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Global X Funds Launches 1st Nigeria ETF, Another in Asia
Global X Funds, the New York based provider of exchange traded funds, yesterday launched the Global X Nigeria Index ETF and the Global X Central Asia & Mongolia Index ETF on NYSE Arca.
Both funds are first to market ETFs for their respective regions and will build on Global X Funds tradition of providing exchange-traded funds that facilitates access to investment opportunities across the global markets.
The Global X Nigeria Index ETF (NGE) provides exposure to the largest and most liquid companies in Nigeria as well as companies that derive a significant amount of revenues from the country, giving investors a cost-efficient way to access a country with significant long-term growth potential.
Goldman Sachs has included Nigeria in its “Next 11” economies, which are defined as a group of large, fast-growing markets that are expected to be an important source of growth and opportunity in the future.
In addition to being the 7th most populous country in the world and the most populous country in Africa with over 160 million people, approximately 63% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 25 (World Bank, 2013).
The Global X Central Asia & Mongolia Index ETF (AZIA) provides cost-effective exposure to hard to access countries by investing in foreign listings of Central Asian companies as well as in companies that derive significant revenues from the region.
In recent years, the economies of Central Asia have benefited significantly from land that is rich in natural resources; the region has become a major exporter of oil, copper, gold, silver, coal, zinc, lead, uranium, cotton and wheat.
China has emerged as a key destination for these resources, and has been investing heavily to develop energy and transportation infrastructure in the region.
Trade between Central Asia and China has grown from approximately $500 million in 1992 to $30 billion in 2010, reflecting an annual growth rate of over 25% (National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2012).
The Economist Intelligence Unit predicted that Mongolia will grow its GDP by nearly 14% this year, the second fastest growing country on the planet (2013).
“The launch of NGE and AZIA have expanded our offerings to include frontier markets— investment themes we stand behind due to their long-term potential and lower correlation with other markets,” said Bruno del Ama , chief executive officer of Global X Funds.
The Global X Nigeria Index ETF tracks the Solactive Nigeria Index. The Global X Central Asia & Mongolia Index ETF tracks the Solactive Central Asia & Mongolia Index.
With $1.8 billion in managed assets as of March 22, 2013, Global X Funds is one of the fastest growing ETF providers in the world.
It currently offers exchange-traded funds that target Income, Commodity Producers, Developed Markets, Emerging Markets, and Special Opportunities fund suites. For more information, please visit www.globalxfunds.com
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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