BrandArena : January 2024

Wednesday, 31 January 2024

LIRS Extends Deadline For Filing Of Annual Tax Returns To February 7

In view of the recent downtime experienced on the e-tax portal, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the filing of employers' annual tax returns by 1 (one) week starting from February 1 to February 7, 2024.

Bolt, the ride-hailing company, has officially introduced its services in Harare, Zimbabwe, marking its twelfth country launch. In a unique approach, Bolt will not take any commission from drivers for the first six months, aligning with a similar no-commission strategy previously implemented in Zambia. This move comes after successful pilot programs in Zambia in October 2023.

MG Motors Accelerates Electric Vehicle Lineup With Arsenal Sponsorship

MG Motor UK has officially become the Official Automotive Partner of Premier League club Arsenal in a multi-year agreement. This collaboration, marking MG's centenary celebration, extends support to both the men's and women's teams, featuring prominent branding at the Emirates Stadium and Meadow Park.

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has opened applications for the second batch of its Africa Fintech Accelerator program. The announcement was made during Fintech Day, a gathering of Morocco's fintech community aimed at exploring opportunities to enhance the nation's digital payments and financial inclusion landscape.

In a significant financial development, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has reveals its pivotal role as Joint Global Coordinator for the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)'s first-ever EUR 500 million Social Bond issuance. This noteworthy event occurred under BADEA's recently launched Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) program, with the bond being exclusively registered (RegS) and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and New Fortress Energy Inc. have jointly announced Tonny Drileba of the City Oilers (Uganda) as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 BAL Ubuntu Trophy. This accolade recognizes Drileba's consistent dedication to using basketball as a positive force in the lives of young individuals in his homeland.

ALX Africa, a leading tech education platform, kicked off the New Year with a series of insightful and engaging seminars, and workshops tagged ALX 2024 Tech Chat. The four-day seminar series was designed to prepare new and existing members of the ALX Learners and Fellows community for the New Year.

AFRIMA harps on more collaborations among African artistes to enhance the creative industry

...Cameroon star KO-C and Burkina Faso's Tanya visit AFRIMA’s secretariat

The President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada, has called for increased collaboration among African musicians, urging artists to leverage on the platform provided by the award institution to establish stronger connections and partnerships to deepen growth in the creative industry and bolster the continent's economy.

Dada conveyed this message during a recent courtesy visit from emerging music talents KO-C of Cameroon and Miss Tanya from Burkina Faso to AFRIMA's headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.

As the Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Dada emphasized that Africa's rich and diverse musical landscape serves as a unique foundation for artists to collaborate and produce outstanding works that reflect the cultural wealth and distinctive identity of the continent.

He described this as a key driver for the growth and global recognition of African music.

"We believe in the power of music to bring people together, transcending linguistic, cultural, and geographical barriers. AFRIMA believes that collaborative efforts can contribute not only to the advancement of individual artists but also to the collective elevation of African music on the global stage. We have championed this narrative for years, and we are happy that stakeholders across the continent have keyed into it, which is evident by the acceptance of our craft by the global audience. However, we think there is still room for improvement; we can still tell more of our story through more collaboration, and we can also learn from one another," he said.

KO-C, who has taken Cameroon's music landscape by storm, and has many awards to his name, described AFRIMA as the foremost music award platform on the African continent that every artist aspires to win.

KO-C, known for his chart-topping hits, including the single 'Himself', said, "Trust me, AFRIMA is the number one music award institution in Africa. You have created a platform that is unique and trustworthy; this is one award that has celebrated our success as Africans and provided opportunities for us to grow. As the President said, AFRIMA considers all artists the same; I know everyone has to work hard to win in any category of the award because of a whole lot of transparency you have thrown into it, and that is why all artists on our continent have continued to trust you."

Tanya, a highly acclaimed vocalist from Burkina Faso, echoed similar sentiments, praising AFRIMA for its role in elevating African music globally.

The artist, who is the first and only Burkinabe musician to shut down the 45,000-capacity Ouagadougou Stadium, stated, "AFRIMA has consistently showcased the incredible talent that Africa possesses. As an artist, being recognized by AFRIMA is a tremendous honour. It's a platform that allows us to connect with a broader audience and celebrate our unique musical identities. I am really working hard to be a winner someday."

Dada, thanking the music stars for the courtesy visit, also said AFRIMA was not just an award institution but a unique platform committed to addressing challenges plaguing the continent through the implementation of its core values.

"There are core pillars of AFRIMA, which is why we are different from other platforms: the music award, the music festival, the Africa Business Summit, and the music academy. However, for instance, there is currently a lack of proper set designers and music production facilities in Africa. People learn on the job, as there is no proper school or academy where they can learn in a structured manner. We created the Music Academy to address this issue.

"Advocacy is another important pillar of AFRIMA. We believe that music is not just for entertainment but also a platform to raise concerns about issues in Africa. For example, we will be going to Somalia in March because that country has been at war for over two decades and nobody is talking about it. Children and women are dying every day, but the world has forgotten about them. We use music to encourage stakeholders to voice their concerns. We also draw attention to issues such as child education and health infrastructure and call on governments across Africa to take action.

"Talent discovery and growth are another pillar of AFRIMA. The main difference between artists in Europe, America, and Africa is the lack of access to facilities. Many artists in Africa have to write, produce, publish, and distribute their music themselves, without access to proper facilities. To address this, we have partnered with studios so that artists can record their three-minute songs and make videos for free. We then showcase these videos to the rest of the world through our media platforms, and an investor or record label might hear the music and be interested. We are also advocating for legislation that can allow artists to use their intellectual property as collateral for loans to produce and promote their work."

BridgeAfric President Victoria Nkong, who was part of the entourage to AFRIMA's headquarters, concurred with Dada on the need for more collaboration among African artists, especially between the Francophone and Anglophone divides.

"These collaborations are crucial for the growth of music in Africa. Through this process, artists can learn a lot from their colleagues in other countries. Governments are unlikely to do much for us, so we have to take the initiative and develop our sector ourselves. I always encourage artists from other countries to follow Nigeria's example with the way they are pushing Afrobeat to a global audience. The success of Nigerian music is the result of efforts from stakeholders, and we can replicate that success across Africa," said Nkong, whose BridgeAfric is creating opportunities for artists in Africa to showcase their talent beyond their countries.

Mastercard and Boost collaborate to power small businesses in Africa

Global payments technology company, Mastercard and B2B commerce platform, Boost, have collaborated to provide digital payment wallets and embedded supply chain finance to empower and expand small businesses in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Africa.

Visa and Red Bull Formula One Teams Announce Global Partnership

...Partnership unveils a new team name and identity: Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team

The Formula One grid is charging into the 2024 season with a new look and new support. Today, Red Bull F1 Teams and Visa (NYSE: V) announced an unprecedented multi-year agreement where Visa will become the first global partner of both Red Bull F1 teams, bringing a new look to the F1 grid in the form of Visa Cash App RB, formerly Scuderia AlphaTauri.

Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals Elevates Medical Excellence in Nigeria with Launch of Cutting-Edge Facility

…pledges commitment to transform the medical landscape

Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, one of the largest private tertiary healthcare providers with a state-of-the-art medical facility in Victoria Island, Lagos was officially unveiled by the executive governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday 24th January. The hospital, with a focus on clinical expertise and customer experience, aims to transform the medical landscape, reverse medical tourism, and deliver quality healthcare services to Nigerians.

Aleph Group Inc. appoints Stanislaus Martins as Managing Director for West Africa

Aleph Group Inc., an ecosystem of global digital experts and technology-driven solutions that enables the growth of digital marketing, announces the appointment of Stanislaus Martins as Managing Director for West Africa.

Nigerian Women in Public Relations, a socially impactful organization, has revealed the theme for the upcoming 2024 Experiencing Public Relations Conference set to take place on March 20, 2024.

Leading independent media agency, mediaReach OMD, is set to unveil the key trends shaping the Marketing Communications industry in 2024. In collaboration with Lagos Business School (LBS) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), the event, titled "Top Trends in 2024: Media, Consumer & Markets," will take place as a webinar on January 25th.

Burna Boy, Luke Combs, and Travis Scott Confirmed as Performers for 66th Grammy Awards

...Join the Lineup Featuring Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo

The stage is set for a star-studded night at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards as additional performers have been announced to join the prestigious lineup. The talented trio of Burna Boy, Luke Combs, and Travis Scott will grace the stage alongside previously announced acts Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo. The event, hosted by Trevor Noah, will take place live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sun, Feb. 4, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The CBS Television Network will broadcast Music’s Biggest Night, with live streaming and on-demand options available on Paramount+.

Federal Government Plans to Establish Additional Marriage Registries Nationwide

The Federal Government is taking significant steps to enhance the accessibility of Marriage Registries across the country, according to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The commitment to support Marriage Registries in fulfilling their mandates was recently reaffirmed through the approval of six additional registries in new locations. These registries aim to streamline the legal marriage process and provide citizens with the convenience of obtaining a recognized Federal Marriage Certificate within their respective states.

AfDB, UK announce Kenya, Mauritius as next beneficiaries of unlocked climate finance from Room to Run Sovereign Program

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Kingdom have selected Kenya's Transmission Network Improvement Project and the Gas Insulated Switchgear Substations Project in Mauritius as beneficiary projects under the Room to Run Sovereign transaction (R2RS). This means that the additional money freed by the UK Government guarantee enabled the loan's climate mitigation component to cover up to $59 million of the $116 million overall project cost.

FBNQuest Merchant Bank, the investment banking and asset management arm of FBN Holdings Plc., has disclosed its significant role in facilitating commercial paper issuances and bond issuance transactions that collectively garnered over N677 billion in 2023.

Reddit is gearing up for its initial public offering (IPO) in March, marking a significant milestone for the social media platform. After contemplating a listing for over three years, Reddit's decision to go public comes amid fierce competition for advertising revenue from platforms like TikTok and Facebook.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its intention to institute regulations that would make the illicit use of mobile lines for fraudulent activities a punishable offence. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, disclosed this information during a meeting with media practitioners in Lagos. Maida expressed concern about the lack of consequences for individuals engaging in fraud through mobile lines, which has allowed these unlawful activities to persist without deterrence.

Elon Musk's social network, X is set to revolutionize its Android experience with the introduction of audio and video call features after an initial iOS launch. An X engineer involved in the project revealed that Android users will gain access to this exciting feature through a simple app update.

Ray Charles Foundation has made a significant contribution of $2 million to the GRAMMY Museum Foundation, marking a momentous occasion in celebration of Ray Charles' enduring legacy as one of the most iconic artists in history. In recognition of this generous donation, the GRAMMY Museum will rename its rooftop terrace to "The Ray Charles Terrace at the GRAMMY Museum."

LG Sets to Elevate Home Living With Exciting New Appliances in 2024

LG Electronics (LG), a pioneer in home appliances, is delighted to introduce a range of cutting-edge products designed to enhance the daily lives of Nigerian consumers. Embracing the essence of hygiene, comfort, efficiency, and a sustainable lifestyle, our new line of home appliances brings together advanced technology and thoughtful design. From a state-of-the-art Styler to an energy-efficient WashTower, each item is crafted to elevate the overall home experience.

In a bold move to spotlight groundbreaking innovation, Africa Tech Summit Nairobi is set to unveil ten dynamic African tech ventures during its upcoming Investment Showcase on February 14th and 15th. These ventures, hailing from diverse sectors, will present their cutting-edge solutions to an audience comprising industry experts, potential investors, and fellow innovators.

In a significant move to foster the growth of innovative enterprises across Africa, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced on Wednesday its decision to invest $10.5 million in Seedstars Africa Ventures S.L.P. The venture capital fund, renowned for supporting high-growth companies in Sub-Saharan Africa, will utilize this capital injection to expand its presence on the continent and further its mission of catalyzing innovation.

Orange, a prominent supporter of eSports in Africa, is set to make waves with the launch of a special edition of the "Orange eSport Experience" dedicated to eFootball 2024. The event is scheduled for January 19 and 20, 2024, in Abidjan, and will gather participants from 14 African countries.

Samsung and Google Cloud have joined forces in a multi-year partnership, unveiling the integration of the latest generative AI (GenAI) capabilities from the hyperscaler into the much-anticipated Galaxy S24 smartphone devices.

Multichoice Set to Revolutionize the Streaming Landscape With the New Showmax in Africa

In a groundbreaking move that is set to redefine the streaming experience across the continent, the new Showmax has officially arrived. This transformative platform, borne out of a collaborative effort between MultiChoice, Comcast's NBCUniversal, and Sky, promises an exhilarating era of entertainment for African audiences.

Application Now Open For Mathema 2.0

...Partners with Mouka's STEM Initiative

The highly anticipated second edition of the trailblazing mathematics competition, Mathema 2.0 has formally been announced. The commencement of registrations for this intellectually invigorating event is scheduled for January 11, 2024, welcoming bright minds from around the world to partake in this prestigious competition.

In a groundbreaking collaboration with WhatsApp, today marks the release of "Ugo: A Homecoming Story," an original documentary showcasing the transformative expedition of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to his ancestral land, Nigeria, for the very first time.

The Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) have extended their warm wishes and congratulations to the legendary Nigerian actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, on reaching the remarkable milestone of his 70th birthday.

In a bold move to foster innovation and empower budding minds across Africa, HabariPay's Squad is thrilled to unveil its inaugural hackathon, "Take on Squad Hackathon 1.0." This exciting social coding event is set to unfold on January 19th and 20th, 2024, at the cutting-edge GTCO Training Complex, nestled in the heart of Tayo's Plaza, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Akada Children’s Book Festival Awarded 2023 Brittle Paper Literary Platform of the Year

...award recognizes individuals who have done outstanding work in advancing African literary culture and industry in the given year

The Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), Nigeria’s premier children’s book festival, has been named the 2023 Brittle Paper Literary Platform of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes ACBF’s exceptional contributions to championing children’s literature in Nigeria and fostering a safe and inspiring space for young minds to explore books and ideas.

BREAKING: LIRS Affirms January 31st Deadline for Employers to Submit Annual Tax Returns

In line with applicable tax legislation, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has communicated a reminder to all Employers of Labour to submit their annual tax returns on or before the stipulated deadline of January 31, 2024.

Amazon has introduced the Buy with Prime for Salesforce Commerce Cloud connection. This solution enables Salesforce retailers to simply incorporate Buy with Prime into their existing shopping experiences. Buy with Prime for Salesforce also provides merchants with various new features, such as the ability for customers to search and filter for Prime eligible items, their purchases and other things in the same order.

Ecobank, the leading pan-African financial services group, unveils its new brand campaign ‘A BETTER WAY | A BETTER AFRICA’ today, at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 (AFCON). Ecobank is a proud official sponsor of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023 and is leveraging the unifying, exhilarating, and progressive spirit of African football to demonstrate its commitment to the continent’s sustainable growth. The campaign highlights Ecobank’s drive to empower its clients and customers to achieve their goals for a better future and therefore a better Africa.

Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, said: “At Ecobank, we drive growth in Africa by our delivery of affordable, reliable, and innovative financial services to our clients and customers, while making a significant contribution to Africa’s development. ‘A BETTER WAY | A BETTER AFRICA’ reflects our unwavering dedication to our continent. Driven by our commitment to continuous improvement, we deliver enhanced financial services, greater customer experience, and more customer-centric solutions.”

This brand campaign is based on the results of an extensive pan-African brand survey, addressing the perspectives and opportunities shared during the research.

Jeremy Awori added: “Our pan-African purpose and single gateway platform, as well as the diversity of our leading workforce operating from 35 countries, position us as an enabler and partner for our clients and customers to identify and seize new opportunities.”

The campaign also highlights Ecobank’s digital network and its continent-wide connectivity, including its unified payment ecosystem, which supports market access and business growth, while capitalising on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The fully integrated campaign features a diverse mix of digital and traditional media and includes a television commercial filmed on the continent. Following the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023, the campaign will continue to be rolled out across Africa.

LG's Bigger Screen Means a Better Game Day Experience

...LG's 2024 OLED TVs Unleash Unparalleled Immersion with Enhanced AI Processor and Cutting-Edge Features

There are more aspects to take into account apart from screen size and colour representation when searching for a TV that is ideal for watching sports. Achieving an authentic stadium or arena experience necessitates exceptional motion control handling.

Afreximbank disburse US$2.25 billion of US$3.3 billion Crude Oil Prepayment Facility sponsored by NNPCL

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has successfully structured a syndicated crude oil prepayment arrangement of US$3.3 billion, sponsored by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). An initial distribution of $2.25 billion was made. A second tranche of $1.05 billion is scheduled to be disbursed later.

BREAKING: Tokunboh George-Taylor Acquires Hill & Knowlton Nigeria, Unveils Skot Communications

Former Managing Director of Hill & Knowlton Nigeria, Tokunboh George-Taylor, has successfully completed the acquisition of the business and assets of the agency, marking the inception of his new venture, Skot Public Relations Limited ('Skot Communications' or 'Skot').

The 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has witnessed Amazon's active participation, featuring groundbreaking announcements that showcase the company's commitment to technological advancements.

Here's a roundup of the five key revelations from Amazon at the world's premier tech event.

Global unemployment is predicted to climb in 2024, with rising inequality and stagnating productivity further raising concerns about the economic outlook, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

On Wednesday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dissolved the boards and management teams of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank.

Toke Alex-Ibru Becomes New Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian

Toke Alex-Ibru has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Guardian, as part of the company's ongoing restructuring.

LG Electronics (LG) hosted its LG World Premiere press briefing yesterday at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, to introduce its new vision and exhibition theme for CES 2024, 'Reinvent your future.'

Samsung Electronics unveiled its forward-looking vision at CES 2024, showcasing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in redefining user experiences across devices. During a press conference, Samsung, in collaboration with key partners, highlighted the AI-driven technology behind their latest products and services, emphasizing the seamless integration of AI for enhanced user convenience.

The world's tech powerhouses have converged in Las Vegas for the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) which commences today January 9th to January 12th. Over 4000 exhibitors, spanning from global icons to promising startups, gather alongside industry professionals, media, and governmental leaders are currently present at the biggest tech event as companies showcase their groundbreaking innovations.

Insight Redefini, a leading advertising and communications agency and Troyka Holdings member, has promoted Babatunde Shobanjo to the position of the company's Group Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. Babatunde has over 13 years of experience in the sector and is passionate about developing company vision, operational excellence, and client relations.

African businesses interested in joining the blue economy can now apply for the BlueInvest Africa 2024 presentation. Thirty outstanding proposals will be shortlisted for presentation to an investment panel during the second edition of the event, which will be held in Kenya on July 3 and 4, 2024. The deadline for applications is January 26, 2024.

BREAKING: Tiger Woods and Nike End 27-Year Partnership

Tiger Woods and sportswear giant Nike have both announced the termination of one of sports' most lucrative and high-profile branding deals after 27 years of good, bad and ugly moments together.

Wednesday, 31 January 2024

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