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#WorldSavingsDay: Why Nigerian Small Businesses Should Care

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By Magnus Nmonwu

World Savings Day (31 October 2017) is coming up, a day generally not noted in Nigeria, which has one of the lowest savings cultures in the world. Yet, as one of the biggest contributors to the country’s GDP – at 47% – having savings in the bank is crucial if Small & Medium Businesses want to remain cashflow-positive and have some kind of safety net to cushion them during tough times.

There are many ways that small businesses can save money. You’ve probably heard most of them before: telecommuting, reduced business travel, flexible working arrangements and negotiating with suppliers. While this is all great advice, it also suggests a fragmented approach to saving money.

While saving a little here and a little there certainly adds up, I would like to recommend that you focus on just one thing – your culture. When you instil a savings culture within your business, everything else comes naturally, resulting in bigger, compounded and sustainable savings.

One thing to remember is that a savings culture is not just about saving money. It’s also about being frugal with resources and smart about time management, all of which impact the bottom-line in some way

Healthy Habits

Encouraging a culture of savings in your business starts with getting your team into certain habits, many of which are not money related but still have positive financial consequences.

Although the jury is still out on this one, they say that it takes 21 days to form a habit so, for three weeks, leave notes by light switches, reminding people to turn them off, or use pop-ups on their PCs, asking if they really need to print that document, or if they can work off a digital version.

Habits tend to stick when they’re rewarded. Think of non-monetary ways to acknowledge savings in your business.

Encouraging reduced consumption across the business automatically lowers operating expenses with little effort.

Personal Empowerment

Every team member who manages a budget – from procurement to marketing – should be given the tools, trust and authority to allocate their budget in a way that saves money while still meeting their business objectives.

If, for example, the marketing department can save time and money by outsourcing the social media advertising function, empower them to make that decision.

Financial empowerment and a savings mindset should extend into your team’s personal lives, too. If you are unable to offer incentives like provident fund or retirement annuity, bring in consultants to educate your team on the benefits of savings and easy ways for them to save. You can’t expect your team to be smart with your business’ money if they don’t have the knowledge and tools to be smart with their own money.

Make It A Game

Research has found that games improve employee engagement, motivation and learning – and what better use for gaming than to encourage savings in your business?

People are naturally competitive and competing against colleagues to fill up their money banks faster will quickly become addictive – especially if it earns them Friday off.

Use the game to drop personal and business money-saving tips as your players move through the levels.

Time Is Money

Automate as much as possible – especially the mundane tasks that your team is probably procrastinating on anyway. Again, reward your team for finding innovative ways to save time or to do things quicker or more efficiently.

There are many unconventional ways to save money, time and resources. Think beyond the obvious and get your teams involved – you might be pleasantly surprised.

Magnus Nmonwu, is the regional director for Sage in West Africa


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

E-Business

NAICOM Urges Nigerian Insurers to Develop Cyber Insurance Products

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National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has urged Nigerian insurance companies to develop and introduce cyber insurance products.

NAICOM Urges Nigerian Insurers to Develop Cyber Insurance Products

This is in response to the escalating digital risks accompanying global digitalization.

This initiative aims to provide coverage against cyber threats and data breaches, ensuring that businesses and individuals are protected in the evolving digital landscape.

To facilitate this development, NAICOM is collaborating with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

This partnership seeks to promote cyber insurance and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulations, emphasising the importance of data protection training for industry practitioners.

Despite the growing threat of cybercrime, cyber insurance remains underutilised in Nigeria. Industry reports indicate that many businesses and individuals overlook the importance of cyber insurance, even as global cybercrime losses are projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.

NAICOM’s directive underscores the need for the insurance industry to adapt to the digital era by offering products that address contemporary risks, thereby enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s digital economy.

 


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Google Increases Price of Google One Subscription in Nigeria

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Google has increased the price of its Google One subscription in Nigeria.

Google Increases Price of Google One Subscription in Nigeria

The tech giant, in a note to its customers, said, “Price will automatically increase to N1,900/month on 28 Mar 2025 for your Google One subscription. Cancel at any time in Google Play.”

The old price was N1,200. Google One, a cloud storage service offered by Google LLC, provides users with a centralised platform to manage their storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

It added that subscribers who do not cancel their subscription will be charged automatically on the payment method they provided.


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We Are Bringing the Change in Technology Distribution – Chioma Ekeh, TD Africa MD

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Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa
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In the world of technology and entrepreneurship, few names resonate as powerfully as Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa, Africa’s leading technology distribution powerhouse.

We Are Bringing the Change Technology Distribution – Chioma Ekeh, TD Africa MD

Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa

A media-reclusive entrepreneur and quiet achiever, she has made a name for herself not with loud proclamations but through consistent actions that have shaped the trajectory of the continent’s digital economy.

She has steered the company to unprecedented heights, forging strategic partnerships with global giants such as HP, Microsoft, Apple, Starlink, IBM, Dell Technologies, Ring (by Amazon), Cisco, Lenovo, APC by Schneider Electric, Samsung, Bosch, Philips, Logitech, and Vivo.

These collaborations have not only strengthened TD Africa’s position as a market leader but have also contributed to the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem.

At the recently held Accra Synergy Summit, a high-profile event held in Ghana that brought together top strategic partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Mrs Ekeh made a bold declaration: “We are no longer waiting for change — we are driving it. We are no longer spectators in the digital revolution — we are architects, engineers, and visionaries shaping the future.” This statement, emblematic of her visionary leadership, underscores her commitment to driving Africa’s tech renaissance.

Ekeh’s words are not mere rhetoric; they are backed by tangible achievements and a deep understanding of Africa’s digital potential. The data speaks for itself.

According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa’s digital economy is on track to reach $180 billion this year, with projections indicating it will soar to an astonishing $712 billion by 2050.

This growth is not just an increase in numbers — it signifies a paradigm shift in how Africa engages with technology and innovation.

With over 570 million internet users today, Africa is undergoing an unprecedented digital awakening, a number expected to double by 2030 according to the World Bank.

From financial inclusion to business automation, Africa is embracing the digital age at an accelerated pace, with 70% of global mobile money transactions already occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

This widespread adoption is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of African entrepreneurs and businesses.

The continent’s tech ecosystem is also attracting significant global attention. In 2022 alone, African tech startups secured over $6.5 billion in investments, a clear testament to the world’s belief in Africa’s digital future.

Ekeh’s message is clear: Africa’s future is bright but requires collective effort.

Rapid transformation does not happen in a vacuum. It is built on strategic collaborations and forward-thinking leadership.

According to Ekeh, “This renaissance is not happening in isolation. It is built on the foundation of strong partnerships. It is fuelled by collaboration — between businesses, governments, and technology enablers like TD Africa. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that Africa doesn’t just adopt technology but creates, innovates, and leads.”

Her words serve as a rallying cry for businesses, governments, and individuals to strengthen partnerships, increase investments, and take bold steps toward excellence. “Africa is no longer just a consumer of technology. Africa is a builder. Africa is no longer following global trends. Africa is setting them. Africa is no longer waiting for the future. Africa is the future,” she concluded.

Chioma Ekeh’s leadership and vision are a testament to what can be achieved when passion, innovation, and collaboration come together.

As Africa continues its journey toward a tech-driven future, her words and actions remind us that the power to shape tomorrow lies in our hands today.

TD Africa has remained at the forefront of Africa’s tech revolution as the market leader in technology distribution.

Under Ekeh’s leadership, the company has not only expanded its portfolio of global partners but has also facilitated the seamless deployment of innovative tech solutions across various sectors.

By empowering businesses with cutting-edge technology, TD Africa is laying the groundwork for an Africa that does not just consume technology but pioneers it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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