Colombian President Gustavo Petro has confirmed that his government has finalised a $4.3 billion agreement with Swedish defence manufacturer Saab for the purchase of 17 Gripen fighter jets, marking one of the country’s largest military acquisitions in recent years. While Bogotá first disclosed plans in April to procure aircraft from Saab, it did not previously…
By Ayomide Otitoju COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago has reiterated that this year’s climate summit must place “people at the centre” of global climate action. However, a coalition of fragile and conflict-affected states says more than one billion of the world’s most vulnerable people are still being excluded from critical climate finance. In a…
By Ayomide Otitoju American branding consultant and Brandstream CEO, Scott Bedbury, has said that enduring brands are those that evolve beyond products to connect with customers’ passions and emotions. “The most successful businesses don’t just serve — they engage, delight, and become part of life’s memorable moments,” he noted. FirstBank appears to be embracing this…
By Ayomide Otitoju President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), has been announced as a key participant in the African Energy Chamber’s G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, scheduled for November 21 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The forum brings together global investors, project developers, and African stakeholders to advance financing solutions aimed at transforming…
By Ayomide Otitoju Polaris Bank has reinforced its position as a leader in digital innovation and inclusive banking, winning the MSME Digital Bank of the Year (Inclusive Growth) award at the second edition of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards held recently in Lagos. Organized by the Africa Global Economic Forum in partnership with PROSHARE,…
By Ayomide Otitoju The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has thrown its weight behind a proposed bill seeking to increase its share capital from ₦50 billion to ₦1 trillion, while also calling for the removal of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from its governing board. Speaking on Wednesday at a one-day public hearing organised by…
By Ayomide Otitoju Global internet freedom has fallen for the 15th consecutive year, with notable declines recorded in both the United States and Germany, according to a new report released Thursday by Freedom House, a Washington-based democracy research organisation. The 2025 edition of the Freedom on the Net report found that Western democracies are increasingly…
By Ayomide Otitoju Japanese automaker Toyota has announced plans to invest an additional $10 billion in the United States over the next five years, confirming earlier remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Asia. The new commitment will bring Toyota’s total investment in the U.S. to nearly $60 billion since…
By Ayomide Otitoju The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has praised Dangote Group for its role in driving industrial transformation and economic growth during the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) Dangote Group Special Day. Addressing attendees, LCCI President Mr. Gabriel Idahosa highlighted the Group’s resilience and strategic foresight, noting that its sustained…
