholar

    An agricultural economist and Ross-Lynn Scholar at Purdue University, Ifeanyi Obinefo, has raised concerns over Africa’s growing food insecurity, linking it to the twin crises of rising fertilizer prices and worsening climate shocks.

    Speaking at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA), Obinefo warned that climate shocks don’t wait for farmers to recover.

    He lamented that farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly unable to cope with the combined pressures of inflation, declining soil fertility, and erratic weather patterns.

    Obinefo, whose research focuses on agricultural productivity and climate resilience, said fertiliser, the backbone of crop yield has become both scarce and unaffordable for millions of African smallholder farmers. 

    He noted that fertilizer use in the region remains among the lowest globally, averaging just 19 kilograms per hectare compared to 135 in South Asia and 150 in Latin America.

    “When fertiliser prices spike, smallholder usage drops sharply, often by a third or more. For poor farmers, that means lower yields, thinner profits, and households pushed back into hunger,” he stated. 

    The economist, who graduated with First-Class Honours in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, was among the contributors to the multinational report “Causes and consequences of the 2021/22 fertilizer price spike in Sub-Saharan Africa, a joint analysis by Purdue University and Sustain Africa.”

    The report found that fertilizer imports to Africa dropped by nearly 40 percent during the 2021–2022 crisis, reducing yields and wiping out billions of dollars in economic value. 

    It recommended coordinated regional procurement, investment in local blending plants, and improved trade corridors to reduce dependence on volatile global markets.

    Obinefo urged African governments to rethink their reliance on blanket fertilizer subsidies, which he said “buy time but not resilience.” 

    Instead, he called for data-driven systems that combine affordability with efficiency through soil testing, credit access, and digital advisory platforms.

    “Subsidies should create space for smarter systems to emerge,” he said, emphasising that fertiliser and climate policies must now be designed together.

    He warned that even free fertiliser would not solve the problem if climate change continues to disrupt agricultural seasons. .

    “In northern Nigeria and the Sahel, droughts, floods, and unpredictable rains are rewriting the rules of farming. When the rains come late or end early, no amount of effort can make up for what is lost.”

    Obinefo’s studies also reveal that the convergence of environmental and market shocks is deepening vulnerability among rural households.

    He called for stronger public investment in agricultural research, irrigation, and rural infrastructure to help farmers adapt.

    Read Also: 1200 delegates to convene for climate change Summit

    “Without infrastructure, knowledge and inputs are like seeds scattered on concrete—they cannot grow.”

    Highlighting the global dimension of the crisis, Obinefo said international institutions like the World Bank and IFPRI must help create frameworks that balance productivity, affordability, and climate resilience. 

    “Data must move faster than disasters. “If we can predict where the next drought or price spike will hit, we can protect farmers before they lose everything.”

    Despite his academic focus, Obinefo said his work is driven by empathy for the farmers he studies. “Every number in my dataset represents a farmer trying to feed a family.”

    As the world’s population nears 10 billion by 2050, Obinefo insists that true food security requires stabilizing the systems that support production. The farmers of Africa are not waiting for sympathy.”

    “They are waiting for systems that work. If we can give them that — fair prices, stable inputs, and protection from climate shocks — they will feed the world.”

  • InnTech Summit to shape Africa’s innovation, technology future

    InnTech Summit to shape Africa’s innovation, technology future

    Africa’s innovation and technology future is set for a change at Innovation & Technology Summit (InnTech Summit 2025) next month at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    The event, with the theme: “AI, Digital Economy, and Sustainability”, is a platform for advancing innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.It will convene government leaders, private sector executives, development partners, academia, startups, and investors to explore how AI and digital innovation can accelerate Africa’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth.

    This edition aims to spark cross-sector collaboration and foster dialogue on harnessing AI for economic diversification and productivity, building resilient digital economies to empower citizens and businesses, aligning innovation with environmental sustainability and UN SDGs as well as strengthening Africa’s position in the global digital ecosystem.

    Ahmed Mansur, chair of InnTech Summit, said: “Africa stands at the threshold of a new era driven by technology and innovation. The summit provides a strategic platform to align our digital transformation journey with sustainable economic growth.”

    Speakers include Chief Executive of Verraki Partners, Niyi Yusuf;  Chief Executive of Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Tayo Aduloju; National Consultant at UN Women, Hansatu Adegbite;  Chief Executive of iCentra, Taopheek Babayeju; Country Manager of Cisco, AbdulAziz Saidu; Chief Executive of PIPA USA, Lola Adey; and Regional Director of Avanti, Reuben Oshomah. Others are Chief Executive of ipNX Business, Oluseyi Lala; Chief Executive of Fiducia International, Chukwuka Amadife; Chief Executive of Management Edge, Rex Abitogun  and Policy Director at Women’s World Banking, Stephen Ambore.

    READ ALSO: Over $50bn in Crypto transactions passed through Nigeria in one year-SEC

    The summit  is open for strategic partnerships and participation from organisations committed to advancing innovation, sustainability, and digital inclusion in Africa.

    It will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, fireside chats, innovation exhibitions, and networking, showcasing solutions and success stories in industries.

    Participation is for professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and enthusiasts passionate about Africa’s innovative future. InnTech is an annual platform for leaders and innovators shaping Africa’s digital and sustainable future.

    Promoted by iCentra, with partners, it is a multi-stakeholder forum to foster dialogue, showcase innovation, and inspire collaboration toward a digitally empowered and environmentally conscious Africa.

  • Building Africa’s future leaders in public service

    Building Africa’s future leaders in public service

    Africa’s progress rests on the strength of its public institutions and the vision of those who lead them. Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship, exceptional public servants from across the continent are gaining access to Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government, where they receive world-class training in leadership, governance, and policy design. More than an academic opportunity, the programme is shaping a new generation of ethical, innovative public leaders committed to building accountable institutions and delivering lasting impact across the continent, reports JULIANA AGBO

    Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship, exceptional public servants from across Africa are gaining access to one of the world’s most prestigious educational experiences — the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. The programme offers more than academic prestige; it provides an immersive year of global learning, blending intellectual rigour with practical problem-solving. Participants are trained to analyse complex policy issues, craft innovative solutions, and lead with vision in challenging governance environments.

    The AIG Scholarship represents a unique partnership between the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and the University of Oxford, one that is helping to redefine what leadership in the public sector should look like. Each year, a select group of mid-career public servants from Nigeria and other African nations are chosen through a highly competitive process. Their shared mission: to return home after their Oxford experience and apply what they have learned to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and improve service delivery.

    The one-year MPP programme at Oxford’s Blavatnik School builds advanced skills in policy analysis, evidence-based decision-making, leadership, and governance. Participants also engage directly with global policymakers, scholars, and peers from around the world, gaining exposure to cutting-edge ideas that can be adapted to African contexts. But the AIG Scholarship goes beyond classroom learning. It is a launchpad for reform-minded leadership, nurturing a new generation of public officials who see governance as a tool for transformation, not just administration. Upon returning to their home countries, alumni are positioned to design and implement policies that address real challenges — from education and health reform to economic inclusion and digital governance.

    Already, the Foundation’s investment is yielding measurable results. Data from post-programme evaluations reveal a remarkable transformation in the capabilities and confidence of participants. Before attending Oxford, most AIG Scholars rated their policy analysis and development skills as “poor” or “fair.” After completing the programme, nine out of eleven participants rated their skills as “very good” or “excellent.” This leap in competence is not theoretical — it is translating directly into action and measurable change within public institutions.

    Across ministries, departments, and agencies, AIG Scholars are taking on leadership roles and driving reforms. They are improving transparency in procurement processes, streamlining service delivery systems, and introducing data-driven approaches to policymaking. Each success story reinforces the Foundation’s core belief that strong institutions are built by capable, ethical, and visionary people. Through the AIG Scholarship, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is helping to address one of Africa’s most pressing development gaps — the need for well-trained, reform-driven public servants who can transform policy into impact. By investing in people, the Foundation is investing in systems. And by equipping public servants with world-class education and global perspectives, it is laying the foundation for a more accountable, effective, and prosperous Africa.

    The story of Taiwo Olawole, a 2022 AIG Scholar, captures the transformative power of investing in public sector talent. When she arrived at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, she was filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme—renowned for its intensity and diversity—quickly upended her assumptions about leadership and governance. “In my first year after Oxford, I realised the experience broke me, humbled me, and challenged me,” she recalls. “Yet, it also shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I returned to Nigeria.”

    Today, Olawole serves as a Counsellor in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, where she translates that experience into meaningful public impact. Her role involves analysing the outcomes of global meetings, drafting policy papers, and ensuring that Nigeria’s international commitments align with domestic priorities. Her approach reflects the kind of reform-minded leadership the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation envisioned when it created the AIG Scholarship—leadership that is grounded in evidence, collaboration, and global best practice. “My Oxford experience helps me see both the bigger picture and the finer details,” she says. “I understand how policies translate into real change for people and how to ensure coherence between what we commit to internationally and what we practice at home.”

    Olawole is now part of a team developing a renewed Economic Diplomacy Strategy, a blueprint designed to enhance Nigeria’s influence in African economic policy and align national interests with broader continental and global goals. Her journey from an ambitious public servant to a policy influencer underscores how access to world-class education can reimagine public service in Africa—one leader at a time. “My Oxford experience helps me see both the bigger picture and the finer details.”

    Across Africa, alumni of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship are translating their Oxford education into bold public-sector reforms that are reshaping governance and service delivery. Their impact spans multiple sectors—proof that world-class training, when matched with commitment, can yield tangible national outcomes. In Nigeria, AIG Scholars have played pivotal roles in major reforms, including the formulation and review of the National Development Plan (2025–2030), the development of a Disability Inclusion Policy for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and a gap analysis of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. Others have designed public–private partnership (PPP) models that attracted healthcare investment, strengthened routine immunisation and maternal–child health programmes, and improved accountability and human-resource capacity in sub-national health systems.

    Read Also: Africa loses tourist revenue, investment to air travel barriers – Achimugu

    In Ghana, Abdul-Fatawu Hakeem, an AIG Scholarship alumnus and Head of Debt Policy and Risk Management at the Public Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, has been instrumental in steering one of the country’s most consequential economic reforms. He led the coordination of Ghana’s debt-restructuring programme, a complex national effort with far-reaching fiscal implications. “I have been deeply involved in shaping Ghana’s financial and policy landscape,” Hakeem explained. “My contributions include drafting medium-term debt-management strategies and sustainable-finance frameworks that now guide fiscal policy and investment planning. I also played a central role in developing the policy initiatives section of Ghana’s 2025 national budget.”

    From Nigeria to Ghana and beyond, the growing network of AIG Scholars is demonstrating how transformative education can be a catalyst for effective governance. Their work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission—to nurture a new generation of reform-minded leaders capable of translating knowledge into lasting national impact.

    Building confidence, clarity and collaboration

    These outcomes demonstrate how a single year of world-class learning can ripple outward, enhancing efficiency, accountability, and innovation across Africa’s public service. For many AIG Scholars, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship is far more than an academic opportunity—it is a transformative leadership journey that builds the courage to think differently, act decisively, and communicate with purpose. At its core, the programme equips participants with three vital assets: confidence, clarity, and collaboration. Scholars learn not only how to analyse policies but also how to communicate ideas with conviction, negotiate across competing interests, and lead teams towards evidence-driven solutions.

    According to Taiwo Olawole, a 2022 AIG Scholar, studying at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government reshaped how she approaches decision-making. “Oxford gave me confidence in my voice,” she said. “Being in an environment where diverse perspectives were encouraged taught me the value of bringing clarity, structure, and evidence into conversations. Today, I try to embody that in how I support decision-making.”

    Participants consistently cite the value of core courses such as policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and evidence-based decision-making, which strengthen their ability to design and implement policies that deliver measurable results. Beyond technical skills, the experience profoundly influences career trajectories. The Oxford brand confers prestige, credibility, and higher expectations—often accelerating professional advancement and enhancing opportunities for collaboration across sectors. Scholars return home with renewed determination to reform systems and inspire peers to pursue excellence in public service.

    Another alumnus reflected, “The AIG Scholarship gave me a profound grasp of economics, politics, and philosophy, alongside practical skills like negotiation and policy communication—absolutely crucial for delivering real outcomes.” Through these experiences, AIG Scholars emerge not just as policymakers, but as reformers—leaders who combine intellectual rigour with empathy, and who recognise that true transformation begins with how they communicate, collaborate, and lead.

    A legacy of learning and leadership

    Over the past eight years, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has quietly but powerfully built a new generation of reform-minded African public servants. Through the AIG Scholarship, 33 exceptional individuals have passed through the prestigious Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford—each returning home not just with a degree, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit for change.

    Many of these alumni now occupy strategic positions in government, development agencies, and international organisations. They are shaping national policies, driving public sector reforms, improving service delivery, and—perhaps most importantly—mentoring younger officers who aspire to serve with integrity and excellence. From restructuring debt portfolios to strengthening healthcare systems and crafting inclusive social policies, AIG Scholars are proving that leadership grounded in learning can transform governance outcomes.

    For the Foundation, the AIG Scholarship remains the flagship expression of its mission: to build a critical mass of public sector leaders capable of transforming Africa’s institutions from within. It is not charity—it is capacity building for sustainable change. By investing in people rather than programmes, the Foundation ensures that knowledge and reform capacity multiply organically across ministries and borders. Each scholar’s journey becomes part of a larger continental story of renewal. The shared ethos is clear: leadership in public service must be informed, ethical and courageous.

    As one of the recent beneficiaries, Olawole, advised the 2025 AIG Scholars, “Own your spot and do it beautifully. The fact that you made it to Oxford means you deserve to be there. Define what success looks like for you, and focus your energy where it will have the most lasting impact.” Her words capture the essence of the programme’s legacy—confidence rooted in competence, and ambition anchored in service.

    From lecture halls in Oxford to government offices in Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, and beyond, AIG Scholars are living proof that when learning meets leadership, nations move forward. Their impact continues to ripple across institutions and generations, strengthening the belief that Africa’s transformation will be driven not from outside, but from within—by visionary public servants equipped to lead with insight, empathy and excellence.

  • Firm’s digital centre to expand remote capabilities in Africa

    Firm’s digital centre to expand remote capabilities in Africa

    Mantrac Nigeria, sole authorised Cat dealer representative in Nigeria, has launched its Digital Service Centre in Lagos. This underscores its commitment to innovation and customer-centric service, offering a benchmark in remote diagnostics, technical support, and equipment uptime.

    Located in Ikeja, Lagos, the facility serves as a remote command centre, enabling expert support for customer sites in diverse industries. The centre is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, high-speed connectivity, and a team of certified engineers and technical advisors trained in real-time troubleshooting and Cat telematics.

    The centre allows Mantrac to monitor equipment performance remotely, conduct virtual inspections, and respond to faults or irregularities before they lead to breakdowns, an advancement in reducing downtime and operational risk for customers in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations.

    “This facility reflects our vision to redefine after-sales service,” said Emad Adeeb, managing director. “By combining Caterpillar’s world-class technology with local expertise, we’re ensuring customers get immediate, intelligent support. This is about empowering productivity and building stronger partnerships.”

    “The launch is a major milestone not just for Nigeria but for our group,” said Nigel Lewis, chief operative officer of Mantrac Group. “It is an example of how we are harnessing digital solutions to improve customer outcomes, enhance operational safety, and create a service model that will shape the future of our industry.”

    Read Also: IMF urges Nigeria to prioritise infrastructure funding

    “Caterpillar is proud to support Mantrac in this,” added Stephane Latini, director of Distribution in Eastern Africa at Caterpillar Inc.

    “Digital service solutions are transforming how we support our customers globally, and this new centre ensures that Nigerian and West African businesses can maximise equipment performance, productivity, and uptime with the latest Caterpillar technology.”

    The Digital Service Centre offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities designed to enhance the efficiency and longevity of Caterpillar equipment. It provides live remote troubleshooting through video consultations, enabling real-time support and issue resolution.

    The centre is fully integrated with Cat Product Link and VisionLink, allowing for advanced equipment tracking and health analytics. It also supports remote software updates and calibrations, ensuring machines operate with the latest configurations. Through condition-based maintenance planning, the centre helps extend asset lifespans and reduce total cost of ownership. Currently supporting over 200 active sites in Nigeria, the centre is built with scalable infrastructure to expand its services across the region.

    This is part of Mantrac Nigeria’s wider digital transformation roadmap, which includes the deployment of machine connectivity solutions, predictive maintenance programmes, and enhanced training for field service teams. The new centre not only improves the speed and accuracy of technical response but also contributes to a sustainable service model by reducing the need for frequent field travel.

  • Sterling Bank reaffirms commitment to Africa’s food security 

    Sterling Bank reaffirms commitment to Africa’s food security 

    As the world commemorates World Food Day 2025, Sterling Bank Ltd, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions driving sustainable growth in the real economy, has reaffirmed commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and food-secure Africa.

    This year’s World Food Day with the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” highlights the need for collective effort to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all, while promoting sustainable livelihoods and protecting the planet.

    For Sterling Bank, the theme underscores a truth that has guided its work in agriculture: Africa’s food destiny depends on shared responsibility between farmers, financiers, policymakers, and communities.

    Group Head Sterling Bank Olushola Obikanye,  emphasised the urgency of partnership-driven solutions to transform Africa’s food systems.

    He said: “The 2025 World Food Day theme captures exactly what Africa needs right now: collaboration. No single institution or government can fix food insecurity alone. We must work hand in hand with financial institutions, technology providers, farmers, development partners, and other key stakeholders to create a future where hunger is history.

    “At Sterling Bank, we’ve seen what’s possible when partnerships align with purpose. Our commitment goes beyond financing as we are helping to build an ecosystem where farmers have access to credit, markets, and the knowledge they need to thrive. That is how we can produce better food, improve nutrition, and secure a better future for generations to come.

    “Food security must move from being a national aspiration to a continental priority. We are sitting on 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, yet Africa still imports billions of dollars’ worth of food annually. This paradox can only change through action, investment, innovation, and inclusion.”

    Over the past decade, Sterling Bank has emerged as one of Nigeria’s foremost financiers of agricultural development, channeling funding and expertise into projects that strengthen food systems, enhance productivity, and empower communities.

    The Bank has disbursed over ₦500 billion in loans to commercial farmers and more than $300 million to support agricultural value chain actors across the country. In 2022, it launched SWAY AgFin, a digital platform that has since enabled over 25,500 youth and women farmers to access financing and market opportunities.

    Through partnerships with GIZ and USAID, Sterling Bank has implemented capacity-building programmes that have reached over 10,000 agribusinesses, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability, while also supporting over 100,000 rice, maize, and soybean farmers under the CBN Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and SWAY AgFin.

    Obikanye noted that these achievements are a product of Sterling Bank’s deliberate focus on long-term agricultural transformation.

    Read Also: Sterling Bank explains ‘disruption’ by alleged debtor’s associates, commits to rule of law 

    “Our strategy is built on three pillars: empowerment, innovation, and sustainability. We are empowering farmers through finance, innovating through technology, and promoting sustainability through climate-smart agriculture. The result is not just better yields, it’s better livelihoods and stronger communities.”

    Sterling Bank’s leadership in agricultural advocacy and investment will again take centre stage at the upcoming Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2025, scheduled for November 6–7, 2025, where thought leaders and innovators will convene under the theme “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny.”

    The summit, convened annually by Sterling Bank, has become one of Africa’s foremost platforms for driving sustainable agricultural policy and investment. ASA 2025 will bring together policymakers, financiers, agribusiness leaders, and farmers to co-create practical solutions for achieving a resilient, food-secure continent.

    “World Food Day and ASA 2025 are connected by a single truth,” Obikanye concluded. “Africa’s food future will be secured only when we combine innovation, capital, and compassion to build systems that feed our people and protect our planet.”

  • The Power of iGaming in Africa: Opportunities for Partners

    The Power of iGaming in Africa: Opportunities for Partners

    The rapid growth of the online entertainment industry and the audience’s shift toward mobile-first experiences make iGaming one of the fastest-expanding markets. High LTV and flexible partnership terms open broad opportunities for partners to secure stable long-term income.

    Today, Africa stands out as a priority for affiliates. Here, users favor mobile solutions and local payment systems. Applications and lite versions of platforms are taking center stage: fast access, intuitive interfaces, instant deposits, and withdrawals. A cultural factor also plays a role: a willingness to embrace risk as a key to success. Together, these elements drive high CR and retention, boost LTV, and make cooperation with iGaming platforms exceptionally rewarding for partners.

    Why should partners choose iGaming?

    This industry is competing thanks to its blend of a loyal audience and powerful scaling opportunities. Strong player engagement ensures repeated deposits, along with the ability to retain and re-engage users through promos and bonuses.

    Mobile technologies allow efficient redirection of users from apps to gaming platforms. Favorable entry conditions further deliver a high conversion rate from sign-up to deposits.

    Another strength is the diversity of entertainment formats. Players can bet on international and local sports events or enjoy casino games, selecting from a vast range of options — from classic slots to live dealer tables.

    Partners also gain access to a variety of cooperation models — CPA, RevShare, and hybrid — enabling them to build strategies precisely tailored to their resources and objectives, ensuring both efficiency and growth.

    In iGaming, partners can monetize creativity: promoting bookmaker offers, casino favorites, and major sports tournaments, while shaping their own style of interaction with the audience and analyzing its interests.

    From analytics to action: offer checklist for the first launch

    When selecting an affiliate program and betting brand, it is essential to consider several criteria:

    • Registration in 2–3 steps and tiered KYC – the simpler the path to the first deposit, the greater the partner’s income.
    • Local payment systems – swift transactions with a high success rate and transparent commission build player trust.
    • Mobile-first UX – lightweight landing pages, PWA, and stable performance on a 3G connection guarantee access from any device.
    • Affiliate creatives package and deeplinks – localized materials and direct links to events accelerate traffic testing.
    • Advanced tracking – S2S postbacks for REG/FTD/DEPOSIT, flexible UTM templates, and real-time dashboards sharpen campaign monitoring.
    • Personal manager – timely support and creative adjustments upon requests.
    • Transparent bonus terms and the promotion of responsible gaming principles – nurture loyalty, credibility, and repeated deposits.

    These requirements are fully met by the African bookmaker AfroPari, making it an optimal choice for affiliate marketing in iGaming.

    The brand puts local context at the core: studying player interests, listening to its audience, and continuously refining its product. Its toolkit includes popular payment systems, games from leading providers, and sports content tailored to the local market.

    Partners enjoy access to a complete ecosystem: local currencies and Mobile Money, lightweight mobile UX, advanced analytics, and responsive manager support. These tools allow affiliates to launch campaigns quickly and scale results effectively.

    How to become an AfroPari partner?

    To start earning with the bookmaker, follow a few simple steps:

    1. Sign up for the brand’s affiliate program and log in to your account.
    2. Wait for a message from your personal manager: approve the GEO, receive ready-to-use creatives and deeplinks, and set up postbacks.
      💡 And here’s a special gift for new partners: during the first 3 months on the RS model, you get a welcome offer — up to 50% revenue share. A perfect way to kick off your partnership with maximum profit!
    3. Launch your campaign and track how clicks transform into income!

    In Africa, the iGaming sector offers boundless opportunities for affiliates. Begin your journey: AfroPari provides the infrastructure; traffic is up to you! Join the AfroPari affiliate program and start earning with a trusted brand!


    SMM

    🔥 Unlock new opportunities in the iGaming industry!

    💸 iGaming is a rapidly expanding market with high LTV and strong player engagement. It offers an easy path to scale income and monetize traffic.

    ❗When choosing a bookmaker, consider these key criteria:

    • platform accessibility
    • local payment systems
    • mobile application
    • cooperation models
    • creative assets
    • analytics tools
    • personal manager support
    • promotion of responsible gaming principles

    🔝 AfroPari meets all these standards, making it the optimal choice, providing affiliates with everything they need for smooth business operations and seamless campaign launches without unnecessary hassle.

    🪄 Join the AfroPari affiliate program and start turning traffic into stable income!

  • Stakeholders push for Africa’s greener global economy

    Stakeholders push for Africa’s greener global economy

    The African Climate Forum ACF in partnership with African leaders, stakeholders, inventors and innovators are meeting to proffer solutions for the continent’s green transition on Africa’s greener global economy.

    In a statement signed by Dr George Nwangwu, Director General of the Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy, the forum is to bring together governments, businesses, financial institutions, and civil society to discuss how Africa can build a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient future.

    The Africa Climate Forum (ACF) 2025 will be held on 14–15 October in Abuja, with the theme, “Bolder, Greener and Better Steps: Closing Transition Gaps in Africa,” with a focus on one goal, helping African countries move from talk to tangible results.

    “This is its third year, the Forum, organized by the Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy (GCLBE), has become a key space for turning climate ideas into action. Although Africa has made progress in renewable energy and climate policy, significant gaps remain, particularly in funding, technology and capacity.

    Read Also: Cardoso leads Nigeria’s delegation to World Bank/IMF annual meetings in Washington

    “ACF 2025 will focus on how to close these gaps by linking local priorities with global opportunities for finance, innovation and trade. The discussions will also examine how new international rules, including the European Union and United Kingdom Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms, could affect African exports, industries and jobs”.

    The two-day event will feature keynote speeches, policy sessions, side events, and networking meetings. Through its Deal Room, ACF will help project owners meet investors and financial partners, while the Exhibitions and Marketplace will showcase innovative clean technologies from Africa and around the world.

    Together, these activities aim to move conversations from promises to projects, cutting emissions, improving energy access, and creating jobs. The real work now is financing, coordination, and execution, and that is exactly what this Forum is designed to drive.

    Participants are expected from across government, finance, academia, and the private sector. Organizers say they expect clear action points, stronger partnerships, and more investment in green projects, including ACF Deal Room facilitated finance, as well as wider adoption of climate-friendly solutions displayed at the Marketplace.

  • Boost for creatives with Africa’s first camera, stage lighting hub

    Boost for creatives with Africa’s first camera, stage lighting hub

    A new platform CameraHubs has intensified efforts to launch Africa’s marketplace for cameras, audio equipment, broadcasting gear, and stage lighting to boost creatives in their work.

    The launch is slated for December 1, 2025.

    The brains behind the platform, Eugin Joachin, a Nigerian businessman with over 20 years of experience in the photographic equipment industry, said the inspiration for CameraHubs came from decades of  watching creatives struggle.

    “I have seen photographers cry after discovering they bought fake gear or they are finding it difficult to get exactly what they want .I have seen churches spend months trying to bring in basic microphones, trusses, stage lights and other equipment. I  have  also seen middlemen inflate prices unnecessarily. CameraHubs is the big break Africa’s creatives have been waiting for,” he said.

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    He said the target audience are photographers, cinematographers, content creators, churches, clubs, broadcasters, and entertainers, adding that creatives don’t just need equipment; they need guidance, inspiration, and opportunities to connect.

    “The platform will connect buyers directly to different distributors, retailers and manufacturers.  Buyers will also be able to browse multiple shops, compare prices, and choose what suits their budgets,” he said at a media parley in Lagos.

    “This is not just another online store.  It  is a hub where industry players, manufacturers, retailers, and professionals come together in one space. If you are a photographer, a filmmaker , club owners, churches you will find exactly what you need without stress,” he added.      

  • Why Africa must use its mineral resources for industrialisation, by Alake

    Why Africa must use its mineral resources for industrialisation, by Alake

    • ‘Our youths shouldn’t run abroad while opportunities are here beneath their feet’

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dr. Dele Alake, has called for the transformation of Africa from a raw mineral supplier to a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

    He said the continent should play a strategic role in powering the 21st-century economy through its vast mineral wealth.

    Alake said this in a keynote address he delivered at the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa, with the theme: Vision and Strategy – Setting the Stage for Minerals Industrialisation.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the minister noted that Africa is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in the world, stressing that the resources are critical to clean energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and global security.

    Alake said: “Africa’s minerals have powered industrialisation elsewhere while our own economies remain under-industrialised. This paradox must end. Our vision must be clear: to move from extractive dependence to transformative industrialisation.

    “Our youth should no longer seek jobs abroad while opportunities lie buried beneath their feet. The time to industrialise is now. Let us set the stage for an Africa that is not just a participant in the global minerals economy, but a driver of its future.”

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    Highlighting the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector, the minister, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Farouk Yabo, stated that the nation was incentivising local beneficiation from gold refining to Lithium processing; revoking dormant licences to promote serious investment; strengthening governance and transparency to attract credible global partners, and building a national critical minerals strategy.

    Also, the minister addressed the ministerial roundtable of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) on the sidelines of the mining week, highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to create a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

    Alake said: “We are investing in digitising mining processes from data accessibility to mineral traceability. We are also focusing on bequeathing strong institutions and the right policies to drive reforms, hence the ongoing efforts to amend the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act to provide a more robust legislative framework that will propel investments in the mining sector.”

    The minister emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to ensure traceability from mining to monetisation, affirming that the nation’s minerals are set to come from two sources: licensed holders or a seller and supplier buying from Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) who are registered and formalised.

    Echoing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Alake stressed that African countries must prioritise mapping their mineral resources to better understand the location and scale of deposits.

    “After national mapping, it is the duty of countries to ensure only licensed operators are mining. We must also build adequate capacity for effective supervision,” he said.