General News
Too Early to Draw Conclusions on Global Recession-Risticevic
Customers are at the heart of everything at Nokia Siemens Networks, one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies in the world. Nokia Siemens is a telecommunications solutions supplier which was created as the result of a merger (by means of a 50-50 joint venture) between Siemens AG’s COM division (minus its Enterprise business unit) and Nokia’s Network Business Group. Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services and with its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. Mladen Risticevic, Nigeria country director of the company has profound understanding of the country. Risticevic spoke to ken nwogbo on the company’s operation and other industry issues
Global Financial Crisis and Telecom Business in Nigeria
It is difficult to say but I assume it is going to affect several brands. Let us see how it is going to develop but for now, I cannot be absolutely sure because you first have to go back to the operator to see what they are planning as their Capex for the year, and that is how we would see the result on how that sector will go. I think it is too early to draw conclusions now.
On Nokia-Siemens Merger and Strength
The whole idea about the merger is to make the company stronger and become a major player in the telecom industry. From the communication and networking standpoint, the merger was done to turn out the best products to suit the market.
ith that, our aim is to cover the entire telecom sector, mobile and fixed networks. So, choosing the best products and positioning the company as a serious solution provider are reasons for the merger. You could imagine having 4000 employees, 3000 service specialists operating worldwide in 44 countries. Based on their local experiences, they have been able to know the customers’ problems and find solutions. That is what our company is now, and the way we are looking forward to the future.
Nokia-Siemens’s Broadband without Boundaries
Now we are talking about two different broadband possibilities. The one is on the fixed line and the other is on the mobile. As we know, fixed network is supposed to be used as ADSL connection so that everybody has high-speed Internet; and on the mobile side, we are bringing 3G into the country, introducing mobile TV on the technology and all other aspects. In both fields, we have the perfect solutions, and I would say we are ready to take the market.
How Networks Can Save Energy
If you can go to our sites and see our outdoor equipment, you will find that there is no need for air conditioners, large power generators, that is a perfect example of how our networks can save energy.
Edge over Competition
By choosing the perfect portfolio with a high quality technology, we have been able to carve a niche for ourselves in the industry, and we would continue to improve on what we have on ground as time goes on. Of course, same applies to service. Besides having high quality products, we have crowned them with world-class services to be able to manage networks. In that way, customers have been able to identify us as the best. We have turnkey solutions – it means that we establish and operate our clients’ network at the same time. This ranges from building the site to refilling the customer’s generators with diesel. We have been able to bring in high quality expertise – people who know the job, understand the local market, as well as understand customers’ problems. As long as our customers are satisfied, we are also satisfied.
Turnkey Solutions and Rural Telephony Projects in Nigeria
We have a concept which has been presented to some operators. This is called ‘Village Connection.’ It is a good idea to promote communication in the rural areas, and also enable people living there make a living from it. We are bringing those in the villages onboard our plans since jobs would be created in the process. This goes a long way in improving their lives – not just providing communication facilities but giving them job opportunities as well. That is the magic in it.
Direction this Year in Nigeria
We are trying to be the leader in the industry. Automatically, we are trying to get more customers, supply more operators with our solutions, expand and improve our operations in order to serve our customers better.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Every company operating in any country tends to study the local environment, get acquainted with the people and try to understand how they reason. In every aspect, you have to work closely with every community; otherwise you would be courting trouble. We are a company in this country and are known as Nokia-Siemens Nigeria Limited, so we belong here. We have hundreds of local employees and sub-contractors. If you are working on a project in Port-Harcourt for example, you have to use the sub-contractors within that vicinity. In that way, we have been helping the entire industry to grow, and also improve the standard of life of every Nigerian.
Proliferation of fibre optics and Nokia-Siemens Solution
Yes, but it is up to the operators to decide on what to do. I cannot interfere with anyone’s business or force somebody to adopt our solutions, whereas they might have other plans. Our solutions are phenomenal and speak for themselves. Again, it is also up to the regulator to put something on ground that everyone has to follow.
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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