Accra, Ghana – The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has suspended remittance partnerships with five Money Transfer Operators (MTOs), including Taptap Send, Top Connect, Remit Choice, Send App, and Afriex, over regulatory breaches.   The suspension, effective September 18, 2025, follows violations involving unauthorized dealings with Payment Service Providers (PSPs) such as Halges Financial Technologies, Cellulant, and Flutterwave, contrary to the Updated Guidelines for Inward Remittance Services.   BoG stated that despite repeated warnings, the operators engaged in unapproved channels for inward remittances, unauthorized FX swaps, and application of unofficial exchange rates. The central bank has mandated financial institutions to submit detailed weekly reports on inward remittance transactions to improve oversight.

Lagos, Nigeria – A leading Nigerian company has celebrated its 20th anniversary, unveiling plans to expand operations across Africa as part of its next growth phase.   At the anniversary event held in Lagos on Thursday, company executives highlighted the firm’s journey of two decades, noting its contributions to innovation, employment creation, and sectoral growth in Nigeria.   The management revealed that the expansion drive will focus on key African markets, aiming to strengthen regional trade, enhance partnerships, and leverage the continent’s economic potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.   According to the Chief Executive Officer, the company’s vision for the next decade is to build a stronger African presence by investing in technology, capacity building, and sustainable business practices.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the marine and blue economy sector, focusing on sustainable development, trade, and infrastructure.   The partnership, announced on Thursday, is expected to enhance Nigeria’s shipping industry, boost investments in port infrastructure, and promote knowledge transfer in maritime technology.   According to government officials, the collaboration will also address issues of marine security, fishing regulation, and environmental protection, aligning with Nigeria’s broader Blue Economy Agenda.   China’s representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s maritime sector growth, noting that the partnership could significantly increase trade volumes and create more job opportunities.

Abuja, Nigeria — Energy giant Shell has projected an estimated $200 billion investment opportunity in addressing Nigeria’s persistent energy shortfall, underscoring the country’s vast potential for growth in the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.   According to company executives, Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps, rising demand, and underutilized natural resources present significant prospects for investors willing to partner with government and private stakeholders.   Shell emphasized the importance of policy stability, regulatory clarity, and security improvements in unlocking these opportunities, while also calling for greater collaboration to expand gas-to-power initiatives, renewable integration, and local content participation.   Analysts note that Shell’s outlook reflects a broader push by international oil companies and investors to re-engage Nigeria, especially as global markets transition toward a more sustainable energy mix.

Lagos, Nigeria — The Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) has announced plans to honour the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), TotalEnergies, and other key industry stakeholders for their contributions to capacity building and human capital development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.   According to OGTAN, the recognition will be part of its upcoming annual awards ceremony, which celebrates organizations and individuals who have significantly advanced local content, professional training, and industry innovation.   The association noted that the honorees have played a vital role in strengthening indigenous participation, equipping Nigerian professionals with relevant skills, and driving sustainable growth within the energy industry.   Industry observers say the awards reflect OGTAN’s commitment to promoting excellence and reinforcing the importance of knowledge transfer and workforce development in Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.

South-West, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of a cache of firearms and 4,841 rounds of ammunition in the South-West region, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms proliferation.   According to officials, the operation was conducted following intelligence reports, and the arms were concealed in a shipment disguised as household items. Customs authorities stressed that the seizure underscores their commitment to national security and the protection of lives and property.   The NCS further warned criminal elements that border security measures are being intensified, while urging citizens to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely information to curb smuggling and arms trafficking.

Importers in Nigeria have raised strong objections following a decision by an international shipping company to increase its surcharge fees by $500 per container.   The development has sparked concerns among traders, freight forwarders, and industry stakeholders, who argue that the additional cost will further burden businesses already grappling with high exchange rates, inflation, and rising port charges.   According to clearing agents at the Lagos ports, the sudden hike is unjustifiable and could lead to higher costs of imported goods in the Nigerian market. They stressed that consumers would ultimately bear the brunt, with prices of essential commodities likely to rise.   Industry associations have called on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Federal Government to intervene, regulate shipping charges, and prevent arbitrary hikes that threaten trade facilitation.   Analysts warn that if not addressed, the surcharge increment could discourage imports and worsen Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis.

Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africa’s manufacturing sector weakened in August 2025, as the latest Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) revealed a further dip in factory sentiment.   According to the survey, the PMI fell below the neutral 50-point mark, signaling a contraction in business activity. Manufacturers cited weaker demand, rising input costs, and persistent power supply disruptions as major challenges dampening production.   Absa noted that the decline in new sales orders and business activity drove the index lower, while supplier performance also remained under pressure. The survey suggests that manufacturers are facing renewed strain amid sluggish domestic demand and global economic uncertainty.   Industry experts warn that unless structural issues such as energy instability and logistics bottlenecks are addressed, South Africa’s manufacturing outlook may remain fragile through the second half of the year.

Nairobi, Kenya – A leading global insurtech firm has officially entered the Kenyan market through a strategic partnership with LOOP, a fast-growing local insurance and financial services platform.   The collaboration aims to expand access to affordable and tech-driven insurance solutions in Kenya, leveraging LOOP’s digital ecosystem to reach underinsured populations. Through this partnership, customers will benefit from AI-powered claims processing, personalized insurance products, and seamless mobile access to services.   Industry analysts say the move reflects the growing demand for digitized insurance models in Africa, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and rising smartphone penetration. LOOP’s strong presence in East Africa, combined with the insurtech’s global expertise, is expected to transform customer experience and increase insurance penetration in the region.   Speaking on the development, LOOP’s leadership said the partnership will “redefine how Kenyans interact with insurance by making products smarter, faster, and more inclusive.”   The entry also underscores Kenya’s role as a regional hub for fintech and insurtech innovation, attracting global players seeking to tap into Africa’s expanding digital economy.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) witnessed a sharp decline in market capitalization last week, with about ₦439 billion erased from investors’ wealth.   According to market data, the dip was largely driven by sell-offs in the banking and consumer goods sectors, as investors reacted to macroeconomic uncertainties and profit-taking activities.   The NGX All-Share Index also closed lower, reflecting the sustained bearish sentiment across several blue-chip stocks.   Analysts, however, noted that bargain hunting could trigger a rebound in the coming trading sessions, particularly if investor confidence is boosted by positive earnings results.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has pledged its full support for the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) ahead of the 2025 Nigeria Insurance Industry Recertification and Awards (NIIRA).   Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement, the Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Magaji, assured NAICOM of the commission’s commitment to promoting regulatory synergy and fostering transparency, innovation, and growth within Nigeria’s insurance sector.   According to him, effective collaboration between CAC and NAICOM will further enhance confidence in the industry and encourage compliance among operators.   The NIIRA 2025 is expected to bring together key players across Nigeria’s financial and insurance markets to celebrate excellence and strengthen regulatory partnerships.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed the mining marshals to immediately shut down an illegal mining site in Abuja.   The order came after reports indicated that the operators lacked necessary licences and were engaging in activities that posed both environmental and security risks.   According to the ministry, the crackdown is part of a wider effort to curb illegal mining across the country, which has been linked to revenue loss, insecurity, and environmental degradation.   Minister Alake emphasized that the government remains committed to sanitizing the sector, protecting communities, and ensuring that mining activities are carried out strictly under the law.