ALX, Africa’s leading tech career accelerator, a few weeks ago announced the successful graduation of over 2,800 learners across Africa. The countries include Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt, with over eight hundred of them from Nigeria as part of its first cohort of the Data Science program.

For the Nigerian learners, the graduation ceremony was held physically at the ALX Nigeria hub in Lagos, with parents and guardians in attendance to cheer their wards.

The program, which started with a two-month ALX Foundations module, focused on essential communication, leadership, and career-building skills, providing learners with the soft skills needed to succeed in the digital workforce.

Afterwards, learners specialized in Data Science, covering topics like spreadsheets, statistics, data modeling, SQL, Power BI, Python, and cloud computing. The new graduates will serve as a reference point and motivation to other community members while they await the next phase of their career path in the job space.

This milestone reflects ALX Nigeria’s commitment to advancing tech learning across the continent and empowering the next generation of African tech leaders.

At the graduation ceremony, Ruby Igwe, ALX Nigeria Country General Manager, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The success of our first Data Science cohort is an affirmation of the potential within our youthful population.

“This set of graduates has shown extraordinary commitment and has developed the skills needed to lead in the tech industry. We cannot wait to see the impact they will make in Africa and the world at large.”

Seun Babajide-Duroshola, ALX Nigeria Country Marketing Manager, stated that the graduation only marks the beginning of more impactful experiences in 2024.

“This year has been very impactful for us at ALX Nigeria, and we have had an amazing array of experiences with our community of learners and graduates. There is no better time to kickstart your tech journey with us than now.”

ALX is renowned for its world-class training tech programs, which are dedicated to transforming the lives of millions of young people by empowering them with the skills and job readiness preparation needed to thrive in the tech industry. These programs undoubtedly shape the next generation of tech leaders who will drive innovation and progress across Africa.

Prudential Insurance Group plc, Global Insurance giant, has acquired 100 percent stake in Prudential Zenith Life Insurance Ltd (PZL). The group had since 2017 acquired 51 percent shares of the Nigerian Life underwriting firm owned by Zenith Bank plc.

Before now, PZL has been existing as bancassurance partnerships with Zenith Bank in Nigeria and Ghana. Zenith Bank is a leading bank headquartered in Nigeria, with a network of over 400 branches and approximately 29 million customers across the region.

The Prudential group said increase in ownership of the PZL business was a further step in executing Prudential’s focus in Africa on deploying capital in its existing operations that have the greatest potential.

Prudential originally purchased a 51 percent stake in Zenith Life Insurance Limited in Nigeria in 2017, which benefited from an existing bancassurance partnership with Zenith Bank.

The group said consideration for this transaction would be payable in cash and includes a performance-based element.

Commenting on the deal, the Managing Director, Strategic Business Group, Prudential Solmaz Altin, said “we are delighted to take full ownership of the business and have the opportunity to better serve the needs of our customers and create long-term value for our shareholders.

“Acquiring the remaining stake is consistent with our new strategy to build a sustainable multi-channel growth platform, through targeted investment in structural growth markets across Asia and Africa.

“We see substantial long-term opportunities in Nigeria and plan to build on our existing agents, bancassurance partnerships and direct distribution capabilities”.

According to him, PZL was a great business and one we know well, and our relationship with Zenith Bank further strengthens our distribution capabilities in the region.

Also speaking, CEO, Africa, Prudential Emmanuel Aryee Mokobi, said the transaction increases the group’s participation in an attractive market with significant growth potential.

“Insurance penetration remains low in Nigeria (less than 0.2 percent of GDP) and there is a significant growth runway. Nigeria’s life insurance market is the fifth largest African market with a gross written premium of US$770 million, and we have an established presence there”.

He said Prudential Africa’s strategy was to focus on building its presence and investing in growth and scale in the group’s chosen insurance markets in Africa.

Speaking further he said “The Nigerian business is profitable, and the acquisition of the remaining stake will allow us to realise the full potential of the platform by implementing initiatives in areas such as customer, technology-powered distribution and health.”

Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of US$477 billion as at 2022 and a population of 218 million people. Its population is fast growing and is expected to increase to over 370 million by 2050 by which time Nigeria is expected to be the third most populous country in the world (currently 6th).

He however said the transaction remained subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions precedent for completion. He said following the transaction, Prudential will own 100 percent of Prudential Zenith Life. Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa.

Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.

Obafemi Banigbe, the Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, will deliver a keynote at the 2024 BNI National Business Conference, and will be joined by seasoned business leaders as they take the stage from October 3rd to 4th in the Ogun State capital, Abeokuta to discuss ways of harnessing emerging opportunities for growth and “building” bridges for a greater economy.

Themed “Beyond Borders: Exploring Global Opportunities,” this year’s conference encourages businesses to explore international growth prospects while building sustainable partnerships.

At the event, Banigbe will address Africa’s strategic positioning in the global economy and its untapped potential as the next global frontier after Asia.

Sharing his insights ahead of the conference, Banigbe said, “The BNI National Business Conference is an invaluable platform for networking with business leaders, sharing knowledge, and cultivating a better business environment.

“Africa is positioned for exponential growth, but we must develop the next generation of industry leaders and entrepreneurs to seize these opportunities.”

With over 2,000 participants expected, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, the conference will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, such as Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside other notable figures including Dr. Adebola Olubanjo FCA, and Chief Kola Akosike of Oduacimma.

Banigbe’s participation reflects his dedication to shaping discussions on Africa’s growing influence in the global economy and equipping Nigerian businesses to succeed on the international terrain.

Recall that Femi Banigbe was recently appointed CEO of 9mobile one of Nigeria’s most resilient telecommunications, where he has been tasked with steering the company’s business transformation agenda, providing innovative solutions and sustainable growth for the telco.