Connect with us

Business

French Trade Advisors pledge Massive Investment In Lagos Free Zone

Published

on

The Conseillers du Commerce Exterieur (French Foreign Trade Advisors) has expressed readiness to invest massively in the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) being developed by the Tolaram Group as they endorsed the zone as the ideal industrial destination for French businesses in Nigeria.

This was made known on Thursday, April 15, 2021, during a visit to the Lagos Free Zone. The delegation led by the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, His Excellency Jerome Pasquier accompanied by his Economic Advisor, the Consulate General of France in Lagos and the Conseillers du Commerce Exterieur comprising of CEOs of several French businesses in Nigeria.

Speaking during the visit, the Ambassador of France in Nigeria, His Excellency Jerome Pasquier explained that the aim of the visit of the Conseillers du Commerce Exterieur to Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) was to discover the opportunities in the Lagos Free Zone and the Lekki Port project, which is expected to have a huge positive impact on businesses in Nigeria.

Pasquier commended Tolaram Group, the promoter of the zone, for the foresight of integration of Lekki Port into the master plan of the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), which would serve as the gateway for import and export from the zone thereby giving businesses in the zone a competitive edge.

The Ambassador also commended the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) for its Master Plan for the zone which includes world-class infrastructure that is in line with its vision to be the preferred industrial hub and investment destination in West Africa.

“I am impressed by the huge size of the Lagos Free Zone project. We are very happy that the French companies will be deeply involved in this Lagos Free Zone project. It is really impressive to see how ambitious this project is. The French Minister was in Nigeria yesterday and I explained to him that Nigeria is a country where we can have big projects. For us, this project means big opportunities and that explains why we need to be here. We are happy to be here and work with Tolaram Group”, he added.

It is noteworthy to mention that the first French company to be established in the Lagos Free Zone is the terminal operations arm of CMA – CGM which has established a subsidiary within the Lagos Free Zone and is the appointed operator for the container terminal operations scheduled to commence at Lekki Port next year.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), Mr. Dinesh Rathi assured the Ambassador of France and the Conseillers du Commerce Exterieur that the zone remains the best destination for investment in Nigeria and the West African sub-region given the seamless integration with Lekki Port and the world-class infrastructure provided by Lagos Free Zone.

Explaining the configuration of the zone, Rathi disclosed that the clustering is planned in line with the international best practices of Work, Live, and Play. He stated that the land-use plan of the Lagos Free Zone allocates 70 percent area towards industrial developments, 20 percent towards logistics and support services while the real estate will cover the remaining 10 percent.

He also stated that Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) has simplified the process of business entry and operation in the zone in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business policy.

“We have made it very easy for the business to berth and take off at zone by making our process less cumbersome and friendly, we are open for business 24/7 and willing to help investors to settle in very fast,” he said.

Continue Reading
Comments

Merger and Acquisition

Bitmama Inc. Acquires Payday, Expanding Fintech Footprint in Nigeria

Published

on

bitmama

Nigeria’s blockchain payments platform Bitmama Inc. has successfully acquired Payday, a virtual card service provider.

The acquisition, facilitated through Bitmama’s cross-border payments product, Changera, signals a pivotal shift in the industry and consolidated the blockchain payment platform by acquiring 100% of Payday’s customer base.

Launched in 2021, Changera is set to absorb key personnel from Payday, spanning various departments like marketing, customer service, and engineering.

While specific details of the financial terms remain undisclosed, a source close to the matter revealed that the acquisition process is approximately “85% complete.”

For the over 300,000 customers formerly under Payday’s purview, the transition to Changera’s care promises a seamless experience, with minimal noticeable changes.

Despite Payday CEO Favour Ori’s integration into Bitmama’s team remaining uncertain, Changera is well-positioned with an established leadership and a robust technical team.

A senior member of Bitmama’s management assured that Payday’s brand will persist but will now operate under the broader umbrella of Changera, supported by its stablecoin infrastructure.

This integration aims to address operational challenges faced by Payday, such as industry-wide charge-back fraud, disruptions in Mastercard services, and the departure of senior team members.

Post-acquisition, Bitmama plans to embark on an ambitious roadmap, including the development of a new solution enhancing foreign exchange (FX) transactions for African businesses.

Anticipated for launch in Q1 2024, this solution aims to facilitate smoother and more efficient B2B cross-border financial interactions.

The acquisition of Payday by Bitmama aligns with the broader trend of strategic consolidations within the fintech industry, reflecting a pattern where companies seek partnerships and acquisitions to overcome market challenges and scale operations.

This move mirrors similar strategic consolidations, including the acquisition of Chaka by Risevest in September 2023, underscoring the industry’s drive towards collaborative growth.

Continue Reading

Business

How Much is Dollar to Naira Today December 5th 2023 in Black Market

What is the Dollar to Naira exchange rate at the parallel market, known as the black market (Abokifx) today? As of December 5th, 2023, the dollar to naira exchange rate is 1 USD to 1170 NGN at the black market.

Published

on

New Naira Notes

What is the Dollar to Naira exchange rate at the parallel market, known as the black market (Abokifx) today? As of December 5th, 2023, the dollar to naira exchange rate is 1 USD to 1170 NGN at the black market.

This means that for every one US dollar, you can exchange it for ₦1170, Investors King reports.

This digital business news platform has obtained the official dollar to naira exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC) rate, and CBN rates.

How Much is Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?

This rate is subject to change depending on a variety of factors including global economic trends, political developments, and market fluctuations. However, you can buy and sell 1 USD at ₦1170 and ₦1165 as of the time of writing today.

What is the current exchange rate of the dollar to naira in the black market today?

According to Investors King, as of the time this report was filed, a dollar can be purchased at the Lagos parallel market (black market) for ₦1170 and sold for ₦1165.

Exchange Rate of Dollar To Naira in Black Market Today?

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate 1165
Buying Rate 1170

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Naira Exchange Rates for Banks

Investors King understands that although the dollar to naira opened at N1170 per $1 in the parallel market today, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not acknowledge the parallel market, also referred to as the black market. The CBN has instructed individuals in need of forex to approach their bank as the I&E window is the sole recognized exchange.

On Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, individuals in the black market purchased one US dollar for N1170 and sold it for N1165. This shows that the value of the Naira declined when compared to Friday, December 1st, 2023 when the local currency was exchanged at N1155 to a Dollar and a Dollar was purchased at N1150.

To stay informed about the dollar to naira exchange rate, there are several reliable sources that you can turn to. Here are some tips for staying up-to-date:

  • Check the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website: The CBN is responsible for regulating the country’s monetary policy and is a reliable source for the latest exchange rates. You can check their website regularly for updates.
  • Follow financial news outlets: Financial news outlets such as Investors King, Bloomberg, Reuters, and CNBC provide regular updates on the global currency markets, including the dollar to naira exchange rate.
  • Use online currency converters: There are a number of online currency converters that allow you to quickly and easily check the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira.
  • Follow social media accounts of financial experts: Following social media accounts of financial experts such as analysts, economists, and financial advisors can give you valuable insights into the latest trends in the currency markets.

By staying informed about the dollar-to-naira exchange rate, you can make informed decisions when buying or selling foreign currencies. Whether you are a business owner looking to trade in foreign currencies or an individual looking to invest in the currency markets, knowledge of the latest exchange rates is key to success. Keep these tips in mind and stay informed about the latest trends in the global currency markets.

Continue Reading

Merger and Acquisition

Oppenheimer Acquires Full Control of Nigeria’s GZ Industries in Bet on Economic Revival

Published

on

GZ Industries Limited

Jonathan Oppenheimer, scion of South African billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer, has secured full ownership of Nigeria’s largest beverage can manufacturer, GZ Industries Ltd.

Oppenheimer Partners Ltd. concluded the acquisition of the remaining shares from Affirma Capital, formerly known as Standard Chartered Private Equity.

While financial details were not disclosed, the private equity firm previously held a 37.5% stake in GZ Industries, a major supplier of cans to global brands such as Coca-Cola.

The move positions Jonathan Oppenheimer to play a pivotal role in shaping GZI’s growth trajectory in sub-Saharan Africa.

With urban, educated adults in the region leading global sugary drink consumption with 12.4 servings per week, GZI’s strategic importance in meeting this demand is underscored.

Oppenheimer Partners initially invested in GZI in 2018, coinciding with the establishment of a factory in South Africa, where the company now commands a 20% market share.

GZI, a producer of 3 billion aluminum cans annually in Africa, competes with Nampak Ltd., which is currently undergoing restructuring efforts.

Affirma Capital’s exit from GZI aligns with its broader investment strategy in Africa, having invested in 11 companies since 2008, with eight successful exits returning over $800 million to investors.

Jonathan Oppenheimer, part of the wealthy Oppenheimer family, inherits a substantial role in GZ Industries, further diversifying the family’s portfolio, which amassed significant wealth through the 2012 sale of their stake in De Beers for about $5 billion.

The family’s combined net worth is estimated at $9.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

As Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu outlines ambitious spending plans for 2024, the acquisition positions GZI strategically in a potentially thriving economic landscape.

Continue Reading
Advertisement




Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending