BrandArena : June 2023

Thursday, 29 June 2023

Canada launches first Tech Talent Strategy to attract global skilled talent

Canada announced the introduction of its first Tech Talent Strategy at the Collision 2023 event, which is now taking place in Toronto, Canada, to recruit its fair share of global tech talent. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, introduced the Tech Talent plan, which includes new and improved policies to assist Canadian firms to prosper in a competitive landscape.

Scuderia AlphaTauri and Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, have announced an unprecedented collaboration that will allow all Formula One fans to acquire a piece of Formula One history.

Rite Food Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings to the Islamic Community

...Promotes Unforgettable Experiences with its Unrivalled Brands

Rite Foods Limited, Nigeria's leading food and beverage company, yesterday, joined Muslims in celebrating Eid-el-Kabir this year, urging them to always uphold Islamic ideals and refresh with its high-quality brands.

MultiChoice Kenya, the home of exciting pay TV entertainment, has announced its outstanding achievement at the 6th Annual Kuza Broadcasting Awards. At an awards ceremony held at Movenpick Hotel and Residences, Westlands, Nairobi, GOtv Kenya and DStv Kenya were honoured with two major prizes: the Gold Category for Favourite Pay TV Service and the Bronze Category for Favourite FTA (Free-to-Air) TV, respectively.

LG Electronics, Solution 17 Host Transformative Event on Agrifood Systems and Climate Action

…launch Food-A-Thon initiative, Plant Trees at Pan Atlantic University

LG Electronics in partnership with Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) - Solution17 has launched “Food-A-thon” to foster sustainable solutions and drive climate action.

Bybit Obtains MVP License from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

Bybit FinTech FZE, a subsidiary of Bybit, the world's leading crypto exchange, has obtained the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Preparatory Licence from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), in addition to the Provisional Licence it got in March 2022.

Egbin Power Plc, Nigeria’s leading electricity generation company, has announced a record-breaking 1000MW power generation, a feat representing a new peak in a 2-year record.

Verdant Capital announced that its Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund (the "Fund") has completed a USD 9 million investment in LOLC Africa Singapore Limited (Pvt) Ltd (LOLC Africa), structured as a holding company loan, which will be invested in lending subsidiaries in Zambia, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. LOLC, which was started in Sri Lanka in 1980, entered the African market in 2018. The first external investor in the Africa operation is Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund, demonstrating the firm's catalytic objective. The investment will assist LOLC Africa to grow its footprint in micro, small, and medium-sized company (MSMEs) finance in Africa.

HMD Global, the parent company of Nokia phones, has announced an exclusive Sallah Celebration deal for Nigerian users. As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, the firm is giving exceptional discounts on several Nokia cell phones, which are known for their quality and innovation. These savings will be offered on the Nokia C30, Nokia G10, Nokia G20, and Nokia C10 smartphones, which outperform expectations with astonishing features such as exceptional battery life and industry-leading security to improve users' digital experiences.

LG Electronics Rewards Dansol High School Students With Product, Harp On Technology As Transformational Tool

...Best Performing Student gets LG TV, others receive brand products

LG Electronics, a leading global technology company, reaffirmed its commitment to education by providing students of Dansol High School with valuable products and urged them to imbibe moral values and decent behaviours.

LASU, MAPAMA, BrandArena Pay Tributes to Prof. Oso, an Erudite Scholar

The Lagos State University (LASU), Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Muslim Alumni (MAPAMA) and BrandArena have mourned the death of Nigeria’s Mass Communication icon and astute scholar, Prof Lai Oso who passed on Saturday, 24th of June, 2022 after involving in a fatal auto crash in Ijebu, Ogun State, South West Nigeria, along Ore-Sagamu highway.

The top 50 candidates for the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, a philanthropic effort sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy to recognise and empower African businesses, have been announced. ABH received 27,267 applications this year, the biggest number of entries since its debut in 2019, highlighting Africa's rising entrepreneurial drive.

In less than two years of shutting down its gaming service, Stadia, Google is reportedly once again venturing into the online gaming market with its video streaming platform, YouTube.

LG Unveils the Powerhouse Xboom Xl7s Speaker For Audiophiles in Nigeria

...provides up to 18 hours of continuous playtime, ensuring uninterrupted entertainment

LG Electronics (LG) is launching its newest XBOOM devices XL7s to build on the brand’s reputation for consistently delivering powerful, high-quality sound systems that heighten every mood while delivering the level of convenience today’s consumers demand. The 2023 LG XBOOM party speakers are more than ready to elevate every listener’s sense of immersion by creating the most energetic and entertaining listening experiences for every occasion.

As African cities are rapidly expanding, their environmental impact is also increasing. Kubik, an upcycling firm with operations in Kenya and Ethiopia, is one of the startups driving plastic trash reuse and sustainability efforts in the continent's embryonic recycling sector, which now salvages only 4% of waste generated.

Uber Nigeria has officially raised its fares in response to the country's gasoline price increase. The pricing hike was implemented to assist drivers with increased operational costs in the country, according to the ride-hailing operator. Fuel prices tripled after President Bola Tinubu pledged to eliminate fuel subsidies, which cost the government $10 billion per year.

One of the leading creative agencies in Nigeria, X3M Ideas has won Nigeria’s first Cannes Lions International Festival for Creativity during the first round of 2023 awards.

Contestants in the recently concluded World Tennis Tournament (WTT) series praised Leading Global Investment Company, Coronation, and other brands that sponsored the global sporting event in Nigeria. The week-long tennis championship, held at the iconic Sir Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall in Surulere, produced sparks of exhilarating performances from renowned table tennis players who provided breath-taking skills for fans all over the world.

Omah Lay, a Nigerian singer, has returned to Spotify with the deluxe version of his debut album "Boy Alone," which was released on June 16. Six new songs are included on the twenty-track album, which spans Afropop, R&B, Highlife, and Swing.

Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Nigeria has announced a strategic partnership with Providus Bank to provide budding entrepreneurs with access to finance, capacity building, networking opportunities, and ecosystem development in order to deepen Nigerians' entrepreneurship skills and drive growth in the sector.

A white paper recently released has called for a comprehensive and forward-thinking plan for Africa's approach to cyber-security as cyber threats and the digital economy of the continent continue to increase.

TECNO continues partnership with UNHCR to support more refugees in Africa for higher education

TECNO, an innovative technology company, has announced reinforced cooperation with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to support its Refugee Scholarships Programme DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) for the second year. The collaboration seeks to provide higher education and internship opportunities to refugee scholars in Africa, allowing them to reach their full potential as adults and, ultimately, contributing to equal access to education for all.

REVEALED: Why Smile Network Was Disconnected For 15-Month in Uganda and East Africa

...Firm Apologies to Customers

...Promises to Continue Legal Action Against ATC

Smile, the pioneering provider of 4G LTE services in Uganda and East Africa, has formally apologised to its customers and the general public for the 15-month service disruption, noting that the notification should have been delivered earlier. According to the company, it was necessary to wait for the completion of certain legal processes before disclosing this information.

There is an inconceivable feeling associated with each scoop of Cold Stone's delectable ice cream. Cold Stone Creamery is known for putting the icing on top of every sense of joy, exhilaration, and gratitude.

Radisson Hotel Group Opens Three New Hotels in Nigeria

One of the fastest-growing international hotel companies in Nigeria, Radisson Hotel Group has continued its ambitious growth in the country with the signing of three new hotels. These new hotels include the highly anticipated debut of the bold and cutting-edge upscale lifestyle Radisson RED brand in the country, solidifying the Group's presence in Abuja with two more outlets.

Basketball Africa League Strengths Collaboration With Rwanda Development Board, Extends League Games in Kigali

...RwandAir Continues as Official Airline of the BAL

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) have announced a multi-year extension of their existing partnership today, with the continuation of the league games at BK Arena in Kigali. Rwanda each season, including the BAL Playoffs and Finals in 2024, 2026, and 2028. The BAL and the RDB will also work together on youth development and social impact initiatives.

WARC Awards for Effectiveness 2023: Prix and Gold winners announced

...Eleven Grands Prix, two Grands Prix for Good and eight Golds awarded

...Edelman New York wins two Grands Prix, Kenya wins its first award

The final and highest honours of the third global WARC Awards for Effectiveness, in partnership with LIONS, have been announced with 11 Grand Prix, two Grand Prix for Good and eight Gold awarded to businesses.

Title: A Call for the Regulation of the Nigerian Media Monitoring and Intelligence Industry

By: Philip Odiakose

The Nigerian media monitoring and intelligence industry has witnessed significant growth and development in recent years. With the proliferation of digital media platforms, the need for monitoring and analyzing media content has become increasingly important. However, alongside this growth, concerns have arisen regarding the lack of regulation within the industry. This article explores the urgent need for comprehensive regulations to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical standards within the Nigerian media monitoring and intelligence sector.

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of essential digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced significant changes to its channel distributor and reseller offering. According to Omdia, Vertiv is already the global market leader in three-phase UPS, accounting for 16% of the market.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has announced its partnership with Emirates, the world's leading international airline, as the official international airline partner for African Energy Week (AEW), which will take place in Cape Town from the 16th to the 20th of October. This agreement marks an important milestone in the airline's commitment to promoting Africa's energy sector and fostering sustainable development.

LG Electronics Introduces Exclusive Voucher Promotion

...Offers Incredible Savings on Home Appliances Products

LG Electronics, a global leader in innovative Home Appliances is thrilled to announce its latest promotional campaign aimed at helping customers transform their homes while enjoying incredible savings. With a wide range of cutting-edge products and unbeatable prices, LG Home Appliances is the go-to destination for anyone seeking to upgrade their living spaces.

Afreximbank, BoI, Three Others Join Sponsors List for 2023 Lagos Leather Fair

The biggest annual fair in West Africa is just around the corner! The Lagos Leather Fair (LLF) 2023 edition has secured more sponsorship deals for this year's edition with the Bank of Industry (BOI), Providus Bank, Leadway Assurance, SystemSpecs, and African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) joining the list.

Audio streaming and media services provider, Spotify and the production company of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have announced the termination of the multi-million pound podcasting agreement that included the creation of Meghan's 12-episode podcast "Archetypes" last year.

The Pan-African banking group, Ecobank Group has called on innovative and ambitious African fintech entrepreneurs from across Africa to apply for the sixth edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge.

Norfund Extends Its Footprint in Nigeria to Drive Sustainable Economic Growth

...organizes stakeholders' event to highlight commitment to significantly increase its investment portfolio in Nigeria.

Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, recently held its first stakeholder event in Nigeria, bringing together key stakeholders from several businesses in the private sector to provide an update on Norfund's efforts in Nigeria and West Africa. The VIP discussion and luncheon hosted at the Lagos Continental Hotel revealed Norfund's commitment to enhance investments in Nigeria and the West African area with the goal of driving development through private-sector investments and job creation. Norfund, which is owned and funded by the Norwegian government, is the government's most important tool for promoting the private sector in developing countries.

The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development impact-focused subsidiary of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced the signing of the FEDA Establishment Agreement by the Democratic Republic of So Tomé and Principe.

Following a visit to China, Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will be in Niger and Nigeria this week to discuss global health and development with national and local officials, foundation partners, grantees, scientists, and young innovators. The visit is part of the Gates Foundation's commitment to collaborating closely with communities and leaders to encourage innovation that can help accelerate progress and enhance people's lives across Africa.

AfDB Annual Report 2022: Group demonstrates strong performance and commitment to African countries

...US$8.2 billion in approvals to African member countries

The African Development Bank Group has published its Annual Report for 2022. In the face of a challenging global environment for Africa, the report indicates solid performance over the year, with a significant increase in lending to the Bank Group's regional member countries.

Nigeria’s innovative and youth-friendly telecommunications company, 9mobile, yesterday unveiled Daniel Benson, popularly known as 'BNXN', Beauty Tukura, and Franklyn Ikemefune, popularly known 'Samo Agbero’ or 'Vader the wildcard' as brand ambassadors. The brand ambassadors’ uniqueness, youthfulness, talent, innovation, and ability to relate to a broad audience align with 9mobile's commitment to encouraging people to realize their hopes and aspirations.

Stripe completes acquisition of engineering analytics start-up, Okay

Digital payments giant Stripe has finalised its acquisition of Okay Software Inc., a tiny San Francisco-based coding analytics business for engineering teams, for an undisclosed amount.

Allianz Insurance Company in Egypt signed a strategic partnership agreement in the healthcare sector with “Esaal”, a digital platform offering mental health, comprehensive healthcare and nutrition services, in addition to medical consultations in the Middle East and North Africa.

As the middle of the year approaches, tech enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike have something exciting to look forward to. Xiaomi, the world's leader in consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company, promises a spectacular array of discounts and unbeatable deals on their popular products.

FY2023: MultiChoice Africa Declares Profit, Reaffirms Commitment to African Entertainment

Despite adverse market conditions, MultiChoice Africa Holdings has declared its return to profitability in its recently issued FY2023 financial figures -- marking a critical milestone in the company's journey.

ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN) and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL) have announced the appointment of Adesua Dozie as the Companies' Vice-Chairman. The appointment will take effect on Monday, June 12.

For the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, the Recording Academy has added three new categories: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album, and Best Pop Dance Recording. Additionally, the existing Categories of Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical and Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical will be moved to the General Field, allowing all GRAMMY voters to vote in these important, non-genre-specific Categories. The Recording Academy's most recent semiannual Board of Trustees meeting, held in May 2023, decided on and approved these Category additions and revisions.

Netflix, a major player in the streaming media industry, is taking a significant move into the area of live sports entertainment, with its first live-streamed sporting event perhaps taking place this autumn. While the firm has received excellent acclaim for its fascinating documentary-style sports programmes like "Drive to Survive" and "Full Swing," it has yet to obtain the rights to broadcast live sporting events.

Guinness World Records (GWR) has now declared Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has the official record holder for the longest cooking marathon (person), with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes, after an exhaustive review of every piece of evidence.

The Mobile Film Festival Africa has announced the winners of its 2023 edition at a prize ceremony held on Thursday, June 8, at the Renaissance cinema in Rabat, an event part of the "Rabat, African Capital of Culture" program celebrations.

The African Hidden Champions (AHC) project, which promotes and assists progressive African enterprises on their path to global leadership, conducted its first regional event of 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. The event provided an opportunity for AHC to present its vision to regional business executives.

CityBlue Hotels, one of Africa's fastest-growing indigenous hotel chains, has announced the signing of management agreements and the official launch of its Panorama Hotel & Suites in Juba, South Sudan, and the Urban by CityBlue in Masaki, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from July 2023.

Thursday, 29 June 2023

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

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Saturday, 17 June 2023

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