General News
UK Businesses Look to Africa As Strategic Growth Partners

New research by UK-based Strategy Management Partners reveals that a growing number of British businesses are identifying Africa as a key strategic growth region – drawn by structural reforms, demographic momentum, and rapid digital transformation across the continent.

The research, based on a survey of senior decision-makers from 250 large UK-based companies, finds that 50% are already active in African markets and planning to expand further.
An additional 28% are considering entry, signalling a clear uptick in long-term interest from international businesses with the resources to scale regionally.
The findings challenge outdated perceptions of Africa as a high-risk or secondary market. Instead, they highlight key drivers behind renewed commercial interest: • 61 per cent of UK leaders cited Africa’s large and growing consumer markets as a major draw. • 61 per cent pointed to the continent’s rapid pace of digital and technological adoption. • 50 per cent highlighted the potential of Africa’s young, skilled, and digitally native population.
The study also suggests that Africa is no longer viewed simply as a market for philanthropic initiatives or shortterm gain. Only 20 per cent of respondents cited philanthropic motives, while most are focused on building commercially viable, long-term operations.
Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are also laying the groundwork for significant economic growth.
With 23 countries already implementing preferential tariffs, the framework is expected to facilitate smoother intra-regional trade, enable market scale, and support more efficient supply chains.
These structural improvements are making Africa more attractive to global firms with the ambition to operate at scale.
However, despite rising optimism, significant operational and policy challenges remain. The top four barriers to investment cited by UK business leaders were: political and country risk (68%); safety and security issues 66.4%); regulatory barriers and tariffs (60.4%); and the complexity of cross-border transactions (60%).
Addressing these issues will be crucial to unlocking Africa’s full potential for UK investment. UK companies are showing the most interest in sectors that align with Africa’s core strengths, such as natural resources, agriculture, a young and expanding population, and infrastructure development.
These areas are seen as the backbone for long-term commercial growth, offering opportunities to build local supply chains, expand digital services, scale manufacturing, and meet rising consumer demand.
However, for companies looking to invest or expand into Africa, success also depends on key enabling conditions. According to business leaders surveyed, the top factors supporting investment are: • The size of market and consumer demand (49.6%) • Reliable and consistent energy supply (48.4%) • Access to affordable, educated and capable talent (44.8%) • Efficient transportation networks, such as roads, ports, airports (38%) • A favourable macroeconomic environment: low interest rates, low inflation, stable exchange rates, and seamless cross-border transactions and repatriation of earnings(38%).
“UK businesses are increasingly seeing Africa as a strategic growth market, driven by structural reforms, digital adoption, and the momentum behind the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” says Muibat Ijaiya, Partner at Strategy Management Partners.
“But real progress will depend on practical cooperation with African governments. The AfCFTAis a pivotal step forward – what’s needed now is a deeper alignment between public policy and private investment to address trade, regulatory and infrastructure barriers, and unlock long-term, sustainable growth.”
General News
WEBINAR: Techeconomy Business Series Hosts Experts from MTN, Interswitch, BusinessPlus, others this Wednesday

Techeconomy, Africa’s leading technology, business and digital economy publication, has announced an upcoming edition of its Techeconomy Business Series, a virtual webinar.

Techeconomy
This month’s edition focused on “Navigating a Career in Tech Sales”, is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM (WAT)
Register here: https://shorturl.at/mMvLu),
It will bring together seasoned professionals from across Africa’s technology ecosystem to share practical insights, real-life experiences, and career guidance for individuals looking to build or transition into successful careers in tech sales.
“As Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, tech sales has emerged as a critical growth driver, bridging innovation, customer adoption, and revenue generation,” said Joan Aimuengheuwa, managing editor at Techeconomy.
“The session is designed to equip professionals, young talents, and business leaders with a clearer understanding of the skills, mindset, and career pathways required to succeed in this fast-evolving field”, she added.
The panel features accomplished industry experts including, divisional head, Growth Marketing (Enterprise), Interswitch Group; Ekundayo Ayeni, co-founder, BusinessPlus; Adepeju Ajayi, manager, Mobile Advertising, MTN Nigeria; and Bukayo Ewuoso, Business Growth Consultant.
The session will be hosted by Imoh Anselem, an IT Project Manager and Customer Success Specialist.
Participants will gain insights into: Ogechi Okwechime
· Breaking into tech sales and identifying entry opportunities
· Key skills and competencies employers look for
· Career growth strategies within Africa’s digital economy
· Lessons from real-world sales and growth experiences
Webinar Details:
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (WAT) | Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Registration/Access Link: https://shorturl.at/mMvLu
Attendance is free, but registration is required.
“The Techeconomy Business Series is part of Techeconomy’s ongoing commitment to fostering informed conversations, capacity building, and talent development across Africa’s technology and business landscape”, the managing editor added.
TAGS: #TechSales, #Techeconomy, #Techeconomy, #TechSales, #CareerInTech, #DigitalEconomy, #BusinessSeries, #AfricaTech, #TBS #TecheconomyBusinessSeries
General News
Nigeria Treats Religious Violence as Attack on State – NSA Ribadu

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has said the federal government considers religious violence an attack on the Nigerian state, stressing that the protection of all citizens, regardless of faith, is non-negotiable.

According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Ribadu made the remarks in Abuja at the close of a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group session.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens, Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs, is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said.
“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
In a follow-up post on X, Ribadu said the joint working group has recorded “tangible operational gains” in the fight against terrorism.
The working group was set up following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by US President Donald Trump, a label that often triggers policy actions aimed at ending severe violations of religious freedom.
At the meeting, Ribadu led Nigeria’s delegation, which included representatives from 10 ministries and agencies, while the US delegation, made up of eight federal agencies, was led by Allison Hooker, US under-secretary of state.
Ribadu said Nigeria-US security cooperation has moved from dialogue to action, resulting in the disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal groups. He also praised the US for supplying drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and other support systems over the past five years.
Speaking at the session, Hooker said the US was committed to expanding its partnership with Nigeria, particularly on deterring violence against Christian communities.
“Today, we are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritising counter-terrorism, insecurity, investigation of attacks, and holding perpetrators accountable,” she said.
She added that efforts would focus on reducing killings, forced displacement, and abductions of Christians, especially in Nigeria’s north-central states
General News
PalmPay User Shares Experience on Fintech Apps to Trust in Nigeria

For many Nigerians, fintech apps are judged by one simple question: Can I trust the platform? For Happiness, a young Nigerian entrepreneur, the answer manifested in the most defining moments of her life.

Trust Built Through Everyday Use
In 2025, Happiness relied on PalmPay to run her business, from receiving customer payments, paying vendors, and managing daily transactions. During PalmPay’s Hustle Grant Campaign, she joined thousands of small business owners hoping to win the N500,000 funding.
While she didn’t make the shortlist, the campaign gave her business something just as valuable: visibility. New customers discovered her brand, enquiries increased, and sales followed.
PalmPay didn’t just host a campaign; it created an ecosystem where small businesses could be seen and supported.
Just days later, Happiness’ life changed. On August 30, 2025, she lost her father. With this loss came challenges, especially payments. They tried transferring money through regular banks but were met with declined transactions. Happiness suggested using her PalmPay account and it was successful.
In a moment defined by loss and urgency, PalmPay cut through the chaos, proving that reliability isn’t a feature, it’s a lifeline. Happiness’ relationship with PalmPay didn’t stop at transactions. Through other management tools on the app, she learned to build discipline around her finances.
More Than an App, a Financial Partner
Beyond transactions, PalmPay’s tools helped Happiness build better money habits and financial discipline. Today, the brand continues to reward reliability through initiatives like its ongoing Premier Cool campaign, reinforcing a simple message: consistency should come with value.
The idea is simple: Purchase a bar of soap and stand a chance to get ₦10,000cash and other cash benefits.
It’s PalmPay’s way of saying that smart money habits deserve real value in return.
Why PalmPay Earns Trust
Life doesn’t give warnings before it tests you. When it does, you need a platform that doesn’t just usually work but always works.
For many users, PalmPay proves to be more than a payment app. It is a trusted partner powering ambitions, supporting users through defining life moments, while helping them bank smartly.
When it mattered most, PalmPay worked. To watch the full testimonial visit: @palmpayapp_ng
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