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World Bank Fixes December to Approve Nigeria’s $1Bn DPF  Loan

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The World Bank has fixed December 16 as the tentative date for the approval of Nigeria’s $1 billion Development Policy Financing (DPF) under the Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration programme.

World Bank Fixes December to Approve Nigeria’s $1Bn DPF  Loan

According to a project document published by the bank last week, the facility comprises a $500 million from International Development Association (IDA) credit and a $500 million  from International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan.

The proposed financing, which falls under the bank’s Macroeconomics, trade and investment practice for the Western and Central Africa region, is aimed at supporting ongoing economic reforms, boosting private investment, and creating jobs in Africa’s largest economy.

The document noted that the operation seeks to consolidate Nigeria’s post-reform stability and promote inclusive growth across key sectors.

Implementation will be coordinated through the Federal Ministry of Finance, with the World Bank approving the preparation process to proceed.

Since 2023, Nigeria has embarked on sweeping reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy, the unification of exchange rates, and the termination of Central Bank deficit financing.

The Federal Government maintains that these measures, championed under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, have stabilised the economy, narrowed fiscal deficits and restored investor confidence.

Despite the gains, the country continues to face sluggish economic growth, with more than 130 million Nigerians still living in poverty.

The World Bank, while acknowledging the progress made so far, observed that the economy “has yet to shift decisively into a higher and inclusive growth path”.

It emphasised the need for new investments to boost productivity, diversify exports, and create employment.

The proposed DPF focuses on two key pillars — unlocking private sector growth and reducing the cost of doing business — while expanding opportunities in agriculture, trade and digital services.

The first pillar aims to expand access to finance and promote digital inclusion. It will support the Investment and Securities Act 2025, introduce new credit enhancement facilities and back the Central Bank of Nigeria Rulebook to strengthen microfinance and non-bank financial institutions.

It also seeks to advance the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025, which will establish a legal framework for electronic transactions, authentication services, and digital record management.

The second pillar targets cost reduction for businesses and households, addressing inflationary pressures and enhancing export competitiveness.

 

 

 

 


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SiBAN Partners Vontech to Strengthen Nigeria’s Blockchain Ecosystem with $100,000 AWS Cloud Support for Startups

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The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Vontech, an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, to advance blockchain innovation and capacity building across Nigeria’s digital economy.

Through this collaboration, blockchain startups and developers in Nigeria will gain access to $100,000 in AWS Cloud credits, empowering them to build, scale, and optimize solutions that leverage cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in SiBAN’s mission to create an enabling environment for blockchain adoption, regulatory engagement, and sustainable innovation within the country. By connecting local builders with global technology resources, SiBAN continues to champion a future where Nigerian blockchain projects can compete and collaborate on a global scale.

“At SiBAN, our vision is to make Nigeria one of the safest and most vibrant blockchain ecosystems in the world. This partnership with AWS and Vontech reflects our commitment to equipping our members and startups with the technical foundation needed to innovate confidently and grow sustainably,” Obinna Iwuno

SiBAN invites blockchain founders, startups, and ecosystem enablers to join its growing network of innovators, regulators, and investors working together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital asset and Web3 landscape.

By becoming a SiBAN member, you gain access to training programs, international partnerships, policy advocacy, and exclusive opportunities like this AWS initiative designed to drive real impact across the blockchain sector.

 


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UK Launches Phase Two of Nigeria–UK PACT Fund to Boost Clean Energy and Climate Action

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United Kingdom has officially launched Phase Two of the Nigeria–UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) Fund, unveiling a new package of support aimed at powering Nigeria’s clean energy transition and climate resilience.

The announcement was made at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, where the UK government revealed eight new technical assistance projects and five expert deployments designed to help Nigeria implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

UK PACT is a flagship programme under the UK Government’s International Climate Finance portfolio, jointly managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

It operates across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, providing technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge exchange to support climate commitments and inclusive transitions.

Launched in 2021, the Nigeria–UK PACT Fund has supported Nigeria in strengthening climate governance, mobilising finance, and implementing clean energy and nature-based solutions aligned with the country’s Energy Transition Plan, Climate Change Act, and NDCs.

The new portfolio focuses on two key areas: clean energy transition and climate policy and governance.

Five clean energy projects will scale up decentralised renewable energy solutions, enhance energy sector institutions’ capacity to integrate renewables, and create market-enabling environments to attract private investment.

Implementing partners include Landell Mills, Africa PPP Advisory Services, Mercy Corps, Wayne Energy Consult, and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Three climate policy and governance projects will build institutional capacity, improve data systems for evidence-based policymaking, and foster policy frameworks to encourage private sector innovation.

Expert deployments will support the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Partners include the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, Perspectives Climate Research gGmbH, and University of York.

The projects are expected to enhance climate data tracking, facilitate small-scale hydropower deployment, strengthen Nigeria’s climate negotiation skills, and unlock over $8 billion in private investment for renewable energy in the healthcare sector.

The UK government said these efforts form a foundation for deeper engagement in Nigeria’s journey to net zero.


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AfriTECH 5.0 and ATAEx Awards Light Up Lagos Today

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The anticipation is electric. Tomorrow, November 13, 2025, the grand halls of the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, will pulse with innovation, ideas, and inspiration as Africa’s brightest technology minds gather for the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH) 5.0 and Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards.

From 9:00 AM (WAT), industry leaders, regulators, investors, and digital disruptors will converge under one compelling theme: “AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence.”

At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming global industries, AfriTECH 5.0 stands as a rallying point, a call to Africa to own its narrative, shape its technologies, and build sustainable digital systems powered by homegrown innovation.

“This isn’t just another tech conference,” says Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTECH 5.0. “It’s where bold ideas meet real impact, where Africa’s digital journey is redefined through collaboration, vision, and courage.”

The stage will welcome a constellation of thought leaders including Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, founder/Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Ltd., George Agu, Group President, ActivEdge Technologies, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria, Muhammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), and Dr. (Mrs.) Ebehijie Momoh CEO, AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited.

Others are; Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO, SKOT Communications, Mr. Chidi Okpala, Personal Branding Expert, Mr. Chudi Ajuzie, Group CEO, WTES Ltd, and John Itodo, AI & Tech Innovator for Emerging Markets.

This year’s event goes beyond speeches; it’s a story of Africa’s awakening. The Fireside Chat, hosted by Lagos Blockchain Week, featuring: Chukwuemeka Enoch Mbaebie, convener, Lagos Blockchain Week, Senator Ihenyen, lead partner at Infusion Lawyers, and past President of SiBAN, and Damilare Aregbesola, West Africa Lead – Coinbase, will ignite conversations around blockchain, transparency, and the continent’s march toward decentralized governance.

And when the day turns to mid-day, the spotlight shifts to the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards (ATAEx), a celebration of excellence, honoring individuals and organizations shaping Africa’s digital destiny.

Supported by Digital Encode (Platinum Sponsor), alongside itel, SKOT Communications, Tecom, AfriGoPay, Tizel Cybersecurity, and ActivEdge Technologies, AfriTECH 5.0 is powered by a shared vision: to make Africa’s digital future truly sovereign.

Backed by over 15 media outlets including, AriseTV, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, RavenewsOnline.com, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek.com.ng, GrassRoots.ng, ITPulse.com.ng TechnologyMirror.com.ng, DigitalTimesng.com, CyberEra.com.ng, TechnologyMirror.com.ng ITRealms.com.ng, SwiftReporters.com, BusinessRemarks, BusinessMetricsng.com, TechandBizNews, amongst others, attendance to AfriTECH 5.0 is free, but registration is required. For virtual participants, join live via this link.


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