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Tag: Central Africa

  • RMDB, marine ministry partner to boost maritime, blue economy in West, Central Africa

    RMDB, marine ministry partner to boost maritime, blue economy in West, Central Africa

    In a major move to reshape the maritime and blue economy landscape of West and Central Africa, the management of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) has engaged key officials of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, along with representatives from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), in a high-level meeting held in Abuja.

    The meeting aimed to align national and regional strategies for maritime sector growth and infrastructure development.

    President and CEO of RMDB, Adeniran Aderogba, revealed that the Bank’s strategic focus includes the establishment of a national shipping carrier, financing for cabotage vessels, development of shipbuilding and repair facilities, modernisation of ports, improvement of inland waterways, and the integration of multimodal logistics systems.

    Aderogba emphasized that these initiatives are critical to positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in the subregion.

    The session featured a detailed presentation of the Bank’s implementation strategy and priority areas, sparking constructive discussions and stakeholder contributions geared toward institutional collaboration and sectoral growth.

    “At RMDB, we envision a maritime industry that drives sustainable economic growth, regional trade competitiveness, and job creation. Our implementation plan addresses critical gaps in maritime infrastructure and capacity, with a sharp focus on building a national carrier to assert Nigeria’s presence in international shipping, financing cabotage vessels to promote indigenous participation, and investing in shipbuilding and repair yards that reduce capital flight. This is not just about financing projects; it’s about creating a legacy of maritime excellence, resilience, and regional integration. Collaboration with all relevant government agencies and private sector actors is central to our mission,” he said.

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    The meeting brought together key maritime and economic development stakeholders including officials from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

    Participants commended the RMDB for its visionary plan and reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with the Bank in achieving shared national objectives. The meeting also identified areas of potential synergy, particularly in policy alignment, infrastructure investment, regulatory support, and access to finance for local maritime operators. An inter-ministerial committee is to be set up to provide immediate policy support for projects implementation.

    With the RMDB expected to play a catalytic role in mobilising financing and technical expertise across West and Central Africa, the meeting marks a pivotal moment in the drive to reposition Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy as a pillar of sustainable development and regional leadership.

  • Firms get heads for West, Central Africa

    Firms get heads for West, Central Africa

    Leader in premium beverages, Diageo, has appointed Kavita Hans as General Manager for its West and Central Africa operations, including Diageo Nigeria Limited (DNL) as well as Shobhit Jindal, as the General Manager for Celebr-8 Lyfe to lead operations and establish its presence in the territory.

    Kavita’s appointment, effective July 1, 2024, underscores the company’s commitment to harnessing world-class expertise to drive innovation, growth, and sustainability in Nigeria and the region.Kavita Hans brings over 20 years of international commercial experience across renowned multinational companies, including Mars, Heineken, and Diageo.

    Her career has spanned continents, from the UK and Ireland to the Middle East and Asia, reflecting a rich and diverse market expertise and leadership excellence. Since joining Diageo nearly a decade ago, Kavita has held several key roles across multiple geographies.

    Most recently, she served as General Manager for the Philippines and as Commercial Director for the Island of Ireland’s Off-Trade Revenue and Category Growth. Her track record of delivering exceptional results has left an indelible mark on Diageo’s global operations.

    With its major hub in Lagos, Nigeria, Diageo’s West and Central Africa operations play a pivotal role in the company’s global strategy. Nigeria, as the largest market in this region, holds immense potential for growth in the spirits industry. Kavita’s appointment signals a renewed focus on fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and creating shared value across the beverage sector.

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    Speaking on her new role, Kavita Hans remarked: “I am deeply honored to lead Diageo’s West and Central Africa operations, with Nigeria at the heart of this exciting journey. This region holds tremendous potential, and I am committed to driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, developing partnerships, and contributing to the economic development of the communities we serve.”

    Following the recent acquisition of a majority stake in Guinness Nigeria, Tolaram has now also entered into an exclusive partnership with Diageo for its International Spirits Portfolio in Nigeria through its subsidiary, Celebr-8 Lyfe.

    With over seven years of international and commercial experience, including stints in marquee companies like Goldman Sachs, Shobhit has been instrumental in spearheading Tolaram’s expansion efforts in Africa. His notable achievements include driving strategic partnerships and leading Tolaram’s diversification into the healthcare and automobile sectors in Nigeria.

    Celebr-8 Lyfe aims to revolutionise the evolving spirits industry in Nigeria and become a symbol of world-class execution in Nigeria’s premium spirits sector. Shobhit’s focus is on elevating Celebr-8 Lyfe in this space through innovation, strategic alliances, and diverse offerings. This is just the beginning of Tolaram’s journey in the premium spirits sector.

    “I believe exceptional leadership extends beyond targets and profitability. It’s about inspiring teams, building authentic relationships, and pushing ourselves together. We at Celebr-8 Lyfe are committed to creating unforgettable experiences one celebration at a time.”

    With these leadership appointments, Diageo and Tolaram are shaping the future of Nigeria’s spirits industry. The expertise of Kavita Hans and Shobhit Jindal signals a new era of growth, innovation, and strategic expansion in the region. As these leaders take charge, Nigeria’s premium beverage sector is set to reach new heights.