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E-Financial

AfDB Approves €10.5m Pooled Investment in Startup Fund

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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved an equity investment pool of €10.5m to drive technological innovation across sub-Saharan Africa.

The AfDB announced this in a statement titled ‘African Development Bank Group Board approves €10.5m pooled investment in tech start-up fund to boost innovation across sub-Saharan Africa.’

“The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved an equity investment pool of €10.5m toward the first close of the Janngo Start-Up Fund, a pan-African tech start-up fund,” it said.

According to the statement, the €10.5m pooled investment consists of €7m provided by the AfDB and a €3.5m contribution by the European Union and the Organization of African, the Caribbean, and the Pacific States.

Managed by Janngo Capital, the Janngo Start-Up Fund builds and invests in tech start-ups with proven business models and inclusive social impact, with a focus on agribusiness, financial services, energy, education, and healthcare, primarily in Francophone West Africa.

The bank’s Director for Financial Sector Development, Stefan Nalletamby, said, “Africa is experiencing rapid mobile penetration with Android and other platforms. This provides huge opportunities to develop innovative and high-growth-driven start-ups and SMEs. But there is a severe scarcity of risk capital for the new and upcoming first generation of venture capital funds targeting early-stage businesses.”

The statement said the pooled funds would enhance the private sector by deploying technology-enabled business models for small and medium enterprises that address the needs of underserved populations; generate substantial employment opportunities for youth and women, and enhance the quality of life for Africans.

“The pooled investment advances the Boost Africa Program, a collaboration among the contributing partners and the European Investment Bank to back investment funds that target early-stage innovative enterprises across sub-Saharan Africa,” it added.


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E-Financial

CBN Spending on Naira Printing, Distribution up by 306 Percent

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spent N315.18bn on currency issue expenses in 2024, marking a sharp increase of 306 per cent compared to N77.67bn recorded in 2023, the apex bank’s audited financial statement for the year has shown.

CBN Spending on Naira Printing, Distribution up by 306 Percent

Currency issue expenses cover the printing, processing, distribution, and disposal of banknotes.

The latest figures reveal that the CBN’s cost of managing physical cash spiralled dramatically during the year under review, as Nigeria grappled with lingering cash shortages and disruptions in the money supply chain.

The surge in expenditure came as the country continued to deal with the effects of the naira redesign policy introduced in late 2022.

Despite efforts to stabilise cash circulation throughout 2023, Nigerians still faced queues at ATMs and difficulties in accessing cash in early and late 2024.

Faced with mounting public outcry, the CBN deployed several emergency measures to address the crisis.

Deposit Money Banks were directed to ensure consistent ATM loading and rural cash distribution, while the Bank also launched public hotlines for citizens to report cash scarcity incidents.

Also, the CBN ramped up enforcement efforts, including deploying monitoring teams, issuing sanctions against non-compliant banks, and mandating improved cash distribution.


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E-Financial

PalmPay Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Contactless Payments

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PalmPay, a full-service digital bank, has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the future of payments in Nigeria by promoting the widespread adoption of contactless-enabled payment terminals.

This was made known during the recently concluded BusinessDay Future of Payment Conference, themed “Fintech Evolution: Gateway to Payments.” In his welcome address, BusinessDay Publisher, Frank Aigbogun, emphasized that the next phase of fintech innovation must be driven not only by speed, safety, and simplicity but also by trust, inclusion, and accessibility to ensure broad-based impact across all segments of society.

Talking about PalmPay’s impact in the panel session titled “The Next Wave of Digital Payments: Trends and Innovation,” Ifeanyi Uzoka, Senior Business Development Manager at PalmPay, discussed the evolving landscape of digital payments in Nigeria.

He noted that while regulatory frameworks have supported the introduction of contactless payments, the high level of cash dependency remains a key barrier to widespread adoption.

“At PalmPay, financial inclusion is central to everything we do,” Uzoka stated. “To support this mission, we’ve launched contactless-enabled debit and premium cards, ensuring our users have access to convenient and secure payment experiences. We also understand that trust is critical, which is why all contactless transactions on PalmPay’s platform include an additional layer of authentication for enhanced security.”

PalmPay continues to lead innovation in Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem by delivering secure, user-friendly, and future-ready solutions. The company’s recently launched debit and premium cards in partnership with Verve are now serving its growing base of over 35 million users nationwide.

This move into contactless payments underscores PalmPay’s alignment with global payment trends and its ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and digitally empowered economy.

 


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E-Financial

First Asset Management Surpasses ₦1 Trillion in Assets Under Management

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First Asset Management Limited, a leading investment management firm in Nigeria and a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., has announced a significant milestone, the company has surpassed ₦1 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM).

This achievement reflects the firm’s steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional client service and strong investment performance. It also underscores the trust and loyalty shown by its clients, partners, and stakeholders, which have been instrumental in driving the company’s sustained growth.

Speaking of the milestone, Ike Onyia, Managing Director of First Asset Management Limited, credited the accomplishment to the enduring support of the firm’s clients and stakeholders.

“This milestone is a clear indication of the confidence placed in us by our clients and partners. It highlights the firm’s ability to deliver successful investment outcomes and reinforces its dedication to fulfilling its mandate,” Onyia said.

He went on to express deep appreciation to the firm’s clientele: “The continued partnership of our clients is not taken for granted. Their commitment has been pivotal, and the performance of their investments inspires the team’s dedication to providing best-in-class service. As the firm continues to grow, it remains focused on deploying innovative and forward-looking investment strategies tailored to each client’s financial goals.”

 


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