Complexity and lack of integration hampering Cloud adoption by businesses, Says Oracle

Oracle’s new pan-EMEA study reveals that while many European companies are embracing the move to the Cloud, nearly half are struggling, wrestling with increases in Cloud integration costs and data silos. A key reason: more than 60% of a company’s overall IT spend is being driven by individual business units versus traditional IT departments, making it difficult for companies to fully benefit from the Cloud services they are subscribing to.

Another significant part of the problem is that most organizations continue to fund their IT investments without aligning to revenue potential and innovative projects: two in three business decision makers said IT funding is too traditional and is stifling innovation, while one in three IT-decision makers admit their organizations’ IT funding models are hindering them from IT innovation, according to Oracle’s Putting Cultural Transformation at the Heart of Cloud Success report. For the research, Oracle partnered with Coleman Parkes to survey 600 senior IT and line of business decision makers across Europe and the Middle East

Time to change funding models

The findings reveal businesses must rethink their IT funding models and undergo a cultural transformation in order to fully exploit the benefits of cloud computing. One third (33%) of respondents say an inappropriate IT funding model is inhibiting their business. One third (33%) also believe their company’s IT culture is unfit for the cloud computing age.

Central Bank of Nigeria Licenses 11 International Money Transfer Operators

11 international money transfer operators (IMTOs) have been licensed to operate in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The names of the operaters were published by the apex bank recently.

According to Isaac Okorafor (Ag. Director, Corporate Communications) in the statement, this was done as part of efforts to liberalise the Foreign Exchange Market, ensure liquidity and make foreign exchange more readily available to low end users.

The newly licensed IMTOs include: Trans-Fast Remittance LLC, Worldremit Limited, UAE Exchange Centre LLC, Wari Limited, Homesend SCRL, Small World Financial Services Group Limited, Weblink International Limited, Cashpot Limited, DT&T Corporation Limited, FIEM Group LLC DBA Ping Express and CP Express Limited.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to providing an enabling environment for international money transfer services in Nigeria.

Facebook CEO in Nigeria to witness Africa's tech revolution

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is in Nigeria on his first trip to Africa, using his time in the country to visit the Yaba technology hub in Lagos, meet with developers and partners, and explore Nollywood.

Zuckerberg is in Nigeria to listen and learn and take ideas back to California on how Facebook can better support tech development and entrepreneurship across Africa.

One of his first stops on the trip was to visit a 'Summer of Code Camp' at the Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) in Yaba, known as the Silicon Valley of Nigeria.

CcHub opened in 2011 and at the time didn't even have an office. Five years later they fill three floors and the roof of a building. At CcHub people can learn how to code, developers can get help launching their first products, and find mentors and funding.

At CcHub Zuckerberg met with developers like Temi Giwa, who runs a platform called Life Bank (http://www.LifeBank.ng) that makes blood available when and where it is needed in Nigeria. Life Bank saves lives by mobilizing blood donations, taking inventory of all blood available in the country, and delivering blood in the right condition to where it is needed.

Coca-Cola scores hat-trick in Bundesliga Liga

Global drinks giant Coca-Cola has signed a trio of renewed deals with Bundesliga Liga football teams Hertha Berlin, Vfl Wolfsburg and SV Darmstadt 98.

Hertha and Wolfsburg have penned five-year deals, running until the end of the 2020/21 season, while Darmstadt have agreed a three-year deal.

All three clubs will benefit from fan activations organised by the company.

Coca-Cola Appoints New UK Marketing Director

The country manager of Coca Cola Ireland, Aedamar Howlett has been appointed as marketing director of the company’s UK and Irish operations.

Howlett spent 15 years at the soft drinks giant in various roles, before leaving in 2001 to become a freelance consultant, advising businesses including Kellogg’s Europe, Heineken and Telefonica.

She rejoined Coke last year as country manager for Ireland within the GB&I leadership team.

Jon Woods, general manager of Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland said: “Aedamar brings to the role a wealth of marketing experience having held senior roles across many of our brands and has run the business in Ireland.

Starwood Hotels Ramps up Nigeria Portfolio with New Four Points in Benin City

Accelerating growth in emerging markets across the globe, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. on Wednesday announced the signing of Four Points Benin City, Nigeria. Owned by Eagle Hospitality and Leisure Limited, the sleek new Four Points hotel is built for the modern traveler with an emphasis on approachable design and stylish comfort.

Conveniently located in the heart of Benin City – the capital city of Edo State, one of the 36 states in Nigeria – the hotel is situated within a five-minute drive to the airport and no more than 10 minutes from the government and business district.

POINT 2: “Four Points by Sheraton Benin City will further consolidate our strong Nigeria portfolio, opening up yet another emerging destination for international travel,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “With five hotels operating and another four in the pipeline, including Four Points Benin City, Nigeria is already one of our strongest markets in the region, and the signing of this hotel reinforces the growing demand for affordable lifestyle brands in rapidly developing markets.”

“We are delighted to introduce the popular Four Points brand to Benin City and expect this new hotel to meet the rising demand for high-caliber lodging in this fast-growing market, soon emerging as a leading choice among business and leisure travelers,” said Mr. Chris Oshiafi, Group Managing Director of PanAfrican Capital Plc and Chairman of Eagle Hospitality and Leisure Limited.

Ojude Oba Festival Committee Lauds Golberg On Support For Culture

The 2016 Ojude Oba Festival Committee has lauded Goldberg Lager Beer for its commitment and unflinching support towards preserving cultural values and traditional institutions. Otunba Olabode Osinusi, Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee stated this last Monday at the World Press Conference held at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Golden Jubilee Centre in Ijebu Ode, as part of activities heralding this year’s edition of the Ojude Oba Festival.

According to Otunba Olabode, “Ojude Oba Festival has been attracting a sizable number of sponsors over the years, and notable among them is Nigerian Breweries Plc, most especially her Goldberg brand which supports culture and traditional institutions such as this.”

L-R: Chief (Mrs) Bisi Osibogun (Omeso of Ijebu); Chief Agboola Alausa (Balogun of Ijebu Ode); Chief Alade Shote (Otun Balogun of Ijebu Ode); Tayo Adelaja, Public Affairs Manager, West and Midwest, Nigerian Breweries Plc; and Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, at the World Press Conference heralding the 2016 Edition of Ojude Oba Festival.

The Goldberg team was in the city to show support for the conference organized by the Festival Committee to inform indigenes and intending visitors on the activities for this year’s festival coming up in September.

The Ojude Oba (which in English translates to the king’s fore-court or frontage) is a major festival in South-west Nigeria that began over 100 years ago. It brings together all sons and daughters of Ijebuland in Nigeria and in diaspora for a carnival-like celebration of the traditional, cultural, and spiritual accomplishments of the Ijebu nation.

EXMAN Launches Certified Brand Ambassadors’ Programme

The Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) has rolled out a programme tagged the Certified Brand Ambassadors’ Programme.

Speaking at the event which was attended by over 40 EXMAN Agency personnel, Dr. Rotimi Olaniyan, the President of Experiential Marketers Association, said the project depict another significant discovery for EXMAN. According to him, Brand Ambassadors are key personnel representing agencies on the field to deliver on client briefs as the agencies seek to bring meaningful brand experiences alive. He noted the importance of tooling the Brand Ambassadors appropriately as they undertake their duties.

L-R: Kayode Idowu, Financial Secretary, EXMAN, Tunji Adeyinka, Chairman Capacity Building and Training Committee, EXMAN, Obinna Anyalebechi, Customer Marketing Director, Guinness, Rotimi Olaniyan, EXMAN President, and Mr. Kenny Debayo-Sanusi, Member Capacity Building and Training Committee of EXMAN

The Chairman of the EXMAN Committee on Training and Capacity Building, Mr. Tunji Adeyinka explained that the Brand Ambassadors’ Programme has three different pillars. The first pillar is the Register of Brand Ambassadors which will assign a unique number to each Ambassador anywhere in Nigeria. The register will also carry the profile of every Brand Ambassador so that EXMAN member agencies can view the profile of the BA before considering them for employment. The second pillar is the Training pillar which provides three different modules of materials on Brand Management, Experiential Marketing, Project Management and other topics. The third pillar is an insurance cover for all registered Brand Ambassadors provided by Mutual Benefit Assurance.

Entry Begins For Corporate Communications Interactive Forum

Integrated marketing communication firm, Sesema PR has introduced a one-day interactive session, Corporate Communications Interactive Forum (CCIF) to give undergraduates and recent graduates of Public relations, Communications, Branding, IT & Digital marketing a practical introduction into the field.

The CCIF will provide a platform for learning and networking with industry professionals.

The objectives of the CCIF are to introduce new entrants of Public relations and brand management to the rudiments of the sector. To educate young people on career decisions in corporate communications and to revive interest in the PR industry, amongst students and graduates.

Also to help bridge the divide between practice and academia as well as prepare participants for corporate communications career and give them the opportunity to be part of the CCIF network.

Ringier Africa Rolls Out Internship Programme with Africa Leadership University

As part of its mission to be a top African employer and constantly provide opportunities for entrepreneurial leadership talent, Ringier Africa is launching a new internship programme, Ringier Africa Internships, first across its Nigeria & Ghana offices - through an inaugural partnership with the African Leadership University (ALU).

The ALU is a pioneering academic institute set up by educationalist Fred Swaniker in 2013 and forms part of the Africa Leadership Group (http://ALGroup.org), which is building the networks and infrastructure to empower and connect a new generation of African leaders.

Through the program, students from the ALU from across the continent, will be offered much sought-after internship programmes with one of Africa’s largest media and internet groups & investors, having gone through a rigorous selection process.

The African Leadership University is a world-class tertiary institution that is developing the next generation of African leaders. As a partner, Ringier Africa is supporting the ALU with positions for three exceptional students to take part in an internship within the company. The first intake of students to be accepted onto the programme will start in November 2016.

Apple ordered to pay 13 billion euros in Irish taxes

Apple has been ordered to pay 13 billion Euros in tax arrears plus interest by the European Commission to the Irish government after a three-year investigation which concluded that the US firm’s Irish tax benefits are unlawful.

The 130-page ruling on Apple's Irish operations was published on Tuesday following a three-year investigation.

Margrethe Vestager, EU commissioner said: “Member states cannot give tax benefits to selected companies which is illegal under European Union rules. She continued: “The Commission’s investigation concluded that Ireland granted illegal tax benefits to Apple, which enabled it to pay substantially less tax than other businesses over many years.

Internet Society Study Points to Reasons for Slow Internet Growth in Africa

Internet access and availability are not enough to get people online, says a new Internet Society study released today at the African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) taking place 30 August - 1 September in Tanzania.

The “Promoting Content in Africa” report reveals that while significant improvements have been made in Internet infrastructure, most notably in mobile networks, Internet adoption rates are slowing in many countries because users lack compelling reasons to connect.

According to the study, content and services are the main factors in making the Internet desirable, especially when the subject matter is relevant and in a language that users can easily understand. A lack of local content and services is affecting the number of new online users in Africa. In Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, local language content is key to bringing new users online, as many are not comfortable reading in English or French.

“Promoting Content in Africa” outlines the barriers to the development of local content and offers recommendations to improve local content availability and distribution.

Mark Zuckerberg Meets Pope Francis and Gives Him A Drone

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is in Italy visiting the country following the earthquake. But he also took time out of his schedule to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday.

Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan at The Vatican discussed one of the Facebook CEO's favorite topics: connecting the world.

Mark Zuckerberg gave Pope a miniature model of Aquila as a souvenir. Aquila is company’s solar-powered plane project–which aims to beam down Internet via lasers from the skies.

"We gave him a model of Aquila, our solar-powered aircraft that will beam internet connectivity to places that don't have it," Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook.

Malta Guinness Life 101 Audition is still on! Calabar Audition holds today

The Malta Guinness Life 101 audition is still on. You can still be a star.  Auditions were held in Lagos recently and it was fun all the way. You can still be a star. Calabar auditions is happening today 29th August 2016 at Ebonylife TV, Tinapa studio, Calabar

Watch what went down in Lagos after the cut!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaMOq0xPKmU&feature=youtu.be

Keep up with exciting audition moments by following Malta Guinness social media platforms on instagram @maltaguinnessng and twitter @MaltaGuinnessNG. Remember to use the hashtag #letsgo and #life101 when taking part in the conversations.

Always Releases #MyFutureStartsToday Video in Support of Girl Dreams

In a bid to show its continued support of girls, Always, the leader in global feminine care, released a new video, today, August 29,2016  to bring to life its #MyFutureStartsToday initiative. The video aligns with the brand’s purpose to advocate for, and empower girls and women to live their life to their fullest potential.

Many girls have dreams beyond their desires for education, but these dreams are hindered by issues that keep them from extending their possibilities. The #MyFutureStartsToday video is a way to start a conversation on social media and beyond. It seeks to create engagements that will interrogate statements like: “That is not a job for a girl, you’re a girl, why don’t you just think like a girl!” which results in 2 out of 5 girls thinking there are some jobs for girls and some for boys; making girls to limit their dreams and develop a mind-set that is molded by the society’s opinions of what they can achieve.

To advocate for and empower women to live their life to their fullest potential, Always is offering over 100, 000 Nigerian school girls mentorship and scholarship opportunities to connect with their big dreams and aspirations as well as successful role models, to ensure they are motivated to believe in themselves and their aspirations. Always has a mission to assure millions of Nigerian girls that they can achieve their full potential and become whatever they desire. Click here to watch the new video.

Nokia, Ooredoo launch Myanmar's first high-speed 4G service

Nokia and Ooredoo Myanmar have completed the roll-out and launch of the first 4G service in Myanmar, meeting the mobile data demands of residents and visitors with increased speeds and capacity. To ensure seamless network operations, the companies have also extended their existing managed services agreement to incorporate the 4G network.

Nokia completed the initial 4G roll-out in under three months by upgrading Ooredoo Myanmar's existing 3G network using the Nokia Single RAN and Packet Core platforms. This fast deployment time allowed Ooredoo to launch its high-capacity service in Yangon, Nay Phi Daw, Mandalay, and Bagan and continue the country's digital transformation.

Nokia has deployed the network across the Yangon region, the largest and most densely populated region in Myanmar. This has enabled Ooredoo Myanmar to offer high-speed mobile services to subscribers in some areas for the first time while meeting future data demands in a country with a thriving economy and ever-growing tourist industry.

Like Mother, Like Daughter: Ayotunde Presents Its ‘And Co’ Collection

Nigerian Designer, Ayotunde Omitogun designer for the likes of Annie Idibia recently unveiled her latest collection The And Co collection; which is a fun, simple, casual and timeless Ankara collection designed for mums and their daughter(s).

The bond between a mother and child is indescribable. Stylish Moms love to share this bond by creating fun, beautiful memorable fashion moments with their children. And Co is a Nigerian slang for two or more people wearing similar or same outfit, fabric or style.

The collection caters for children between the age of 1-6 years and for mums of all sizes.

The designer believes that instead of shopping for yourself all alone you can make a statement and presence wearing same outfit with your daughter(s) creating fashion memories that would last a lifetime.

Jury Finetunes Modalities For 2016 Maltina Teacher Of The Year

As the deadline for the submission of entries for the 2016 Maltina Teacher of the Year, MTOTY ended last month, the panel of Judges has met in Lagos to deliberate on the assessment scheme for the initiative.

The jury led by Professor Pat Utomi after their meeting agreed that profile of teacher, strategic approach to teaching, challenges encountered, resources utilized, among others, will be the core assessment parameters.

The Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Kufre Ekanem, disclosed during the meeting explained that aside from Kebbi and Zamfara, 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are up in battle for the second edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year.

Ekanem explained that the project received hundreds of entries from across the states of the federation. However, the entries were shortlisted and validated to compete for the initiative’s coveted prize by the stringent project assessors who trimmed the entries down after a thorough and painstaking examination.

12 Finalists Emerge For 2016 Africa’s Leading Youth Entrepreneurship Award

African Leadership Academy, in partnership with The MasterCard Foundation, is proud to announce Africa’s top youth entrepreneur finalists for the sixth annual Anzisha Prize. This year, the Prize celebrates increased presence in Northern African markets such as Morocco and Egypt, and francophone countries such as Madagascar and Niger, and increased diversity in the business ventures represented.

The increased reach is made possible by Anzisha Prize outreach efforts and a partner network of youth development organisations supporting the spread into new communities in order to recognize the yet uncelebrated youth agents of change across Africa. The 12 Anzisha Prize finalists were hand-picked from an applicant pool of 550 entrepreneurs from 32 African countries.

The Anzisha Prize applauds outstanding youth entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 22 for effecting change through innovative, people-centred solutions across Africa. The 2016 cohort comprises a diverse blend of young minds who are leading the mandate of socio-economic development and job creation in their communities and beyond. They are competing for their share of $100 000 USD in cash prizes.

The 12 finalists receive an all-expenses paid trip to Johannesburg for a rigorous two-week business accelerator camp beginning on 13th October, 2016. The grand prize-winner will be announced at an exclusive gala event on 25 October, 2016.

YahClick unveils Virtual Network Operator Service

YahClick, the broadband satellite solutions provider for home and business, announces its partnership with VT iDirect for the introduction of Virtual Network Operator (VNO) services across YahClick’s existing footprint.

YahClick’s VNO offering is based on the industry changing capability in the VT iDirect Evolution platform and allows service partners to purchase their own bulk capacity, which they can fully manage and configure themselves to offer differentiated services. VT iDirect is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications, and the new service is targeted to meet the high Quality of Service demand of Enterprise and Government customers. The VNO service will leverage the high-speed and economical capacity of YahClick’s Ka Band network, allowing service partners full control and management of their allotted capacity.

Commenting on the introduction of the VNO service, David Murphy, Yahsat’s Chief Commercial Officer said, “This development allows service partners to gain access to high-speed and economical capacity over Ka-band, while enjoying full control and management of their allotted capacity. We are excited to be collaborating with VT iDirect on this development, offering our existing and future customers flexibility and cost effectiveness, combined with the highest levels of technical support and wide satellite broadband coverage.”

The benefits of YahClick’s VNO services are expansive and include the fact that service partners will receive Ka-band High Throughput capacity using YahClick’s Y1B satellite coverage area, which they will then be able to manage utilising the VT iDirect Platform. There are no upfront costs or CAPEX required by service partners in order to start selling YahClick VNO services, which are quick and easy to deploy and enable service partners to operate as a Satellite Network Operator.

Tough Battle In 2016 Cowbellpedia As Abia Picks Second Semi-Final Ticket For The East

The ‘mental warfare’ among Nigeria’s young inventors in the on-going Cowbellpedia Mathematics Television Quiz Show continued last weekend as Onyedikachi Ukpabi of Britarch Secondary School, Umuahia, got a semi-final ticket for  Abia State. Abia is now the second state from the South East to cruise into the semi-final stage.

Two weeks ago, Amarachi Imo, of Federal Government College, Owerri, secured a semi-final ticket for Imo State, and the first for the zone.

Last weekend, 13 year old Ukpabi who got a perfect score in the qualifying written exam, entered into a preliminary ‘battle’ against Rukayat Akinola of Miracle International School, Osogbo, Osun State; Oluwafunmbi Fakorede of Bibo Oluwa Academy, Ilesha, Osun State; Favour Mayaki of Gloryland Secondary School, Benin, Edo State; Emmanuel Elochukwu of Calvary Arrows College, Markurdi, Benue State; and Solomon Ogbonna of ASCL Staff Comprehensive Secondary School, Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

At the end of exciting first and second preliminary rounds, Fakorede joined Ukpabi on the cruise to the semi-final stage.

Why it is unethical and unhealthy for PR agencies to mark their own homework - Philip Odiakose

First Independent Communications/PR measurement agency in Nigeria, P+ Measurement Services recently set a new feat by becoming the first member of the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC) in the country. In a chat with BrandArena, Philip Odiakose, Lead Consultant of the firm spoke on the benefit of being AMEC member and why it is unethical, unhealthy and unprofessional for PR agencies to mark their own homework.

Philip Odiakose

 Excerpt:

Communications/PR measurement is very key to the growth of any business. How well is this practice in Nigeria?

I will begin by stating the meaning of AMEC, AMEC is the International “Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication”. The PR measurement practice is a budding industry in Nigeria. Brands are gradually warming up to the idea that value measurement is a core aspect of every marketing communications campaign. Benchmarking has become more important, PR measurement is gradually taking center stage and definitely trend setting will complete the revolution for future performances of businesses and brands and we are glad that P+ is at the fore front of this evolution in the Nigerian business space.


In South Africa they have an Independent Association called SAMMA (South African Media Monitoring and Measurement Association) governing the Monitoring and Measurement consultant. There are no independent associations in Nigeria for the consultants in Nigeria, that is the reason PR agencies can take Independent monitoring briefs; which is unethical, unhealthy and unprofessional for an agency to mark their own homework. It is not right for you to be the accused, the judge and jury of your work”.

Can you expatiate more on that?

From my experience in the IMC industry, I can tell you that sometimes, agencies trim down on the negative report in order to look good in the eyes of the brand owners. Especially if the story is been published in one of the second tier publications that they feel doesn't matter. That is why part of the services we also provide to our clients is crises management advisory. We understand the behaviour of the online media; we have monitored them and their feeders for a long time to know how to engage them when we want to.


As Lead Consultant at P+, how do you feel becoming the first member of AMEC in Nigeria?

We are excited to be the first member of AMEC in Nigeria. We are also happy to be the first Independent Communications/PR measurement agency in Nigeria. Our drive has been to improve the value proposition of brands so as to create an environment where brands can improve their services after reviewing the results of their campaigns. We want PR agencies to start seeing Independent Communications measurement agencies as partners (friends) rather than foes as our work helps to reflect the effectiveness of their activities.

'It's Time For Adverting To Love Itself Again'

In today's creative industry, “we don’t do advertising anymore. We do branded content.”

This is one of the key submission of the chief creative officer at FCB Global, Susan Credle, on Friday, 19th of August at the DStv Seminar of Creativity during Loeries Creative Week held recently in Durban.

Susan Credle

Credle hailed the era of branded content vs advertising and forecasts the rise of episodic series of short form communication as a solution to time being more precious than ever to capture your audience’s attention. She did a retrospective to advertising from when she was a girl/teenager that could still resonate today, like the original ’Share the fantasy’ Chanel No. 5 advert.

“Just because there are new ways to communicate, be careful not to disparage the old ways to communicate. They are pretty powerful. One of the things I don’t think we do enough of in this business is look to the past. We come into this business thinking ‘we are young and know it all’.”

Opinion Editorial: Learning From Seychelles To Grow Nigeria’s Travel & Tourism Industry

Travel & Tourism’s impact on the economic and social development of a country can be enormous; opening it up for business, trade and capital investment, creating jobs and entrepreneurship for the workforce and protecting heritage and cultural values. To fully understand its impact, however, governments, policy makers and businesses around the world require accurate and reliable data on the impact of the sector.

Data is needed to help assess policies that govern future industry development and to provide knowledge to help guide successful and sustainable Travel & Tourism investment decisions.

Obudu Cattle Ranch

The industry generated US$7.6 trillion (10% of global GDP) and 277 million jobs (1 in 11 jobs) for the global economy in 2014. Recent years have seen Travel & Tourism growing at a faster rate than both the wider economy and other significant sectors such as automotive, financial services and health care. Last year was no exception. International tourist arrivals also surged, reaching nearly 1.14 billion and visitor spending more than matched that growth. Visitors from emerging economies now represent a 46% share of these international arrivals (up from 38% in 2000), proving the growth and increased opportunities for travel from those in these new markets.

One of such countries to learn from is Seychelles. The direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to its GDP was 21.3% of total GDP in 2014 and it’s forecast to rise by 6.0% in 2015 and to rise by 4.9% pa, from 2015-2025, to 24.7% of total GDP in 2025. In 2014, Travel & Tourism directly supported 10,500 jobs (22.9% of total employment). This is expected to remain unchanged in 2015 and rise by 2.5% pa to 14,000 jobs (28.1% of total employment) in 2025.

Wakanow Signs MoU With UAE’s Largest Resort

Africa’s leading travel portal Wakanow has signed an agreement with Dubai Parks and Resorts, becoming its largest African fulfilling partner for ticket sales.

The Group Deputy Managing Director of Wakanow, Mr. Ralph Tamuno, who also happens to be the first African Entrepreneur to set foot on the grounds of the wonder-packed resort, said the partnership would open a new vista of opportunities and unique experiences for the African traveler.

Explaining how Wakanow was selected from a pool of travel companies in Africa, Mr. Tamuno said: “Beyond our strategic goal of always leading the way and shaping the travel business in Africa, we also collaborate with other market leaders from within and outside the continent to create value for our fast-growing travel market. Dubai Parks and Resorts is a massive investment and its owners clearly needed a partner with pedigree and panache. Wakanow was the natural choice for such a partner.”

Speaking during the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the groups, Head of Sales at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Mr. Elwin Kemming, described the partnership as a bold step in creating remarkable experiences for travelers from Africa.

Women Take Centre Stage At Loerie Awards

...Gordhan, Ntshingila-Njeke Honoured

Nunu Ntshingila-Njeke

Creative Director at FCB Africa, Suhana Gordhan has been announced as the new Loeries Chairperson. She takes over the position from Neo Mashigo who completes his two-year tenure this year.

Nunu Ntshingila-Njeke, head of Facebook Africa, also became the first female to be inducted into the Loeries Hall of Fame during the final awards ceremony of the Loeries 2016 on Sunday at the Durban International Convention Centre.

A veteran of the South African advertising space, Ntshingila-Njeke helped turn Ogilvy & Mather South Africa into the formidable agency player it is today. In her new role as Head of Africa for Facebook, she’s charged with building the social network’s commercial presence in South Africa and the continent as a whole.

Commenting on being awarded the accolade, Ntshingila-Njeke said: “It is an incredible honour and career highlight to receive this award from the creative fraternity. I hope this award continues to inspire young women to find their voice and to ensure opportunities for them to thrive in the creative industry”.

Uber Loses $1.27 Billion in First Half of 2016

Ride-hailing giant Uber has reported losses totalling $1.27 billion for the first half of 2016 operating year.

 The company lost about $520 million in the first quarter of the year and another $750 million in the second quarter, Bloomberg said.

The 7-year-old company, which is now valued at roughly $69 billion, lost at least $2 billion in 2015, the report said.

First Bank Appoints Patrick Iyamabo As New CFO

First Bank of Nigeria has announced the appointment of former CFO of FCMB Group, Patrick Iyamabo as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The appointment follows the elevation of the former CFO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan to Managing Director/CEO of the Bank.

Mr. Iyamabo’ s appointment, which is still subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is consistent with FirstBank’s focus on corporate governance and best practice, and ensuring a balance of knowledge, judgment and experience at the highest decision making level in the Bank. The Bank’s Corporate Governance focus has earned it much respect and recognition both locally and internationally.

Patrick started his career with Arthur Andersen (now KPMG Professional Services) as an Auditor in the Banking and Finance practice, and rose to the position of Experienced Manager in the Assurance & Risk Consulting practice, before he left the country for further studies abroad.

FCB Chicago Gets New Chief Creative Officer

FCB has hired the service of former global exec creative director at Ogilvy & Mather Chicago, Liz Taylor as its new chief creative officer at Chicago office.

Taylor will be replacing Todd Tilford, who will be working on select clients in Chicago and partner on key initiatives focusing on creative content and design with Global Chief Creative Officer Susan Credle, according to a statement.

Liz Taylor. Source: Pinterest

"We are excited to welcome Liz, whose relentless drive for creative excellence will help push our clients' brands and businesses even further," said Mr. Fassnacht in a statement. "Her commitment to strong collaboration across all of the diverse disciplines within FCB Chicago will be key as we continue to elevate our work across all channels and platforms."

Taylor, who has worked in senior roles at a number of Chicago agencies, has no doubt been hired on merit but Murray is smart enough to realise that another senior female creative director near the top of the agency will play well when women’s creative roles in advertising, or lack of them, have made the headlines in the wake of the Kevin Roberts farrago.

Panasonic Becomes Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold Partner

Japanese electronics company Panasonic has agreed a deal to sponsor the 2020 summer Paralympic Games, which will take place in Tokyo.

By becoming a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold Partner, the highest tier of the domestic sponsorship programme, Panasonic will provide valuable support to the successful delivery of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori welcomed the new appointment, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Panasonic Corporation as a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold Partner. Panasonic is a　Worldwide Olympic Partner, and supported the Paralympic Games for a total of 16 years beginning with the Nagano 1998 Winter Paralympic Games. Through its various sponsorship activities, Panasonic has accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise in Games-related matters, and we are confident that the company will make a valuable contribution to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games.”

Informa's Harry Chapman Joins Mining Indaba As Director of Content

Investing in African Mining Indaba, the world’s largest mining investment event, Thursday announced the appointment of Harry Chapman as Director of Content. In this role he will oversee all content for the Mining Indaba and new mining investment events developed globally.

Harry joins Mining Indaba having developed outstanding content for Metal Bulletin, Mines and Money/Aspermont and most recently Informa.  He will be located in our London office and will work closely with our other directors on creating world class content for the mining community.

Harry Chapman. Source: LinkedIn

“Harry is a veteran content leader with excellent experience in mining and metals. Adding his skills, relationships and content acumen to our team will allow the already strong content at Mining Indaba to reach even greater heights” said Jonathan Moore, Managing Director of Mining Indaba.

Moore went on to say. “A strong content leader is critically important to ensure that timely, cutting-edge topics are presented by the top industry leaders to Mining Indaba participants. This addition will allow us to further refine our offering and ensure that the most pressing issues facing investment in African mining is expertly covered.”

SMEs: Seek Angel Investors, Not Banks, For Funding – Expert Warns

Budding entrepreneurs who attended the first edition of the Nigerian Small Business Summit on the 24th August at the Landmark event centre were warned to stay away from bank loans at the start of their businesses. Mr. Kushal Dutta, Managing Director of Africa’s number one hotel booking portal Jumia Travel Nigeria, gave the warning during a panel discussion on the science of SME’s success in Nigeria.

Dutta said seeking for Angel investors to sponsor start-up businesses and provide needed capital is a better alternative to approaching banks for loans, in view of the usual banks’ high interest rate and short repayment period which might kill the business at birth. He also mentioned that approaching companies that might be interested in investing in scalable businesses is also plausible, citing MTN’s investment in the Jumia group’s business as an example.

On the viability of copying a successful business model, Dutta was of the opinion that it is absolutely not wrong to do so but the new business must ensure it is offering a proposition that the existing businesses are not already offering. This way, he said, “you can stay on top of your game and only expect that customers will come chasing after you.”

Amongst other practical business advices the Jumia Travel Nigeria MD gave, was a reiteration on the danger of expanding a business when customers’ demands cannot be met. “If you know you cannot meet customers’ demand, do not expand because one happy customer will tell three people about your great product and customer service. But one unhappy customer will tell 50 other people about his dissatisfaction,” he added.

What Does The Future Hold For Digital Advertising Industry?

The internet has changed many industries but few have changed as drastically as marketing. If you'd told marketers back in 1996 that, 20 years later, they’d be able to tweak campaigns based on their results in real time, they’d have laughed – and that’s before you even get started on augmented reality or the concept of Shazam.

The rapidly changing role of marketing will be a huge issue for agencies in the coming years – as marketers are appointed by brands and given huge budgets to create marketing strategies and hire advertising, media and digital agencies to create advertising campaigns.

Marketers are the biggest investors in understanding data today. Their power is in the ascendance. Their roles are expanding to reflect their increased importance to the business – which should be a joy for ad agencies, as long as they are aligned with the marketer. However, the challenge for ad agencies will be to link data-driven marketing to big, engaging, creative ideas that connect with consumers.

Speaking at the Advertising Research Foundation's Audience Measurement Conference earlier this year Bob Liodice, President/CEO of the Association of National Advertisers suggested that a good chunk of the digital advertising industry could go away due to ad blocking, viewability, fraud and transparency issues.

aKoma Media announces the inaugural session of Amplify

aKoma Media, a content platform and storytelling company focused on Africa, is pleased to announce the inaugural session of Amplify, a media and content creation program in partnership with The MasterCard Foundation.

Amplify's mission is to develop a fellowship of young, dynamic multimedia content creators who will craft compelling stories about Africa. The Fellows will be immersed in a six-month holistic and individualized instruction program that starts to fill a much-needed media and storytelling talent pipeline in Africa, providing access to job opportunities. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend and digital hardware as part of their program benefits.

aKoma CEO and co-founder, Zain Verjee is spearheading Amplify which will launch in Kigali (Rwanda), Lagos (Nigeria), and Nairobi (Kenya) in September 2016. "Amplify is a great platform to find and nurture talented Africans who want to create amazing content, acquire and develop creation skills, and distribute their work globally." The former CNN anchor adds that aKoma sees Amplify as an added weapon to "develop an exclusive network of multimedia storytellers who will be able to tell universal stories about Africa, and armed with the skills to work for major media outlets, freelance, or start their own storytelling shops."

Samsung Partners Cross Rivers State On Smart School Programme

Samsung Electronics West Africa has commissioned the Samsung Smart School Project for teachers and students in Calabar. The initiative, which is an integral part of Samsung’s ‘Smart School Rollout’ scheme, is aimed at digitising classrooms on the platform of mobile learning across unity schools in Nigeria. Samsung had opened similar Smart Schools in Abuja and Ogun state.

Launched across the country in partnership with the various state governments, the Samsung Smart School Project will ensure that secondary schools benefit from the Digital Classroom, which is equipped with mobile devices, electronic boards, thin client monitors, learning contents all from Samsung Electronics West Africa and her partner, Etiam Global, for more collaborative, engaging and interactive education.

The platform will focus on the training of 50 teachers in basic computer literacy, provision of access to tools teachers need for impactful teaching, empowering them to access digital content which can be shared with students at any location; facilitating better conduct and monitoring of student’s progress, and also providing students with learning tools from any location through Samsung’s mobile devices.

#Rio 2016: IOC reports record-breaking media coverage

The International Olympic Committee has hauled the 2016 summer Olympic Games as "record-breaking media coverage" and “unprecedented” levels of digital engagement.

The 2016 Games concluded in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, with the IOC reporting more media coverage than ever before, with record numbers for television and digital broadcast hours.

Digitally there was 218,000 hours of coverage, which the Olympics body said was more than ever – “nearly double TV and 2.5 times more than London 2012”.

More than 9 million hours of content also streamed on the Olympic Video Player, with up to 1 million daily unique viewers for live streaming and on-demand video.

The IOC  reported a significant rise in digital coverage compared to London 2012, with 218,000 hours versus 81,500 hours. It added that it anticipates half the world’s population will have watched at least some coverage of the Games, including more than 90 per cent of the television audience in host nation Brazil.

World’s largest aircraft damaged in crash landing

The world's longest aircraft, the Airlander 10 airship, on Wednesday crash-landed after a test flight in Bedfordshire, central England.

Airlander crash landing. Photo courtesy: SBNA

The airship, which is bigger than the size of six double-decker buses, sustained damage on landing from its second test flight. Its British manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles said all crew were safe and well following the incident.

An eyewitness quoted by the BBC said that a line hanging down from the plane “hit the telegraph pole about two fields away,” but Hybrid Air Vehicles later said that “no damage was sustained mid-air or as a result of a telegraph pole as reported.”

Tony Agenmonmen Retires As Senior Strategy Manager At Nigerian Breweries

Mr. Tony Agenmonmen, Senior Strategy Manager at Nigerian Breweries Plc has retired from the giant beverage firm after 32 years of dedicated service.

The management and staff of the company over the weekend held an elaborate send-off party for him at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos appreciating his contribution to the company.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde described Mr. Agenmonmne has a marketing professional whose wealth of experience and advice on critical issues had benefitted him in the last three years.

In his words: “In the last three years of Agenmonmen’s career, we worked together and it was a fulfilling one because he gave me good advice and I always appreciated such advice. I want to thank you (Agenmonmen). I have learned to appreciate you not only as a man but also as a brand in the marketing world”.

Standard Bank predicts increased M&A activity in African telecom, media and technology

Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank by assets, is partnering with international news and events provider TMT Finance for the inaugural TMT Finance Africa Conference 2016, which is holding in Lagos and is bringing together the leading decision makers in African telecoms, media and technology (TMT) to Lagos on September 20, 2016 http://www.tmtfinance.com/lagos/

The event will feature over 60 key C-level speakers from the most active and innovative companies, investors and advisers in Africa, including: Standard Bank, IHS Towers, Airtel, Etisalat, MTN, Vodacom, Africa Internet Group, Ringier, iRoko, MainOne, iPNX, Spectranet, Fibersat, Citi, Convergence Partners, Standard Chartered PE, Carlyle, Africa Capital Alliance and Emerging Capital Partners.

“As one of the leading TMT banks in Africa, we are excited to partner with TMT Finance for this event, which will bring the key telecom, media and technology companies, investors and advisers to Lagos in Nigeria,” said Standard Bank’s Global Head of TMT, Nina Triantis, who will be speaking on the TMT M&A Panel at the conference in one of the key sessions of the day.

The event comes at a time of accelerating investment, innovation and M&A activity across Africa, and in particular Nigeria, with Lagos widely viewed as the central hub for technology innovation and investment in Africa.

#AFRIMA2016: African Union Declares Lagos As Official Host City

Lagos State will be the official Host City of the third edition of The All Africa Music Awards, African Union Commission (AUC) has announced.

Formally declaring Lagos as the official city to host AFRIMA 2016 edition, the head of culture, African Union Commission, Angela Martins, said that all the cities targeted were equal to the task in terms of infrastructure, tourism potential and richness of culture, but that Lagos State had an edge in key areas.

AU had considered four cities (Calabar, Cross River State; Lagos, Lagos State; Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State) as potential hosts for the continental awards ceremony.

According to Martins, the African Union was pushing forward its developmental agenda and policies through the AFRIMA platform. Which celebrates the best talent in the African music industry - which aligns with the vision of the African Union to foster peace, unity and development through cultural expressions and creative enterprise.

The third edition of All Africa Music Awards will be held on 4-6 November 2016 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Mark Zuckerberg Donates $95M Facebook Shares In Charity

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, sold company shares valued at nearly $95million to fund their charitable efforts.

The price of the shares ranged from $122.85 to $124.31.

Late last year Zuckerberg and Chan promised to give away 99 percent of their shares in the company “during our lives” to charity. The pledge, then worth approximately $45 billion, came in a Facebook post on Dec. 1, 2015, announcing the birth of their daughter, Max.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was formed to fund charities, companies and policies for “advancing human potential and promoting equality,” according to its website.

Zuckerberg's charitable giving is fast-becoming legendary in Silicon Valley.

Lagos Schools Record Improvement In Exam Results

The efforts by the Lagos State Government to raise the standard of education in the state is yielding positive  results as pupils and students record improved results in the 2016 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and Placement Test into the State Junior Secondary Schools conducted recently.

The result of the 2016 of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) released by the Lagos State Examination Board revealed that 128,149 representing 88.14% candidates, who sat for the examination, passed.

The Director, Lagos State Examination Board, Mr. Olufemi Hassan, who gave a breakdown of the population of students who participated in the examination, noted that out of the 145,393 candidates enrolled for the test, 77,982 representing 53.64 % candidates were from Public Schools while 67,411 representing 46.36% candidates were from Private Schools.

He explained that candidates who failed in English, Mathematics or both are to re-sit the failed subjects in line with the Basic Education Certificate Examination policy, adding that the re-sit will take place on 29th September, 2016 at designated centres to be announced later.

Jumia To Launch Its Own Mobile Money Wallet Jumia Pay

Leading pan African e­-commerce Jumia announced yesterday the launch of JumiaPay, a third party online payment solution aimed at providing a safer, faster and more convenient online payment experience.

The online payment solution JumiaPay is a first for e­-commerce Jumia and will most certainly be decisive in facilitating online payments across the 23 African countries where it operates, encouraging the progressive change to cashless societies. If the majority of payments performed on Jumia’s platforms is cash on delivery (between 70 to 90%), JumiaPay comes as a major milestone for improving customers’ online experience for the coming months and years, following in the footsteps of Chinese e­-commerce Alibaba and its online payment platform AliPay.

Jeremy Hodara, co­CEO of Jumia, emphasized the value added of the new payment platform for the online customer: ​ “Jumia Pay has a very simple yet crucial objective: go even further in providing a safe, a secure and a convenient shopping experience to our customers, building trust along the way between us, our thousands of sellers and our millions of customers. We are very proud to be able to offer this new service to our customers and participate in building financial inclusion in Africa to unbanked or underbanked populations”. JumiaPay will first  be implemented in Jumia’s biggest market, Nigeria, with more innovations to come before the end of the year.

The advantages of mobile money are central for e­commerce in African countries where mobile penetration is soaring and where the main challenges are to build trust for the customers and provide adequate payment systems. Indeed, already 50% of Jumia customers access the different platforms via their mobile phone, that figure reaching 70% in Nigeria. With its very secure payment system using a confidential code, mobile money payment is among the most trusted forms of payment across Africa. Mobile money also offers many perks for the customer.

Telecom M&A and Digital Convergence to lead Deal Activity in Africa

Converging technologies, expanding connectivity and telecom mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are predicted to be the main drivers of investment and deal activity in Sub Saharan Africa in 2016 and 2017, according to global news and events company, TMT Finance.

The topics will top the bill at the inaugural TMT Finance Africa in Lagos 2016 conference on Sept 20, which will gather over 60 international and regional CEOs, CFOs, strategy heads, private equity chiefs, and senior investment bankers, consultants and lawyers to discuss the latest investment strategies for telecoms, media & technology (TMT) across Africa.

TMT Finance is teaming up with IHS Towers, the largest mobile telecommunications infrastructure provider in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, to bring an international audience to Africa’s technology hub, Lagos, for the first event of its kind in Nigeria.

Emirates adds Guangzhou to its global list of A380 destinations

Emirates, voted the World’s Best Airline 2016 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced Tuesday that it will operate its flagship A380 on services between Dubai and Guangzhou from 1st October 2016, the 67th National Day of People’s Republic of China. This follows the airline’s recent announcements of A380 deployment on its Milan and Johannesburg routes.

Guangzhou will join more than 40 destinations on Emirates’ extensive global network served by its highly popular A380 aircraft, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, London, Paris, Sydney, Toronto, Auckland, Bangkok, and Seoul.

Since the route’s inauguration in 2008, Emirates has been flying a two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its daily flights between Guangzhou and Dubai, and the airline has seen steady growth for its service on the route. Once the A380 service commences, it will increase capacity by 15% to meet the growing travel and trade demand from Southern China to Dubai and beyond.

Emirates will deploy its three-class A380 on the Guangzhou route, offering a total of 491 seats, with 14 private suites in First Class, 76 mini pods with lie-flat seats in Business Class and 401 spacious seats in Economy Class. Flight EK362 will depart Dubai at 10:20am and arrive in Guangzhou at 22:05. The return flight, EK363, will depart Guangzhou at 12:15am and arrive in Dubai at 03:50*.