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Dangote leverages AfCFTA to create new trade routes

Ehime Alex
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Dangote leverages AfCFTA to create new trade routes

 

The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, says the company’s cement expansion plan and fertiliser investment are strategic to opening new trade routes for Nigeria under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

Dangote disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He said the cement company, with an installed capacity of 29.3 million tonnes per annum in Nigeria, was targeting an expanded entity in Cameroon, revealing that new plants will soon be ready in Niger, Benin, Ghana, Cote D ‘Ivoire and Togo.

According to him, there is a need for Africa to improve its per capita consumption of cement to aid infrastructural development by stimulating further demand and forcing down the cost of the commodity.

Dangote said the report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development on the development of deficit infrastructure to ensure competitiveness in the AfCFTA had moved the company to leverage the deficit with its cement investment.

“For Dangote Industries Ltd., moving goods like cement by road from Nigeria where they are manufactured to Ghana, where there is a big market, is ‘unviable,’ hence the need for new plants that will open multiple trade routes,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development of Cameroon, Gabriel Dodo Ndocke, hailed the move saying since the establishment of Dangote Cement in Cameroon, accessibility to cement products, the price and the quality have become more enhanced.

“Today, you can get cement everywhere and the price is accessible for everyone and the market has been open to other investors creating job opportunities. Dangote has thrown the market open and before he came to Cameroon, our market was with just one investor in the sector.

“The presence of other investors has made it easy for us to get cement in good quality and at an accessible price,” he said.

The AfCFTA, which took off on January 1, 2021, is aimed at creating a single market for the movement of capital, goods, people and investments to further deepen Africa’s economic integration.

#FixPolitics commences training for new political leaders in Africa 

Ehime Alex
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#FixPolitics commences training for new political leaders in Africa 

#FixPolitics is set to commence operations at its unconventional ‘School of Politics, Policy, and Governance’.

The SPPG is part of the group’s agenda to build value-based political thinkers of economic and human development in Africa.

The school, designed to provide a threshold of knowledge for public office seekers, will begin to accept applications in January 2021, according to a statement by the Publicist and Spokesperson of FixPolitics, Mr. Ozioma Ubabukoh, on Friday.

#FixPolitics said the foundational programme would come with a careful blend of global, continental and Nigerian-based learning.

“An unconventional school of the research-anchored #FixPolitics initiative is uniquely designed to transform politics in Nigeria and the rest of Africa, by building a massive base and pipeline of a new value-based and disruptive thinking political class with the requisite knowledge and skills to solve complex problems of development.

“It is a transformative opportunity for current and future leaders with a commitment to public service.

“We offer a unique opportunity for our students to learn from leading academics and practitioners in the fields of politics, policy, and governance as they interact among themselves to build a new class of political leadership talent base for Nigeria,” the statement read.

It noted that the increasing evidence of lack of leadership, efficient and good governance impede economic and human development, “which have eroded countries’ trust in Africa’s democratic institutions, among others.”

It also read, “Corruption remains pervasive as the ruling elite live flamboyant lifestyles, looting public funds at the expense of ordinary citizens. Very often, even the minimum expectations of citizens towards their government, are seldom met. The range of unmet citizens’ expectations from governance has kept on growing wider and deeper.”

The SPPG will cover courses in politics, ethics and leadership; political economy and engagement in a democracy; economic and sector policies for inclusive growth and shared prosperity; good governance, institutions building and citizens’ engagement; trends in public leadership and innovations; running for political office and capstone community projects, #FixPolitics highlighted.

“We envision a programme that can run yearly for two cohorts of 500 participants with a six-month curriculum comprising seven thematic clusters identified as spheres that are key to the development of a peaceful, prosperous and progressive country in the 21st-century.

“We have built a digital collaborative learning model that is scalable and allows borderless education of students wherever they are, around Nigeria and beyond. The SPPG teaching system can be leveraged to deliver a transformational Certificate in Public Leadership and Politics,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Interim Chief Executive Officer, SPPG, Mrs. Alero Ayida-Otobo, said, “The school is a game-changer. This is what we have been waiting for – an opportunity to build a new class of political leaders known for their character, competence and strong capacity to deliver on their promise of good governance and excellent leadership.”

Detailed information on enrollment, admissions, programme structure, among others, are available via www.thesppg.org.

CIBN to hold seventh national economic outlook 

Ehime Alex
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CIBN to hold seventh national economic outlook 

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria’s Centre for Financial Studies in collaboration with B. Adedipe Associates Limited will hold a roundtable session on ‘7th National Economic Outlook: Implications for Businesses in Nigeria in 2021’ on January 19, 2021.

CIBN’s spokesman, Nelson Olagundoye, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the annual event is aimed to engage all stakeholders in key sectors of the country’s economy.

The forum would also discuss topical and emerging issues in the banking industry and economy and their implications for businesses, he stated.

“The seventh edition is particularly significant as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on key sectors of the economy in 2021 will be examined. Furthermore, avenues on how businesses in key sectors can survive and grow despite the rough terrain will also be tackled,” the CIBN spokesman noted, adding that the virtual event will feature selected subject matter and experts who will share insights on the preceding year and practicable solutions for businesses in the current year.

Olagundoye added, “Subject matter experts featured include Chairman, Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Dr. Doyin Salami, who will deliver the keynote address.

“Others distinguished panelists are Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Ayoola Olukanni,, Chief Executive Officer, AFEX Commodity Exchange, Ayodeji Balogun, Divisional Chief Executive, Interswitch, Akeem Lawal, and Managing Director/CEO, Infinity Paint International Limited, Johnson Seinde Samuel, among others will participate.”

Electricity: TCN records all-time peak of 5,552.80mw 

Ehime Alex
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Electricity: TCN records all-time peak of 5,552.80mw 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria says it has successfully transmitted an enhanced all-time peak of 5,552.80 megawatts on Wednesday at 8.15 pm.

The company’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to Mbah, the latest all-time peak transmitted surpassed the last peak generation of 5,520.40mw by TCN on October 30, 2020, pointing out that the new peak is an indication of the gradual but consistent growth in the capability of the power sector under the present administration.

With the capacity to transmit 8,100mw, TCN said it transmitted the enhanced peak through the nation’s grid at a frequency of 50.08Hz.

Commenting, acting Managing Director of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, said, “TCN will continue to build more substations as well as install additional transformers in various substations nationwide.

“It is also restringing old transmission lines to further increase their capacity to transmit more bulk electricity for distribution companies nationwide.”

Africa Oil & Power: Dealmakers to gather in Paris 

Jimoh Peters
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Africa Oil & Power: Dealmakers to gather in Paris 

Africa Oil & Power says it will host Francophone African government delegations and European financiers at the first AOP Investor Forum to be held in Paris in 2021 on June 16-18.

The event, a two-day programme, is “entirely dedicated to getting major commitments committed and signed,” according to AOP, between European investors and African companies and governments. 

The event is expected to promote continued synergy between petroleum and renewables actors and drive a new positive narrative aiming to balance African development needs, climate goals, and economic growth in Africa.
“Energy, in all its forms including oil and gas, is the cornerstone of Africa’s re-emergence from COVID-19. We believe that now is the time for African companies and governments to look again at their European partnerships and to push forward with deals that power their economies,” said AOP’s Managing Director, Renée Montez-Avinir.

She added, “The energy transition, and the future funding of African oil and gas projects, plus Europe’s role in African investment going forward, will be at the heart of our discussions at the Paris investor forum. Oil and gas will continue to play an important part in Africa’s energy mix and economic expansion.”

Nexford University: 5 trends accelerated by COVID-19

Ehime Alex
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0
Nexford University: 5 trends accelerated by COVID-19

If 2020 was the year that organizations made the transition to a work-from-anywhere future, 2021 will be the year of unlocking possibilities, the year when virtual jobs will become more mainstream.

For Nigerians in particular, this matters more so than in many other countries! It means that many Nigerians will no longer have to choose between local – and sometimes limited – job opportunities and immigration. With the growth in virtual jobs, one’s physical location is becoming less relevant. The global pandemic has stunted personal development among many, but as we begin our 2021 journey, we look at 5 trends accelerated by COVID-19 to help you reignite those ambitions. Did you promise yourself career progression, a pay rise, or to launch a new business? It’s not too late, 2021 can be different, and you can be stronger than ever.

 

Trend 1: Flexibility

Juggling life and work went under the lens. The global pandemic forced employees to work from home. Schools went remote. Businesses faced crises. Before 2020, a movement was stirring.

Technology and digital connectivity had advanced so far and so fast that people had begun to ask, “Do we really need to be in an office, together, to do our work?”  The answer globally has been, “No!”

Is work from anywhere here to stay? Flexibility is. Work-from-anywhere organizations have the potential to reverse the brain drain that can often exist in developing markets, small towns, and rural locations. New career opportunities are opening up, regardless of physical location. You can be online in Nigeria and work with an organization in Canada. You can study at an online American university, without leaving your job in Abuja.

 

Trend 2: Digital transformation

COVID-19 has fast-forwarded digital adoption by at least five years. Are you one of the 58% who has experienced a “skill transformation” since the start of the pandemic? Since the world moved online, tech skills are no longer limited to tech roles. Digital skills are now part of almost every role. Gartner TalentNeuron™ data shows that technology industry leaders like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft look for a digital skill set that includes engineering, digital transformation, security, and tech infrastructure.

The most valuable skills you can build for your future now are hard and soft skills, together. To stand out you need to be equally confident speaking the language of business and technology. You can bridge the gap between business and tech by earning an online MBA from universities such as Nexford University.

Accelerate the shift to digital and focus your online MBA with a specialization in areas such as artificial intelligence or e-commerce.

 

Trend 3: Affordability

The economies of many countries have been shattered by the pandemic, and these economic challenges will impact people’s choices. Choosing a university is one of the most important choices you’ll ever make. We all face an uncertain economic future, but universities with campuses come at a cost. University learners will continue to embrace online learning experiences. Quality online education, at a price you can afford, shouldn’t be impossible. Nexford University, for example, offers affordable monthly tuition, just $160/month for an MBA in Nigeria. Studies show that you have a 95% chance of completing a goal if you commit a time and a date to someone. Nexford’s monthly tuition helps you commit to your goals, and keeps you motivated – the faster you finish, the less you pay. On average, the MBA takes just 15 months tO complete, costing a total of $2,400 for the entire degree.

 

Trend 4: Self-discipline

By 2025, 50 percent of all employees will need reskilling, according to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Future of Jobs Report.’ One trend accelerated by COVID-19 is learning how to learn, and learning “on the job” takes self-discipline. Online education is arguably the best way to arm a work-from-anywhere generation with the right tools and self-discipline. Employers are increasingly appreciating the level of self-discipline it takes to complete an online degree, arguably more so than a traditional one. In-demand skills will change as jobs change in the next five years. Nexford University designed its curriculum based on what employers need, including self-discipline. The top skills groups which employers see as the most important in 2021 include critical thinking and analysis as well as problem-solving, and skills in self-management such as active learning, resilience, and flexibility.

 

Trend 5: Adaptability

COVID-19 has taught us that different is now normal. Masks on. Shops shut. Established businesses now gone. By 2025, 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms. Change is constant and normal. Be willing to change because life won’t stay the same. With online education, you can study anywhere, become anything. 

Apply now to enroll at Nexford University from Nigeria and start seizing your goals in 2021. Don’t let COVID-19 get in the way of your ambition.

Blue Prism accelerates intelligent automation for cloud users

Jimoh Peters
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Blue Prism accelerates intelligent automation for cloud users

Blue Prism has announced a new offering of Blue Prism intelligent automation software on Microsoft’s AppSource and Azure Marketplaces.

The move is expected to enhance access for both Blue Prism and Microsoft customers, and underwrite Blue Prism’s position as the intelligent automation and robotic process automation leader in the cloud.
The new ‘Bring Your Own Licence’ offering for Azure Marketplace and AppSource is pre-loaded with select Azure Cognitive Services – including Azure Text Analytics, Azure Form Recognizer, and Azure Computer Vision – all of which customers can license directly through Microsoft. 

“This combination of Blue Prism and Azure Cognitive Services gives our customers a greater choice with Artificial Intelligence-enabled, self-service experience that is provisioned via Microsoft Azure,” said Chief Partner Strategy Officer at Blue Prism, Linda Dotts. 

“Advanced intelligent automation in the cloud provides multiple advantages for our customers, most notably the ability to instantly scale to meet enterprise demands.”
Blue Prism accelerators now exist for Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft’s Power Automate gallery, Microsoft’s Healthcare Cloud; with Form Recognizer, Text Analytics and Azure Computer Vision.
“Customers can embrace the transformative potential of intelligent automation and drive impactful change within their organisations, and this is now fully supported by Microsoft,” said Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Blue Prism, Jason Kingdon. 

He added, “We are offering customers more flexible cloud deployment options delivering on Blue Prism’s vision of giving customers end-to-end automation solutions that cover the broadest range of information technology environments, including on-premises, hybrid, public cloud, and SaaS.”

St. Regis Cairo opens on the Nile 

Jimoh Peters
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St. Regis Cairo opens on the Nile 

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International has announced the opening of St. Regis Cairo. 

“Rising tall on the banks of the River Nile, The St. Regis Cairo is an illustrious icon weaving a powerful story of luxury in the region. Located at the north end of the Corniche, in the heart of Egypt’s bustling metropolis, the 39-story hotel offers easy access to the magnificent monuments of a city steeped in history,” a statement by the hospitality group said.

To celebrate the opening, St. Regis Cairo hosted a special ceremony attended by Minister of Finance for Qatar, Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Chairman of Qatari Diar, Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatari Diar, Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, United States Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin, President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, Satya Anand, among other dignitaries.

“Egypt has historically been one of our key markets and strategically significant to our growth in the region,” said Anand. 

“Cairo is a storied destination that has long mesmerized the global traveller with its incredible energy offering a vibrant mix of history, culture, tradition, and glamour. The St. Regis Cairo is an exciting addition to our fast-growing brand portfolio and is set to elevate Cairo’s luxury hospitality landscape with its remarkable design, uncompromising service, and exceptional culinary venues.”

Al Attiyah added, “We are delighted to strengthen our global portfolio of hospitality developments with the opening of The St. Regis Cairo. This luxury landmark will introduce higher standards of hospitality to this beautiful destination with its unparalleled levels of luxury and exceptional service – both of which the iconic St. Regis brand is renowned for.”

AfDB appoints Nigerian to head East Africa office 

Jimoh Peters
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AfDB appoints Nigerian to head East Africa office 

The African Development Bank Group has announced the appointment of Nnenna Lily Nwabufo as director general, East Africa Region.

As director general (East Africa), Nwabufo will be responsible for leading and advancing AfDB’s strategic objective of achieving significant and transformational developmental impact in 13 countries in East Africa. 

Specifically, she will lead high-level dialogues at country and regional levels and across “bank sector complexes” as well as oversee the full implementation and integration of all aspects of AfDB’s work in the region. 

Nwabufo joined AfDB’s Treasury Department in 1991 where she worked at different professional levels for over a decade. Subsequently, she took on progressive management level responsibilities including, manager in the General Services and Procurement Department from March 2007, director of Programming and Budget Department in January 2013, acting director, Human Resource Management Department, and acting vice president for Corporate Services from May 2015 to May 2016. 

Before joining the bank in August 1991, she worked as a treasury management expert in two merchant banks in Nigeria rising to become the treasury manager of one of them.

Speaking on her appointment, Nwabufo said, “I am very pleased to be appointed by President Adesina as the director general for the bank’s East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office and to support his vision for the continent. I have no doubt that working together with all internal and external stakeholders, we can make a difference and bring much-needed development to East African citizens.”

Nnenna holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and a Master of Business Administration from Henley Management College, Henley on Thames, United Kingdom.

Ovamba, Singularity launch TradeTech partnership in Egypt 

Jimoh Peters
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0
Ovamba, Singularity launch TradeTech partnership in Egypt 

TradeTech innovator, Ovamba Solutions, and financial services provider, Singularity Finance have partnered to deliver financial inclusion and growth capital to small and growing businesses in Egypt. Singularity was the first to sign a Reseller Agreement with Ovamba in the region. 

This new partnership gives Singularity the rights to sell Ovamba’s digital solutions to banks, microfinance institutions, and other alternative providers of trade finance to small and medium enterprises in Egypt.

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Singularity, Mohamed Taysir, said, “With this partnership, we at Singularity have been able to expand our financial eco-system offering; by adding a set of bank-grade products that are tailored for our part of the world. Even more so we are empowered to start offering this tool to other Banks and MFIs to start rolling out their own platforms; this allows for a true disruption in how we as a country can reach financial inclusion.” 

He added, “Singularity’s ability to contribute to such an important national directive is enhanced by our partnership with Ovamba which will allow for even more disruption on the Pan-African level.”

Co-Founder and President of Ovamba, Viola Llewellyn, said, “We are excited about this partnership. Ovamba has invested significantly in BankPartner™, Pamoja™, and Jasmeera™. Embedding Islamic finance elements into our technologies and business systems has proven to be very effective at de-risking small business finance. Egypt is an important market, and Singularity are well-positioned to pioneer in an era of business growth for small businesses and digital engagement for Financial Institutions.”

Both Ovamba and Singularity, in responding to the near future outlook, said that they expected to be “fully engaging banks and serving businesses in quarter one of 2021.”

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