Africa

From the outset, Ecobank Nigeria was designed – and destined – to be a regional banking leader, with the belief “that there was room for a regional bank to interconnect West Africa” and promote interregional trade. Jibril Aku, Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, discusses the nation’s banking sector, its potential as a regional hub, and how Ecobank can offer investors a single, region-wide entry point to “hit the ground running” in a variety of markets.

Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria talks to World Report about Nigeria’s financial sector and the investment opportunities – particularly in infrastructure and agriculture – that abound in the West African nation “that has the potential to outpace every other country within the developing world.”

Wole Abegunde, Managing Director of Meristem Securities Ltd, a four-part investment banking group that seeks to add value and create wealth for its clients, discusses with World Report what is on the horizon in Nigeria’s financial sector and the importance of having a strong research department and market analyses to produce accurate, valuable information.

In a recent interview with Worldfolio, MD of Nigeria’s Diamond Bank talks about the bank’s recent performance and the effective changes he has made since he entered the bank in 2011. He also comments on the bank’s recent rebranding, and its first move out of Nigeria, with the likely acquisition of a UK bank

Following the global financial crisis of 2008, Nigeria’s banking system was on the verge of collapse, straining under the weight of bad loans. In some of the country´s banks, the ratio of Non-Performing Loans (NPL) to the total outstanding credits was as high as 60%

The nation’s banks are functioning again thanks to a highly comprehensive rescue package from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) frees banks from toxic assets to boost credit flow into the economy

The Nigerian Export-Import Bank, NEXIM, is aiming to become Africa’s most prominent export development bank by 2015

Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Governor of Nigeria´s Kaduna State, was interviewed by United World -our international press agency operating in exclusive partnership with USA Today- shortly before an accident that ended his life. Yakowa - passionate, enduring, committed and with an unmistakeable smile- worked until the end to develop a stronger and better international image for Kaduna state, also known as the ‘Centre of Learning.’

The Nigerian Ports Authority is working to upgrade port infrastructure, expand facilities and improve security

NIMASA is committed to the enthronement of best practices in the provision of maritime services

NIMASA (Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency) aims to create the perfect environment for the foreign private sector through transparency, accountability, guarantees and attractive profits

For one of Nigeria’s leading shipping services companies, training is key, as are the expansion of port facilities and improved access to funding

Isaac Jolapamo, President of ISAN, highlights the need for more technical assistance and financing from abroad

Even though the aviation sector in Nigeria is going through difficult times, luxury fixed-base operators like EAN are turning around the concept of air travel in Nigeria and beyond

Mr. Habib Abdullahi, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, says his country is like “a sleeping giant,” whose economy has an enormous potential beyond just the oil and gas sectors. But in order to realize that potential, there must be an uninterrupted flow of goods and services to and from the country, for which an efficient port system is a must

Victor Borges, Mozambican Minister of Fisheries, speaks with Upper Reach about the importance fishing has long held in the economy, and how reforms and investments will raise its status and allow it to raise its contribution to the economy

Arnaldo Tembe, Director of waste management and environmental services provider Interwaste Mozambique Lda, speaks to Globus Vision about what is behind the country’s ongoing successful development and how persistence, faith and confidence have kept his company on track and aiming to become the industry’s point of reference in southern Africa.

Governor of Borno State speaks about the determination of its inhabitants and of those in office to secure a peaceful, prosperous future for the self-proclaimed “Home of Peace”

Governor Jang shares a message of hope and optimism for potential investors to this beautiful and resource rich state

Zambia’s only authorised distributor of Mercedes Benz, Chrysler/Jeep, GWM, Mitsubishi and Fuso cars and trucks, Southern Cross Motors Ltd brings some of the world’s most foremost vehicles to the Zambia’s forecourts

Encouraged by successful reforms, investors are aiding Nigeria along its path of economic development and diversification

The maritime sector has become one of the priorities of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government in its race towards economic diversification

It’s no secret that Nigeria’s wealth stems mainly from its vast oil and gas resources, yet the country is making strides in other sectors as well, including mining and manufacturing

The WAYE Foundation in Plateau State is educating youth and women and providing them with opportunities to reach a higher quality of life

Nigerians have trusted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to govern the country since 1999. Dr. Ahlaji Bamanga Tukur, PDP National Chairman, talks about Nigeria´s successes and the challenges ahead.

As the country continues to strive towards its Vision 2020 goal, the PDP is now looking to education as an important vehicle to drive the African state into the future.

Literacy rates are up and new high schools and universities have been built to keep ahead of demand in a country hungry for education opportunities. The University of Cabo Verde was established in 2006 and offers Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees

A stable democracy celebrating fifty-five years of independence, bolstered by new-found wealth from oil and gas: Ghana can view the future with confidence

As part of the Cameroon Government’s far-reaching programme of reforms

UniMetro is creating a new generation of globally competitive entrepreneurs

Youthful in both history and people, Cameroon puts great emphasis on educating its young population

According to Filipe Chimoio Paúnde, General Secretary of the incumbent Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), “It is the role of the state to apply the best policies for the benefit of everyone.” As such, the government is pulling out all the stops to ensure the country’s socioeconomic development is as widespread as possible and that the megaprojects under way positively impact on people’s lives in the surrounding communities. He speaks to Upper Reach about the importance of education and the role of women, and the government’s bid to improve and invest in the non-resource rich areas to generate an even income distribution and inclusive development.

Olusola Obada, Nigerian Minister of Defence, meets with PM Communications to discuss the role of Nigeria in regional peacekeeping along with its neighbours and the UN, as well as the steps being taken to increase security at home

The administration of Governor Sule Lamido is focusing strongly on empowering people through comprehensive human development programmes that are already showing impressive results in raising living standards for the people

The Nigerian state has given much attention to its education sector, and according to its governor, now needs outside investors to help it take full advantage of its agriculture and mining industries.

President Moncef Marzouki gave this exclusive interview to Globus Vision six days before the murder of Chokri Belaid, the leader of the opposition coalition the Popular Front. For 45 minutes, the President of the Republic of Tunisia spoke about his vision and his expectations for the new post-revolutionary Tunisia, a country plunged into political turmoil by the recent events that attempted to boycott the democratic consolidation started in January 2011 with the ousting of Dictator Zine Ben Ali.

A landmark project both physically and historically, the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Dam, or Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), is a source of intense national pride and an essential lever for the development of Mozambique.

The wide array of support services Nigeria’s Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc provides to the country’s energy and mining sectors, which fall into five broad categories: oil and gas services, marine and logistic support services, dredging and reclamation works, offshore vessel chartering, and road transportation and logistical services. Group Managing Director Paul Jegede tells World Report about how legislation in the mining sector is taking shape, Japaul’s pride in its operational safety and security record, the culture of shared aspirations at the company, and the management’s insistence on integrity when it comes to joint ventures.

Having pioneered a one-stop approach to logistics services for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Intels Nigeria Ltd. has become the logistical leader in providing key support services to the country’s most important sector. Managing Director Simone Volpi discusses Intels’ plans to take the industry forward, how the port and free zone at Onne have the edge over rival installations, and the government rubber stamping a new, $500m phase of development at Onne.

Active in agri-business, energy and hospitality, Transcorp creates synergies and provides an ideal platform for talented individuals to flourish and businesses to grow. World Report meets with Obinna Ufudo, the company’s President and CEO

Dr. Anthony Chukwueke, Director of Transcorp Energy Ltd., the oil, gas and power subsidiary of the Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc., highlights the ongoing advances in the country’s oil and gas sector in an interview with World Report. From stimulating growth in other sectors of the economy to seeking out technological advances in petroleum extraction and processing, Dr. Chukwueke also covers the key importance of the involvement of the private sector and international players in the industry for its continued development.

Dahiru Mohammed, Chairman & CEO of Damagix Nigeria, the country´s leading indigenous pipeline supply company, has some advice for young companies: keep the focus on your core business and on your clients- and don´t try to expand too quickly

The Nigerian government is committed to a real social and economic development through better use of its resources

Amni Petroleum has shown that an indigenous oil and gas company can survive and prosper in Nigeria – no mean feat, given the intense competition in this highly lucrative sector

Mobile telecom services have grown rapidly in recent years, while IT access and use still needs greater promotion

When Colombia Business School was looking for a successful, cutting-edge, high-tech African company to feature in a case study for its MBA hopefuls, it chose Nigeria's Computer Warehouse Group (CWG)

Nigeria has long been an entertainment powerhouse, exporting its music and cinema around the world

Getesa is in charge of developing national and international communications, and marketing value-added services. A joint venture between the government and France Telecom, who market their products as Orange, GETESA is recognised as symbol of the country's progress as it is the leading force driving innovation and modernization of the telecoms industry

With all the development taking place in Equatorial Guinea, its people are entering an age of enlightenment

TPA produces and broadcasts relevant programming for Angolans both at home and living abroad

Algeria is set to catch up by granting 3G licences to its three mobile operators in a move that will boost competition and benefit the consumer

John Ugbe, Managing Director of Multichoice Nigeria, shares with Upper Reach his vision for the Nigerian branch of this pioneering multinational television services company; from shareholder relationships to CSR initiatives to providing local content, Multichoice is a solid part of Nigeria’s growth

Akin Laoye, Executive Director of FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, speaks with World Report about the huge potential Nigerian agriculture holds, and discusses the role his company plays in boosting the sector

The conglomerate Flour Mills of Nigeria has increased its capacity to promote agriculture and development in Nigeria and to support the government’s economic policy

Nigeria’s agriculture giant has diversified to different company segments

Globus Vision spoke in Nigeria’s commercial and economic capital, Lagos, with Chief Emmanuel A Ukpabi, Group Managing Director of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, the country’s largest flour producer

The goal of the government is to make Nigeria an agriculturally industrialized economy, to create wealth, jobs and markets for farmers, and to revive the rural economy. With 70 per cent of employment deriving from the agricultural sector, the needs for its development are obvious

Agriculture, employing over 70 per cent of Nigeria's population, is a mainstay of the country's economy. However, rising food prices and food scarcity worldwide as well as challenges such as infrastructure gaps remain obstacles the country must overcome in order to feed and empower its citizens and move the country forward

You take a country in which agriculture is the primary economic activity, that is home to 20 per cent of Africa's total population and that has doubled its GDP over the past 13 years to grow at a current rate of 7.4 per cent, and most people would expect to find a market of hungry consumers of staple foods and whatever processed products can be made from them

Heavily reliant on agriculture, the country's Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology ventures to address climate-related issues and develop innovative solutions

Blending international standards with warm African hospitality, Eko Hotel & Suites is a top choice for accommodations in Lagos, for business travellers and tourists alike

Nestled in the heart of the government area of Lagos is Southern Sun Ikoyi, part of Africa's leading hotel group, Tsogo Sun

Victor Calvo, the Commercial Manager of Iberia Equatorial Guinea, outlines his vision for the company and details the recent growth in aviation traffic in the African country

Founded in 2007, CEIBA is the country's flagship airline. It has come a long way since it started operating with a single second-hand plane

The aviation sector can aid Equatorial Guinea's economic take off and improve the fortunes of the masses

Equatorial Guinea's vast natural resources and modernizing cities, coupled with its Spanish influence, make tourism a promising sector

The popular hotel chain just opened a new establishment in Bata amidst exciting branding changes in the company