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CBN Predicts Stability in FX as External Reserves Hit $43bn

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CBN
  • CBN Predicts Stability in FX as External Reserves Hit $43bn

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Thursday said it expected further stability in the foreign exchange market in 2019, banking on the decision of the US Federal Reserve not to hike interest rate in the near future.

The apex bank added that the stability currently being enjoyed in the FX market had boosted the country’s external reserves to over $43 billion.

This is coming as the Bankers’ Committee has identified the creative industry and IT sectors as critical sectors to support social and inclusive growth in the country and was considering single-digit credit for the sectors.

CBN Director of Development Finance, Mr. Mudashiru Olaitan, explained that the reports that the US Federal Reserve will not raise rates was particularly good for emerging economies, including Nigeria as it means that the dollar is not going to strengthen against our currency.

“So, when we already have stability in our foreign exchange market, that is good news that is going to help stability,” he said.

Addressing journalists yesterday, alongside other banks chief executives at the end of the 342nd meeting of the Bankers’ Committee in Abuja, he said the committee deliberated on the global slowdown in economy, the downward growth projection by the IMF in 2019, partly as a result of the China, US trade tariffs war as well as Brexit.

However, he said the latest GDP growth figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which showed the economy posted 2.38 per cent growth in the fourth quarter of last year offered some cheerful news for the country, stressing that the country’s economy forecast for the year looked impressive.

Also, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said the committee identified the creative industry and IT sector as critical sectors to support social and inclusive growth in the country.

He said the nature of financing would be long term debt at reasonable interest rates which could be as low as five per cent.

He said: “The nature of funding will be by way of long term debt at reasonable interest rates- far in single digits, it is not 10 per cent, not nine per cent; it could be within the range of five per cent, which is quasi-equity if you look.

“Again, as part of talent development, and huge population which needs to be educated in IT or movies, people need to pay to use these academies.

“What the industry is going to do is provide soft loans for most of these people, with very little equity at least to show participation because you don’t want to create a moral hazard- so they can use it, pay for these infrastructure, develop their talents and as they work, they can pay back those loans.

“So, that is broadly the mode of intervention, very unusual but enough to ensure that at the end of the day, we will all have huge levels of skills and talent being developed in millions to ensure that at the end of the day, this will affect our GDP growth rate and our earnings.”

He said: “We basically found out that the sector would generate significant amount of employment and given how Nigerians in the creative sector have done well in Nollywood, in music, it can have significant impact on employment as well as GDP and of course, Nigeria can become the heart for tourism if the whole sector is handled properly. It could be a source of foreign exchange earning capacity if we invest significantly in that sector.

“So there are four specific verticals that will be supported with a lot of resources: the music, movie, fashion and IT industries.

“And what the bankers committee wants to do is to help to provide relevant infrastructure or funding that industry participants would use to create relevant infrastructure and shared facilities for each and every vertical that I mentioned.”

“So, all of these efforts will happen before the beginning of the next quarter. The different participants, working with international institutions can start building the relevant infrastructure to support talent development and support of content in the different things that they do.

“The banking industry realises that it requires funding at reasonable interest rates and of course, other appropriate structures to make sure those industry are taken from their nascent stage where they are right now, until they become profitable and visibly support their own various value chain.”

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Banking Sector

Access Holdings Plc Plans $1.8 Billion Capital Raise

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Access bank

Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Nigeria’s leading bank, Access Bank Plc, has unveiled ambitious plans for a $1.8 billion capital raise aimed at fueling its expansion efforts over the next four years.

The strategic move comes as Access sets its sights on becoming one of the largest lenders on the African continent.

During a conference call with investors in Lagos, executives outlined the company’s intention to raise $1.5 billion, or the naira equivalent, through the issuance of shares, bonds, or other financial instruments.

Also, Access aims to generate up to 365 billion naira ($257 million) by selling shares to existing investors.

Bolaji Agbede, acting group chief executive officer, clarified that the current fundraising initiative primarily involves a rights issue.

The capital infusion is earmarked to support Access’s ambitious growth plan, which commenced last year.

The bank intends to expand its footprint into new markets, including Morocco, Egypt, and the United States, as part of a broader strategy to double the share of assets outside its home market by 2027.

With operations spanning 22 countries, including the United Arab Emirates and the UK, Access Bank is positioning itself for significant international growth.

The recent appointment of Bolaji Agbede as acting group CEO follows the passing of co-founder and former CEO, Herbert Wigwe, adding a layer of significance to the bank’s future direction.

Access’s acquisition of National Bank of Kenya Ltd. underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in East Africa’s largest economy.

As Access Bank charts its course for expansion, the $1.8 billion capital raise signals its determination to seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving financial landscape, both domestically and across the African continent.

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Finance

OPEC+ Production Cuts and Geopolitical Tensions Propel Oil Price to Over $87

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Crude oil - Investors King

Oil price surged past the $87 price level on Thursday on the back of production cuts by OPEC+ nations and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Brent crude oil, against which Nigerian oil is priced, rose by $1.39 or 1.6% to $87.48 a barrel, its highest level since October 27.

OPEC+, the alliance of major oil-producing nations, has remained resolute in its commitment to curtail output, effectively tightening the supply of crude in the market.

Despite calls for increased production to alleviate soaring prices, the alliance has opted to maintain its course, further buoying the market sentiment.

Simultaneously, geopolitical tensions have added fuel to the fire. Attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, particularly by Ukraine, have sparked concerns over potential disruptions to the global oil supply chain.

Despite diplomatic efforts to deter such actions, the situation remains precarious, contributing to market anxieties.

Analysts suggest that these price surges may have long-term implications for global economies, particularly for oil-importing nations heavily reliant on stable energy prices.

Furthermore, the impact of rising oil prices on inflation and consumer spending patterns remains a point of contention among economists and policymakers.

As the world watches with bated breath, the trajectory of oil prices hinges on a delicate balance between geopolitical developments, OPEC+ policies, and the broader economic landscape.

For now, the $87 threshold serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and interconnectedness inherent in the global energy markets.

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Insurance

Heirs Insurance Group Unveils Revolutionary Website for Seamless Insurance Experience

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Heirs Life Assurance- Investors King

Heirs Insurance Group has launched a website designed to revolutionize the insurance experience for its customers.

With a focus on simplicity, accessibility, and personalized service, the new website aims to streamline the process of obtaining insurance coverage and empower customers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.

The website boasts a range of innovative features that make navigating insurance options easier than ever before.

From simple and intuitive navigation menus to personalized insurance recommendations, the website is designed to guide customers through every step of the insurance process quickly and efficiently.

According to Ifesinachi Okpagu, the Chief Marketing Officer of Heirs Insurance Group, the new website embodies the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

“Today’s customers want simplicity, and this new website delivers on that request,” Okpagu said. “We are empowering customers to take control of their lives, their businesses, assets, and their most cherished people.”

One of the key features of the website is its personalized insurance experience, which takes customers through a short journey to help them identify the best insurance plan for their needs.

Whether customers are looking for coverage for their home, car, business, or loved ones, the website provides tailored recommendations to ensure they find the right insurance solution quickly and easily.

With its user-friendly interface and innovative features, the new website from Heirs Insurance Group sets a new standard for the insurance industry, making it easier than ever for customers to protect what matters most to them.

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