General News
Dr. Adesina, AfDB Group President Calls for Media Transformation to Uplift Africa’s Global Narrative
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group, delivered an impassioned plea for more balanced media coverage of Africa and its development, noting it was critical for changing false narratives.
Adesina said this on Thursday in a keynote speech to the All Africa’s Media summit in Nairobi, attended by nearly 300 participants from across the continent. He praised the crucial role the media plays in strengthening democracy and advancing inclusivity.
The Bank Group president said there were many positive developments in Africa yet the continent continues to suffer misrepresentations which undermine its economic progress and investment potential.
“Despite the significant progress within our continent, the prevailing media narrative often focuses on negative stereotypes, overlooking the substantial advancements and resilience Africa demonstrates,” he added.
Adesina said there was plenty of positive news to report about and highlighted the continent’s economic resilience regional and amid global challenges. He said that in 2023, Africa’s growth rate surpassed the global average, with 11 African nations ranked among the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Adesina referenced a 2021 Africa No Filter Report, which revealed significant adherence to outdated and negative clichés in media reports about Africa. “It’s time for change,” he declared. “We must reshape the narrative about Africa to reflect its true spirit and potential.”
He emphasised the critical nature of information and its ability to have a profound negative impact on development and investor perceptions even though an in-depth investigation by Moody’s Analytics had shown the continent was much less of a risk than many other continents.
“We must promote a balanced view that highlights both the challenges and the many successes of Africa. It’s about changing perceptions and showcasing Africa as a continent rich with opportunity and innovation.”
The Bank Group President also spoke about the challenges and transformations within the media sector, highlighting the impact of digital technology.
“The media landscape has dramatically shifted with the rise of the internet and mobile technology, leading to a proliferation of digital platforms,” Adesina declared.
“While this has democratised information, it has also complicated issues, the distinction between fact and fiction can become blurred.”
To counter unfair and unbalanced narratives, Adesina urged the creation of a powerful, globally respected African media and proposed strategic collaborations among regional financial institutions to support this cause, emphasising the need for media to act as a catalyst for development.
“We need to celebrate and promote the continent’s successes, turning the tide against the longstanding stereotypes that have clouded the global view of Africa… What you call yourself, is the name others will subscribe to you.”
“For as long as we continually denigrate ourselves and play into the hands of those who control the narrative about Africa, we will be stuck with a label that does not belong to us,” he concluded.
He highlighted the African Development Bank’s own successes which included maintaining a AAA credit rating and launching groundbreaking financial initiatives that have earned it respect as an innovative and successful multilateral development bank.
“We have proven that Africa can lead with innovation and strength in the global financial landscape,” the President remarked. “Yet, these achievements receive minimal attention compared to the persistent focus on Africa’s challenges.”
Adesina added that just one month ago, the Bank launched a landmark $750 million hybrid capital instrument, again with a Triple A rating, which was oversubscribed eight times. He described this as a huge “testament to the confidence and trust in Africa’s burgeoning financial capabilities.”
He pledged that the African Development Bank remained committed to supporting initiatives that would help the media present a more balanced and progressive portrayal of Africa and support its economic development.
In a discussion with Julie Gichuru of the Mastercard Foundation after his address, Adesina said Africa was blessed with energy sources, but millions remained without electricity. “This must change,” he said.
“We cannot industrialise in the dark, we cannot develop in the dark. Our children cannot be competitive in a world of darkness,” he concluded.
General News
Court Dismisses FCCPC Case Affirms MultiChoice’s Right to Set Competitive Prices in Free Market
Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the case between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, operators of DStv and GOtv, marking a victory for MultiChoice and reinforcing the principles of a free-market economy in Nigeria.
The suit was thrown out by Justice James Omotosho who, in his ruling, addressed the core issues raised.
The judge specifically considered whether the FCCPC had the statutory authority to regulate or fix the prices charged by MultiChoice for its services in Nigeria, whether the FCCPC acted within its powers by issuing orders to MultiChoice to suspend price increases, and whether MultiChoice’s pricing practices amounted to abuse of dominance or unfair practices under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
Justice Omotosho held that since Nigeria operates a free-market economy, the FCCPC lacks the power to interfere in the pricing decisions of private companies like MultiChoice.
The judge cited Section 88 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, clarifying that only the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can regulate prices in a regulated industry and for essential goods.
The services rendered by MultiChoice, the court noted, do not fall into this category, as consumers have alternative choices. Justice Omotosho further ruled that the FCCPC has no business querying how companies fix their prices in a free-market environment.
The court found no evidence that the FCCPC had the statutory authority to regulate or fix prices in the absence of specific presidential approval, and that the relevant laws do not empower the Commission to impose price controls unilaterally.
The court also found that the FCCPC’s orders to MultiChoice to suspend price increases were ultra vires, or beyond its legal powers, and that there was no evidence before the court that MultiChoice’s pricing practices constituted an abuse of dominance or unfair practice as required under the Act.
The judge’s findings on these issues for determination made it clear that the FCCPC’s intervention in MultiChoice’s pricing was not supported by law.
The court’s submission is expected to have significant implications for the regulation of pricing in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry. By upholding the principle of market-driven pricing, the judgment reinforces investor confidence and clarifies the limits of regulatory intervention in a liberalised economy.
Industry observers noted that the ruling underscores the importance of balancing consumer protection with the need to foster a competitive and dynamic market.
The Nigerian government has launched the Virtual Privacy Academy, a new digital training platform designed to deepen data protection and privacy policies in the private and public sectors.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, unveiled the initiative during the 8th annual conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities, which began yesterday in Abuja.
The three-day conference, titled “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” drew attendees from over 30 African countries, as well as Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.
Dr. Tijani emphasised that the academy is part of Nigeria’s strategy to capitalise on the benefits of the digital economy by providing actors with the tools they need to navigate hazardous data governance landscape.
According to Tijani, this project would provide Nigerians with the opportunity to gain practical skills in data protection.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, highlighted Nigeria’s recent data governance milestones during his address.
He stated that the Commission had completed over 5,000 compliance assessments, opened 223 investigations, and assisted 12 organisations with rehabilitation.
Dr. Olatunji urged African countries who have yet to pass data protection laws to do so, emphasizing that “strong data protection frameworks are not barriers to innovation, but enablers of a resilient and inclusive digital economy.”
Treepz, Africa’s leading corporate mobility startup, has announced an exclusive partnership with Miva Open University, Nigeria’s premier open university. Under this agreement, Treepz becomes Miva’s official transportation provider, delivering services across key cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Jos.
L-R: Sani Chanchangi, Business Development Manager, Treepz; Godwin Okpe, Community & Engagement Manager, Miva Open University; Florence Sulyman-Boboye, Global Vice President of Business Development and People, Treepz; Oluwole Adeniji, Manager, Corporate Services, Miva Open University
As Miva Open University expands its academic and administrative presence across Nigeria, Treepz will provide on-demand access to premium vehicles for staff transportation, guest logistics, special events, and official university functions. With a fleet that includes SUVS, Coaster buses, and luxury vehicles, Treepz ensures that all mobility needs are handled with reliability and professionalism.
“This partnership is a strategic move that helps us stay focused on what we do best—delivering accessible and flexible education,” said Oluwole Adeniji, Admin Operations Manager at Miva University. “With Treepz handling our transportation across the country, we can scale confidently, knowing our staff, guests, and stakeholders are moving safely and efficiently.”
On Treepz’s end, Johnny Enagwolor, Co-Founder and President at Treepz, noted that the partnership comes at a pivotal moment, allowing Miva, a forward-thinking institution, to prioritise its core mission of delivering quality education, while Treepz efficiently manages a wide range of its inter-city mobility needs.
“By providing a tailored transport service, Treepz aims to alleviate the logistical burdens of institutions, ensuring Miva University operate at its best.
“At Treepz, we understand the importance of reliable and efficient transport services in driving organisational success. Our goal is to provide Miva with the most comfortable, safe, and convenient transportation solutions possible,” Johnny added. We are committed to providing high-quality, safe, and reliable transportation solutions that support Miva’s mission and contribute to its ongoing success.
Furthermore, we recall that Treepz commemorated its fifth anniversary on September 16th, 2024. Over the past five years, the startup has made notable progress in addressing the continent’s transportation challenges through innovative, tailored solutions.
Treepz has also established itself as a key player in the African mobility industry, with more than 6 million customers served, consistently expanding its services and strategic partnerships to meet the evolving needs of corporate clients.
Recent partnerships with industry leaders such as Parallex Bank and KingMakers (owners of BetKing) have enabled Treepz to provide efficient transportation solutions to complete millions of employee commutes with their shared transportation service.
These accomplishments highlight Treepz’s growing influence and its commitment to revolutionizing corporate mobility and enhancing transportation experiences across the continent.
For more information about Treepz and its corporate travel services, kindly visit www.treepz.com
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