General News
It’s Getting Easier for SMEs to do Business in Africa and Technology is Playing Key Role

By SoromfeUzomah, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Microsoft 4Afrika
The 2020 World Bank Doing Business report was recently released, and showsthe overall business climate in sub-Saharan Africa issteadily improving. Looking at the ease of starting and maintaining a business, the region as a whole improved one percentage point over the last year, with a few standout countries. Mauritius and Rwanda rankamong the top 20 countries globally, while Nigeria and Togo are among the top global improvers.
In the last year, countries across the region implemented73 reforms, removing certain red tapes and obstacles for SMEs. While this is positive development, sub-Saharan Africa is still classified as a weak-performing region overall, with an average ease of doing business score of 51.8 – below the global average of 63.0.
Small businesses continue to battle with challenges includingunreliable electricity, property registration, tax payment and debt management.But one trend is clear: As levels ofinternet access, technology adoption and digital innovation improve, so domany of these challenges.
The enabling power of technology
The use of online systems for tax filing, for instance, improved the ease of doing business scores in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mauritius and Togo. Nigeria also introduced the e-payment of trade fees, reducing the time to import and export, and an online platform for registering businesses, strengthening itsranking. Globally, markets that scored the highest in the report all have widespread use of electronic platforms.
Digital platforms are able to more quickly process and streamline administrative tasks, giving SMEs back precious time and money to focus on doing, and growing, business.Removing the burden of paperwork and long queues also has an incredible motivating factor. When the Kenya Copyright Boardworked with Microsoft to develop an online, automated platform to help SMEs register intellectual property (IP), registrations increased by 100 percent. Additionally, one study found that the knock-on effect of increased IP registration is economies that are 26 percent more competitive and twice as likely to produce and export complex, knowledge-intensive products.
SMEs are eager to adopt these digital services to improve their productivity. In South Africa, The State of Small Business report found that78 percent of small businesses surveyedchoose accounting software to manage their financial records.
Foundations of access needed
But,the same report found that more than half of SMEs list internet access as their principal obstacle to adopting technology. The accessibility and success of these digital platforms depends on reliable access to electricity and the internet. In terms of connectivity, many African countries are still below the 20 percent critical mass necessary to achieve improved efficiencies and information flows for economic growth and innovation.
To tackle this, more investments into reliable infrastructure are needed. However, while infrastructure develops,innovation can help to bridge the gap. In Nigeria, ICE Commercial Power has introduced an off-grid, solar-powered solution to connect 10,000 SMEs to electricity. The solar grids are linked to a Microsoft cloud-computing platform, which enables remote maintenance of the equipment (reducing any downtime) and lets SMEs manage and pay for their electricity use as they go. Similarly, in Kenya, Mawingu Networks has introduced Wi-Fi hotspots run on solar-powered base stations, connecting some 600 SMEs in Nanyuki to high-speed, low-cost internet.
An ecosystem for growth and development
While governments can play a leading role in building supportive business climates for SMEs, the responsibility doesn’tsit solely with them. Public and private sector organisations can collaborate on building an enabling ecosystem, where private-sector innovation and services are backed by public-sector policy to accelerate growth.
Recently, the United Kingdom took regulatory action by forming the Banking Competition Remedies Ltd, which administers funding directly to financial institutions that address SME needs. While this action was specific to the banking industry, it’s a great example of public-private collaboration to learn from.Africa’s market for digital solutions targeting SMEs is vibrant. In East Africa, Africa 118 provides directory and marketing services to SMEs, whilePopote Payments supports budgeting, expenditure tracking and accounting. In West Africa,SpacePointe helps SMEs build affordable online marketplaces and ecommerce strategies. Finally,FirstBank, Vodacom (and soon to be Jumia)haveall partnered with Microsoft to offer a discounted package of technology and educational resources to their SME customers.
While the private-sector has historically taken the lead investing in these kinds of solutions, the United Kingdom example demonstrates ways the public sector can get involved, encouraging innovation that benefits small business growth.
The shared benefits of supporting small businesses are numerous. Governments benefit from boosted economies and job creation. Private-sector businesses attract a large and lucrative consumer base. And SMEs are able to access the resources they need to succeed. Key to this collaboration will be involving SMEs very much in the innovation and policy-making process – ensuring their needs are meaningfully heard, and met.
General News
Moonshot Returns with a Defining Third Edition, Charting Africa’s Next Phase of Innovation

Moonshot, Africa’s flagship tech and innovation gathering, officially announces its third edition. Scheduled to take place from October 15 –16, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, the future-shaping conference will convene over 4,000 participants and more than 120 speakers from over 15 countries, all focused on accelerating the trajectory of Africa’s tech-driven future.
This year’s theme, “Building Momentum: Africa’s Tech Ecosystem Positions Itself for Its Next Big Leap,” captures a critical moment for the continent’s tech landscape.
Following years of resilience through economic downturns and funding contractions, the ecosystem is maturing rapidly and sensibly redirecting focus toward sustainable, scalable growth. Moonshot 2025 will serve as a platform to consolidate these hard-won gains and align stakeholders around the next era of opportunity, across key tech verticals.
Headline sponsored by Sabi, a global trade and supply chain enabler, the agenda-setting conference has evolved into a continental platform for catalysing connections, unlocking capital, and amplifying bold ideas. Now in its third year, Moonshot serves as a dynamic hub, and a living museum, of Africa’s innovation journey, actively bridging past achievements with future ambitions.
Speaking about the event, Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Big Cabal Media, said: “The last few years truly tested the resilience of Africa’s tech ecosystem, but they also undeniably sharpened it. The ups and downs in funding have given way to something far more intentional, with founders now building smarter and with clearer purpose.
Despite the challenges, African founders have persevered and thrived. Crucially, regulations have also matured, providing much-needed direction. What we’re witnessing now is genuine momentum, firmly grounded in strong fundamentals, propelled by clarity, and intensely focused on scale.
“Moonshot 2025 offers a vital space to reflect on our journey and to channel this momentum into meaningful progress for founders, investors, and the entire ecosystem”
This year’s edition will welcome a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Andrew Alli, Non-Executive Director, British International Investment (BII), Maxime Bayen, Operating Partner, Catalyst Fund, and Lexi Novitske, General Partner, Norrsken22, among others.
The event will also showcase its nine signature content tracks, now enhanced with refreshed programming designed to foster deeper, more impactful conversations. This include:
- FUEL: The Investor Conference: This track is significantly upgraded to improve deal-making and investment opportunities, with a stronger focus on attracting Limited Partners (LPs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and first-time investors in Africa. It will feature structured deal rooms, curated pitch sessions, an investor’s guide to Africa, and dedicated spaces for peer exchange across the investor landscape.
- Startup Festival: Tailored for both early- and growth-stage founders, this festival will offer intensive workshops, operator-led sessions, and live startup showcases, including the TC Battlefield – it’s flagship pitch competition.
- Emerging Tech (AI): A dedicated space to explore the practical applications of artificial intelligence across various sectors on the continent, featuring product demos and insights from leading builders and researchers.
- Government & Policy Conference: This vital track will convene policymakers from across Africa to engage in discussions on crucial digital policy reforms and work towards tangible commitments to support innovation and scale across the continent.
Additional tracks, including Creative Economy, Climate Tech, Future of Commerce, Big Tech & Enterprise, and Entering Tech, will feature compelling conversations on critical topics such as financing infrastructure, workforce development, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
Also speaking about the event, Anu Adedoyin, CEO and co-founder of Sabi said “This marks our third year as a proud partner of Moonshot, and the evolution of this conference mirrors the incredible growth and ambition of African tech.
“We believe in building robust foundations for digital commerce, and Moonshot is crucial for fostering the connections and clarity needed for founders to build smart, scalable solutions. We’re excited to see the tangible momentum this year’s event will generate for Africa’s next big leap.”
Proudly supported by platinum sponsors Flutterwave, Luno, Fincra, Raenest, Cardtonic, Roqqu, Opay, and Busha, the conference will build on the outcomes of previous editions, including a $120,000 ecosystem pledge at last year’s Tech Ecosystem Alliance roundtable.
Moonshot is powered by the leading tech publication in Africa, TechCabal, providing reporting, data and context that help investors and professionals globally understand where African tech is and where it is going.
General News
FirstBank Retains Top Spot as Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG @2025 Euromoney Awards

FirstBank, the West African premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has emerged as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, held recently in London. This marks FirstBank’s second consecutive win in the ESG category, affirming its leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking across Nigeria.
The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are regarded as one of the most coveted accolades in the global financial industry. The highly competitive selection process involves rigorous analysis and assessment, measuring performance against strategic and impact-oriented criteria.
The Bank earned the award through its deepened sustainability commitments embedded across its operations and community initiatives. In 2024, FirstBank screened 237 transactions worth over ₦3 trillion for sustainability risks, integrating ESG considerations into its credit framework.
Among its flagship sustainability initiatives, FirstBank commenced a tree planting campaign in partnership with Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), planting over 30,000 trees in 16 locations across Nigeria. This was the first phase of its 50,000-tree initiative, projected to absorb approximately 720 tonnes of CO₂ by the end of 2025, contributing to climate resilience and supporting biodiversity preservation.
FirstBank has been proactive in gender inclusion through the Gender Market Strategy, disbursing over ₦43 billion FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024. The Bank’s commitment to inclusive banking saw a significant increase in the worth of transactions facilitated by FirstMonie agents to over ₦9 trillion.
The Bank prioritises ESG/sustainability capacity building, evidenced by the training of over 9000 employees, and its webinars and workshops reaching over 2,000 SMEs and corporates. The bank’s investment in leadership for over 2,000 female employees through the FirstBank Women Network has demonstrated a dedicated structural commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable and diverse workforce catering to the dynamic ESG landscape.
Commenting on the award, the Chief Risk Officer of the Bank as well as the Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor said, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second time in a row, which is a validation of our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders. Our approach to sustainability is hinged on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; responsible lending, procurement and climate initiatives”
He added: “We remain focused on driving impact through purposeful initiatives and inclusive growth, ensuring that our ESG efforts continue to create meaningful change in communities across Nigeria and beyond.”
The continued success in ESG and sustainability is driven by FirstBank’s vision to be Africa’s bank of first choice, leading with purpose, responsibility, and innovation.
General News
FG Collaborates with China to Digitalize Customs

Federal Government is increasing collaborations with China to digitalise Nigeria Customs Service operations. This past weekend, NCS strengthened its cooperation efforts through a high-level engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
The meeting, held in Beijing, China, brought together senior officers of the customs service and top officials from the GACC to explore bilateral knowledge exchange and capacity development in customs administration.
Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS Assistant Comptroller of Customs said that discussions were held with officials from the GACC International Cooperation Division, the Training and Education Centre and representatives of the Shanghai Customs College.
“The engagement focused on deepening cooperation in customs training methodologies, modernisation models and technology-driven solutions, especially as China plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s international trade network,” said Maiwada.
He added that during the meeting, the Chinese customs authorities shared their structured training system, which incorporates virtual reality, 5G-enabled systems, and blended e-learning approaches. In 2024, GACC conducted over 8 000 physical training sessions and developed 360 online courses.
Discussions also highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in China-led customs development initiatives, with over 200 African customs officers, including 89 from Nigeria, having received training since 2023 across various areas, such as trade facilitation, anti-smuggling enforcement, food safety supervision and digital port operations.
The bilateral dialogue between the two customs agencies also heralded new areas of collaboration, including Nigeria’s participation in upcoming Customs Modernisation Courses and officer development training at the Shanghai Customs College.
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