Author: Samuel Suru

The Alert Group has declared a transformative roadmap for the 2026 fiscal year, pledging to circulate N130 billion in credit facilities to stimulate the Nigerian economy. This ambitious capital injection is specifically aimed at revitalizing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which remain the backbone of national productivity and employment. Speaking at a media event in Lagos, Group CEO Olanrewaju Kazeem reflected on the conglomerate’s meteoric rise. Over a brief three-year window, the group—which manages a portfolio including Alert Microfinance Bank, Auto Bucks Lenders, Green Bucks Limited, and Bucksfield Asset Management—has seen its total assets surge from N2.9 billion in…

As the Republic of Congo enters 2026, the government has moved to transform its traditional artisanal sector into a viable career path for the nation’s burgeoning young population. In a major policy rollout, the National Fund for Employability and Apprenticeship Support (FONEA) has officially inaugurated a massive vocational training initiative centered on the intricate art of beadwork. This national program, which was announced during a high-profile press conference on December 30, 2025, in Brazzaville, aims to offer free technical education to 3,000 aspiring young entrepreneurs. The initiative comes as a direct response to a looming crisis in the labor market.…

The narrative surrounding African technology is undergoing a radical transformation. For years, the conversation was dominated by how the continent could attract Silicon Valley capital or adopt Western financial models. However, as we enter 2026, the African Fintech Summit (AFTS) has released an outlook that suggests the roles are reversing. Africa is no longer just a “frontier market” to be explored; it is rapidly becoming a global hub of innovation that exports proprietary financial solutions, infrastructure, and talent to the rest of the world. Zekarias Amsalu, Managing Director of AFTS, characterizes this shift as “The Great Transition.” He posits that…

The African startup ecosystem experienced a powerful resurgence in 2025, with total venture capital inflows reaching $3.2 billion. This figure represents a robust 40% year-over-year increase, marking a definitive end to the “funding winter” that saw the market contract by 35% in 2023 and 25% in 2024. According to the latest data from Africa: The Big Deal, this rebound signals a renewed appetite among global and local investors for the continent’s technological innovations, pushing total fundraising back toward the record-breaking levels seen earlier in the decade. To put this recovery into historical perspective, the ecosystem has seen significant volatility…

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has unveiled a bold strategic vision, asserting that Nigeria’s cashew sector is a “sleeping giant” capable of generating a staggering $10 billion in annual revenue. During a recent press briefing in Abuja, NCAN President Dr. Joseph Ojo Ajanaku emphasized that this financial milestone is within reach if the country successfully transitions from being a mere exporter of raw nuts to a sophisticated hub for local processing and value addition. Currently, the industry earns approximately $700 million to $800 million annually, meaning the proposed transformation could increase the sector’s economic contribution by more than…

In a decisive move to revitalize the artisanal economy and address the critical challenge of unemployment, the government of the Republic of Congo has unveiled an ambitious national vocational project. The National Fund for Employability and Apprenticeship Support (FONEA) officially launched a free beadwork training program designed to equip 3,000 young citizens with the technical and business skills required to succeed in a competitive marketplace. Announced during a high-level briefing in Brazzaville on December 30, 2025, the initiative represents a strategic partnership between the state and the African Recovery Company (SAR). By targeting the beadwork sector—a traditional craft that has…

After two years of cautious retreat, the African startup landscape staged a powerful recovery in 2025. Total venture-backed funding surged to approximately $3.1–$3.2 billion, a remarkable 41% increase over the $2.2 billion recorded during the 2024 “funding winter.” While this resurgence indicates that the continent has moved past the post-pandemic slump, the recovery is far from uniform. The data reveals a fundamental restructuring of the ecosystem, characterized by a shift in geographic dominance and a transition from speculative growth toward disciplined, asset-backed stability. The New Leaderboard: Kenya Overtakes Nigeria The most striking development of the year was the total reshuffling…

The year 2025 has been a transformative epoch for Africa’s technological landscape, marked by an unprecedented surge in scale and depth. Throughout the year, the continent’s major cities—from the coastal beauty of Cape Town to the vibrant markets of Marrakech—served as the backdrops for high-stakes dialogues, multi-million dollar deal-making, and the unveiling of national digital blueprints. This year was not merely about networking; it was characterized by a sharp focus on artificial intelligence (AI), frontier policy frameworks, and the institutionalization of startup growth. Governments and private entities moved beyond generalities to outline specific digital strategies, while developer communities held workshops…

The energy giant Shell Nigeria has officially commenced its search for talented Nigerian students to join its prestigious Student Industrial Training and Internship Program (SIWES) for the 2026 cycle. This professional attachment is specifically curated to offer undergraduates a rare opportunity to gain immersive, hands-on experience within a global business environment. By participating in this program, students can effectively bridge the gap between their theoretical academic coursework and the practical demands of the international energy industry, working within one of the world’s most influential corporations. Advantages and Professional Growth Opportunities The Shell SIWES initiative is more than just a standard…

PowerGen is embarking on a transformative journey to establish a 120 MW renewable energy platform in Kenya, a move that signals a strategic shift from isolated projects to a scalable, continent-wide infrastructure model. This ambitious venture integrates a variety of decentralized energy solutions, including mini-grids, metro-grids, and commercial and industrial (C&I) power systems. By pairing these generation assets with advanced battery storage technology, PowerGen ensures a consistent, 24/7 supply of electricity, effectively overcoming the intermittency challenges typically associated with solar and wind power. This integrated approach is designed to provide high-quality, reliable energy to regions that have historically been overlooked…