Author: Victor Olayiwola

As governments across West and Central Africa accelerate efforts to modernize their economies through digital transformation, one issue has become increasingly urgent: how to finance the massive infrastructure required to support that transition. From regional data centers and interlinked fiber-optic systems to digital ID platforms and e-government services, the continent needs billions of dollars in annual investment. According to Nathalie Kouassi Akon, the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Regional Director for the Gulf of Guinea, private investors are more open than ever to participating—provided that projects are carefully structured and digital regulations are more harmonized across countries. Speaking with Ecofin Agency…

A significant milestone has been reached in the drive to strengthen African entrepreneurship as a leading business mentorship and capacity-building platform has secured major financial backing for the upcoming Mentor Matchup Challenge 7.0 (MMC 7.0). Powered by 234Finance, the programme is dedicated to empowering emerging and established entrepreneurs across the continent through mentorship, practical training, strategic networking, and improved access to capital. This year’s edition carries the theme “Building Bridges for Equitable Trade,” reflecting the initiative’s focus on tackling the persistent barriers that limit cross-border commerce, regional collaboration, and industrial advancement in Africa. MMC 7.0 aims to create a dynamic…

FG Gold Limited (“FG Gold”) is pleased to announce that it has achieved financial close and the first drawdown on its US$330 million Senior Debt Financing with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), for its Baomahun Gold Project, marking the development of Sierra Leone’s flagship large-scale commercial gold mine. This milestone unlocks one of the most significant project financing deals in the country’s history and supports Sierra Leone’s ambition to responsibly harness its mineral resources for sustainable economic transformation. The transaction was further strengthened by capital mobilised through Trafigura Group. The senior facility completes the…

Scotland London Africa Week 2025 has concluded with outstanding feedback from delegates who described the programme as energising, insightful and productive. Across the week leaders from Scotland, London and Africa came together for high-level engagement, practical discussion and fresh opportunities for collaboration. The week opened at Old Admiralty House with a strategic briefing from the Department for Business and Trade’s Africa team. Delegates were introduced to the UK Government’s 10-year industrial strategy and its eight growth sectors before the conversation explored the UK’s approach to trade agreements in areas linked to skills and planning reform and how the department works…

Cybersecurity training is vital, but it’s not enough on its own if your workplace culture discourages people from speaking up. Good corporate security awareness includes empowering employees to think critically, voice concerns and admit mistakes, without fear of reprisal. The secret is something all parents who’ve gotten their children to admit when they’ve done something wrong already know. Psychological safety is an underrated part of organisational cyber resilience and yet it’s essential if companies want to strengthen their cyber defences from within. “Psychological safety refers to an organisational environment where employees feel confident they can slow down to question suspicious…

FG Gold Limited (“FG Gold”) is pleased to announce that it has achieved financial close and the first drawdown on its US$330 million Senior Debt Financing with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), for its Baomahun Gold Project, marking the development of Sierra Leone’s flagship large-scale commercial gold mine. This milestone unlocks one of the most significant project financing deals in the country’s history and supports Sierra Leone’s ambition to responsibly harness its mineral resources for sustainable economic transformation. The transaction was further strengthened by capital mobilised through Trafigura Group. The senior facility completes the…

Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced the launch of its AI-powered Google Cloud distribution programme. Known as Liquid G, the programme is designed to accelerate cloud adoption and growth for African resellers and enterprises. Delivered through Cloudmania, Liquid G builds on the company’s long-standing collaboration with Google Cloud and marks a significant step in expanding access to advanced cloud technologies across the continent. “Cloud adoption in Africa is accelerating, and resellers need solutions that are not only accessible but also intelligent and adaptive,” said Oswald Jumira, chief executive officer of…

The United States government has pledged $150 million to support Zipline, the world’s leading drone-delivery company, in expanding its healthcare logistics network across Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire. This marks one of the first major global health investments from the U.S. following years of reduced foreign assistance, the restructuring of USAID, and the introduction of the “America First” global health strategy. U.S. officials have highlighted the partnership with Zipline as a model for the country’s new results-focused approach to international health support. Zipline, which launched its first operations in Rwanda in 2016, has become a global pioneer in…

Nigeria has taken another major leap in modernizing its financial markets, officially transitioning to a T+2 settlement cycle on November 28. This shift, led by the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS Plc), means that trades on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and NASD OTC market will now be fully settled within two working days, improving efficiency and aligning the country with global standards. With this development, Nigeria becomes the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to implement T+2 and only the second in all of Africa, following Egypt’s transition in 2022. Even more remarkably, the CSCS has already begun preparing for a…

Lagos is gearing up for its most exciting festive season yet, and Access Bank is stepping into the spotlight with the launch of Detty Fusion—a bold new platform designed to energize, support, and showcase the city’s thriving creative and entertainment ecosystem. More than just an event directory, Detty Fusion is positioned as a hub that unites creators, SMEs, event organizers, and fun-seekers under one seamless digital experience, strengthening the bank’s long-standing commitment to community growth and cultural development. Unveiled through a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Detty Fusion aims to make December in…