Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, met with Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, on Tuesday in Abuja to strategize on boosting private sector participation in economic growth.During their discu… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Edun, Dangote strengthen ties to boost private sector growth By Busola Bamidele on March 21, 2025 Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, met with Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, on Tuesday in Abuja to strategize on boosting private sector participation in economic growth. During their discussion at the Ministry of Finance headquarters, Edun reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. He emphasized President Bola Tinubu's dedication to policies that support private investments, unlock economic potential, and create job opportunities. Read also: Edun, Dangote strengthen ties to boost private sector growth CBN raises treasury bill rates as investor demand declines AfDB to launch $500M facility to boost smallholder farming in Africa 5 Key conditions for SME loan access APPLY NOW: Marketing Officer at Excel and Grace Consulting The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including FIRS Chairman Zacch Adelabu Adedeji and MRS Oil & Gas Chairman Sayyu Dantata, focused on enhancing government-private sector collaboration. Edun highlighted that Nigeria aims to become an attractive investment destination through improved policies and strategic partnerships, particularly with major players like the Dangote Group. Dangote expressed confidence in the economy and reiterated his company's commitment to investing in key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy. Both parties agreed that public-private partnerships are essential for driving Nigeria's economic transformation and global competitiveness.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased interest rates on Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) across all tenors due to weakening investor demand. At its latest auction, the CBN adjusted rates on 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day NTBs after a sharp decl… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader CBN raises treasury bill rates as investor demand declines By Busola Bamidele on March 20, 2025 The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased interest rates on Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) across all tenors due to weakening investor demand. At its latest auction, the CBN adjusted rates on 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day NTBs after a sharp decline in bids compared to the previous auction. The government offered ₦800 billion worth of NTBs, but total bids amounted to ₦992.04 billion, resulting in a lower bid-to-cover ratio of 1.13x—down from 2.30x previously. Analysts link the reduced demand to a ₦1.7 trillion liquidity shortfall in the banking sector. Despite this, investors heavily favored the 364-day NTBs, which accounted for 92% of total bids. However, the CBN only allotted ₦503.92 billion, 37% below the amount offered. In response, the CBN raised interest rates: 91-day NTBs: Up by 100 basis points to 18% 182-day NTBs: Up by 71 basis points to 18.50% 364-day NTBs: Up by 155 basis points to 19.94% This move aims to attract investors amid tightening liquidity in the financial system.

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is set to roll out a $500 million facility aimed at unlocking $10 billion in financing for smallholder farmers and agribusiness enterprises across Africa.With only 6% of African smallholder farmers having access… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader AfDB to launch $500M facility to boost smallholder farming in Africa By Busola Bamidele on March 20, 2025 The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is set to roll out a $500 million facility aimed at unlocking $10 billion in financing for smallholder farmers and agribusiness enterprises across Africa. With only 6% of African smallholder farmers having access to credit and less than 20% using improved seeds, financial institutions often perceive them as high-risk borrowers due to climate variability and lack of collateral. Bank lending to agriculture remains low, accounting for less than 5% of total loan portfolios in many African nations. Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Beth Dunford, AfDB's Vice President for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development, stressed the urgency of change. "We must act now to change this reality," she stated. Read also: AfDB to launch $500M facility to boost smallholder farming in Africa 5 Key conditions for SME loan access APPLY NOW: Marketing Officer at Excel and Grace Consulting APPLY NOW: AC Technician at Future Moves Recruitment Agency Limited APPLY NOW:Infrastructure Engineer at Fobework PAFO President Ibrahima Coulibaly emphasized the need for bold action to combat hunger and unemployment through agriculture, while Kenya's Agriculture Minister, Senator Mutahi Kagwe, called for prioritizing innovative measures to transform farming into a thriving business. On Tuesday, financial experts urged governments to create an enabling environment for agricultural lending, reinforcing the need to align financial structures with smallholder farmers' needs.

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