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SMEs and Freelancers learn ways to increase revenue from experts at Kuda Business partnerships webinar

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Kuda Business, the enterprise-facing offshoot of Kuda, held a webinar for business owners in Nigeria seeking to leverage partnerships to maximise value from their ventures in this economically trying times.

Facilitated by sales experts and a notable entrepreneur, the webinar titled, ‘Leveraging Partnerships to Make More Revenue’, was held on Thursday, February 29, 2023.

Mrs. Vivian Ekwegh, the CEO of declutterdotcom; Maryam Ibrahim, Strategic Partnerships Manager (B2C) at Kuda; and Oluseye Babatunde, Strategic Partnerships Manager (B2B), Kuda, all spoke at the webinar aimed at freelancers and SMEs.

Speaking about the nature of business partnerships, Mrs. Ekewgh mentioned that partnerships are “a wholesome way to grow [a business].”

Furthermore, the declutterdotcom CEO advised Nigerian business owners to look for companies with similar values.

“Look for another business that is complementary, or even a competitor who has similar strengths.”

“Your reach is beyond your network because you’re now partnering with someone who has done it for a while,” she said, sharing a personal anecdote of how partnering with logistics services helps her business provide value to customers.

“At this rate, people should collaborate, not compete. Because nobody has it all,” she said.

Addressing the challenge of identifying potential customers, Babatunde shared that it was important to look out for compatibility. “Things to look out for, be sure you are compatible. Complementarity is very important. If you don’t understand the value chain, where you play, you won’t know how you can complement. After this, you begin to check out their integrity, you can also check out their track record of success. Then, read reviews about them.

“Do as much as possible to learn more about the company. Don’t just assume you know these people. You’re going into a different relationship with different dynamics,” he said.

On her part, Ms. Ibrahim shared that businesses should conduct “extensive research”. “You need to do a competitive comparison of the different players in the company, who is on top, which business will be beneficial for me. Then you need to be sure of the reputation and credibility of the organisation you want to partner with.”

The speakers shared their wealth of experience with attendees, using personal examples to drive home the importance of vetting partnerships properly.

Mrs. Ekwegh shared an experience with a delivery firm she had in the past, which was as a result of a difference in values. “We had to partner with a delivery firm, they contacted us. We connected them with a few clients. They didn’t understand business integrity or following through with customers. So it was so bad. Sometimes they damaged our products before they got to the customers’ side.

“Other times, you want to collaborate with a business. Some of them became so rotten, they began to scam the customers. It was a big challenge for the company because we identified with them. We spoke for them. It came back to bite us back.

“The biggest challenge I’ve had to face is deliveries with companies, some started scamming the customers and taking the money for themselves,” she shared.

Harping on the importance of negotiation in the process of establishing partnerships, Babatunde advised business owners to go to the negotiation table with clarity and honesty.

“I never go to a negotiation table without my clear ask—my clear terms. There might be some tweaks and adjustments along the way. You need to go with honesty. I don’t tell people what I cannot do. I see a lot of people go into partnerships trying to pad the figures and so on. It will haunt you later. If you cover Lagos and Ibadan, don’t say you cover the whole of the southwest. If your customer base is 50, say it’s 50,” he explained.

Ibrahim advised business owners to highlight the value they are bringing to the table.

The B2C partnerships expert shared that having a unique selling point is key.

“It’s very important to highlight the value you are bringing to the partnership. You need to show them why they are choosing you, or why they should go with you. You need to have your unique selling point,” she said.

But she also advised business owners to remain flexible.

“You can’t be stone-headed and say ‘it’s my way or it’s no way’. Maybe not in the key areas, but be willing to be flexible,” she said.

Casting some attention to the economic landscape in Nigeria, the speakers also shared advice for businesses to help them remain viable despite prevalent circumstances.

“Don’t just be a Lone Ranger. Network. There are things you will not know are possible until you get into a space that shows you a niche or an opportunity you can explore. Ask questions. You don’t know it all,” he said.

Mrs. Ekwegh shared that “letting other people in” is also important to scale a business and its operations.

“Most businesses in Nigeria are borne out of a place of pain. A lot of the time you’re the everything for your business. You’re the CEO, the customer service, everything. And doing it alone can break your back. If you really want to go far you have to let other people in,” she said.

Kuda Business continues to empower business owners and SMEs to help them achieve profitability and scale their operations.

The platform’s webinar series, hosted monthly, helps businesses access knowledge from entrepreneurs and experts, providing a community for experienced voices to share practical knowledge.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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E-Financial

MoneyMaster Enhances App, Rewards Users with Data and Airtime Bonuses

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MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank has introduced a refreshed mobile banking experience designed to make purchasing airtime and data more convenient and straightforward for customers.

As part of the rollout, customers will enjoy added value on their transactions. Airtime purchases on the Glo network come with a 100 percent bonus, while data purchases attract a 10 percent bonus, giving users amazing rewards on each purchase.

With this revamp, the app is now much easier to use, especially for airtime purchases. From selecting accounts to choosing amounts, the process is more seamless, with clearer options and fewer steps. Data plans are now neatly organized into categories such as daily, weekly, and monthly, making it easier for users to find what they need without endless scrolling.

Beyond the improved layout, customers now have more flexibility in how they recharge. Lower airtime denominations have been introduced, giving users the freedom to choose amounts that better suit their needs, while navigation has been adjusted to be quicker and more intuitive.

Speaking on the update, the bank’s Head of Business, Tajudeen Omokhide, explained that the goal is to make payments as simple and seamless as possible. According to him, customers expect speed, clarity, and affordability, and these improvements are part of the bank’s ongoing effort to meet those expectations. He also encouraged both existing and new users to get the latest version of the app.

These updates are a testament to MoneyMaster’s broader mission of developing practical, relevant products for everyday life. Promoted by Globacom and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the bank offers mobile wallets, savings accounts, individual current accounts, and business banking services.

MoneyMaster continues to position itself as a flexible, customer-centric platform, enabling over 4,000 individual and business billers to manage payments, access financial services, and stay connected with ease.

 


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CBN Directs IMTOs to Open Naira Settlement Accounts

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) operating in the country to open and maintain naira settlement accounts with authorised dealer banks, as part of efforts to tighten oversight of diaspora remittances and improve transparency in the foreign exchange market.

CBN Directs IMTOs to Open Naira Settlement Accounts

The directive was contained in a circular dated March 24, 2026, signed by Dr Musa Nakorji, director of the Trade and Exchange Department, and addressed to IMTOs, authorised dealer banks and the general public.

The circular was published on the apex bank’s website on Tuesday.

The CBN said the measure is aimed at “enhancing diaspora remittances, strengthening transparency, traceability, and effective monitoring of all transactions.”

It stated that “all IMTOs are hereby directed to open naira settlement accounts and ensure that all transactions are routed strictly through their designated settlement accounts, maintained with Authorised Dealer Banks in Nigeria.”

Under the new rule, all inflows, beneficiary payments and related settlements linked to international money transfers are to be processed solely through these accounts.

IMTOs may, however, operate multiple settlement accounts across different banks in line with their operational needs.

The circular also introduced tighter controls on how the accounts can be funded, stating that they “shall only be credited with remittance flows and proceeds of foreign exchange conversions by licensed IMTOs (or their agents)” within the Nigerian foreign exchange market.

Operators are required to clearly designate the accounts and submit the details to the CBN, with updates provided periodically where necessary.

To improve market operations, authorised dealer banks are permitted to process foreign currency transfers from IMTO settlement accounts to other banks and approved participants, including licensed Bureau De Change operators.

The apex bank further directed IMTOs to adopt market-reflective pricing by referencing the Bloomberg BMatch system. It said IMTOs “shall observe real-time market prices from the Bloomberg BMATCH and utilise this as guidance for pricing transactions with their customers and Authorised Dealers.”

According to the CBN, this approach is expected to “improve price discovery, reduce information asymmetry between IMTOs and banks, and encourage increased participation in the official FX market.”

The bank added that all operators must maintain proper transaction records for regulatory checks and comply fully with anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing rules.

“This directive takes effect from May 1, 2026. Please note and ensure compliance,” the circular stated.

The move shows the CBN’s push to channel remittance inflows through formal banking channels, boost liquidity in the official foreign exchange market and strengthen regulatory oversight of cross-border transactions.

 


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DLM Capital Group’s AAA-Rated Sovereign Bond-Backed Composite Notes (“SBCNS”) Strengthens Investor Confidence with Successful First Principal & Interest Payment

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L-r: Kasham Musa Iliya, Non - Executive Director, DLM Global Markets; Kari Tukur, Non - Executive Director, DLM Capital Group; Dr Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, Group Chief Executive Officer, DLM Capital Group; Olayimika Phillips, Non - Executive Director, DLM Capital Group, and Michael Orimobi, Non - Executive Director, DLM Capital Group at the signing ceremony to conclude the ₦9 billion series 1 SBCN issuance in July 2025 at DLM HQ, Lagos.
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Foremost Development Investment Bank, DLM Capital Group has reinforced its position as a leader in innovative fixed income solutions with the successful payment of the first principal and interest (coupon) to investors under its Sovereign Bond-Backed Composite Notes (“SBCNs”) issuance.

This milestone, alongside the consistent delivery of quarterly performance reports, underscores the Group’s commitment to transparency, capital preservation, and investor confidence.

DLM SPV PLC’s 40.62% Hold-to-Maturity return ₦7.30 billion (Tranche A) and 19.07% ₦1.70 billion (Tranche B) Plain Vanilla Series 1 Notes, issued under its ₦30.00 billion Medium-Term Notes Programme and developed by Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, Group CEO of DLM Capital, was recently listed on the FMDQ Exchange with the Tranche A bond becoming the most valuable AAA-rated corporate bond on the market.

This represents a new class of structured debt instruments designed to meet both issuer funding needs and investor expectations. As a platform widely recognised for supporting innovative debt structures, FMDQ provides an enabling environment for instruments like DLM’s SBCNs to thrive.

At launch in July 2025, DLM SBCNs, which achieved a 9-notch upgrade from BBB- (GCR Sponsor ratings at issuance) without securitisation, entered the market with a healthy degree of skepticism, as is typical with pioneering financial instruments. However, after six months of post-issuance, DLM Funding SPV Plc has delivered on its promise by comfortably and successfully meeting its first principal and coupon obligations to its investors.

This performance milestone has significantly strengthened market confidence and validated the robustness of the structure. The notes are rated AAA by Global Credit Rating and AAA by DataPro Limited, reflecting their strong credit fundamentals and low-risk profile. Designed to prioritise capital preservation, liquidity, and above competitive market returns, the instrument stands out as one of the most compelling corporate fixed income offerings for institutional investors currently available in the market.

Investor response has been notably strong and institutional investors who are beginning to recognize the value of a well-structured de-risked, high-return and, high-quality fixed income investment backed by a credible issuer with a proven track record. The combination of timely coupon payments, high credit ratings, and ongoing transparency has positioned SBCNs as a preferred option for investors seeking stability and performance in today’s evolving financial landscape.

As investor interest continues to build towards Series 2, DLM SBCNs are not only demonstrating resilience but also setting a benchmark for innovation in Nigeria’s debt capital markets. In its role as a Development Investment Bank (“DIB”), DLM Capital Group remains committed to delivering structured solutions that align with investor needs whilst maintaining the highest standards of governance and execution.


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