In a bid to position Nigeria as a hub for global digital trade and innovation, the federal government has inaugurated a steering committee to oversee the initiative for the establishment of digital free zones in the country.

The committee, which is chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is saddled with the task of overseeing the establishment of these digital free zones designed to attract and support tech finance and service-oriented businesses, in a conducive environment tailored to the 21st-century digital trade and technological age.

A statement issued by Mohammed Manga, the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Finance, said the steering committee also includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun as Vice Chairman, as well as other key government officials.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN; the Ministers of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and the heads of relevant government agencies are also members.

The Initiative for the Promotion of Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN) serves as the private-sector stakeholders’ representative and technical advisers on the committee. DiFZIN, a non-profit advocacy and policy research organisation, is supported by a consortium of private sector development-focused and advisory institutions, including Africa Finance Corporation, PwC Nigeria, Charter Cities Institute, Future Africa, and Itana.

The mission is to develop Nigeria’s free zones ecosystem into Africa’s primary hub for global technology, finance and service businesses.

The committee will collaborate with relevant government agencies and private stakeholders to update Nigeria’s free zone policies and 30-year-old regulatory framework, technology and processes to align with global standards.

This includes developing and publishing policy and operational frameworks to enable qualified global and local technology, finance and services-based businesses to establish Pan-African or global operations from Nigeria.

Businesses operating within the zones will benefit from modernised free zone regulations, including tax, banking, and immigration incentives, simplified government compliance processes, and a stable regulatory environment.

The strategic goals include boosting foreign direct investment, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating foreign exchange inflow through an innovative approach to the free zones ecosystem.

The establishment of Itana, Africa’s first digital free zone management company, registered and licensed by NEPZA, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for global technology, finance and services-based businesses.

The statement quoted the Vice Chairman of the Steering Committee, Mr. Wale Edun as saying: “The pivotal role of free zones in catalysing and sustaining economic growth in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

In this digital age, we must integrate technology-focused businesses to attract investments and showcase our domestic talents under a liberal regulatory framework.”

The government, he added, “aims to deliver these benefits through the digital free zones.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani noted: “As we embrace the concept of digital free zones in Nigeria, we are presented with a unique opportunity to drive local domiciliation of global technology companies to boost skills development and job creation in innovation and technology, and contribute to the local economy.

“An ecosystem tailored to fostering innovation, knowledge and skills development, and improved digital infrastructure is crucial for harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

On his part, the MD/CEO of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, assured that “NEPZA is committed to digital transformation through initiatives like the e-NEPZA platform, which will streamline government services and comply with the federal government’s ease of doing business policy. We look forward to partnering with DiFZIN to advance our digital processes.”

Also speaking, Mr. Luqman Edu, Executive Director of DiFZIN and CEO of Itana affirmed that “DiFZIN is committed to driving regulatory reforms in taxation, banking, immigration, and ease of doing business within the free zones ecosystem.”

According to him, “Our goal is to create a conducive environment for global technology, finance and services-based businesses, positioning Nigeria as a hub for Africa, akin to Delaware for the US and Dubai for Asia.”

Mr. Banji Fehintola, Executive Director and Head of Financial Services at AFC, informed that “AFC’s advisory team is skilled in providing tailored financial and technical advice across Africa. We look forward to collaborating with DiFZIN to modernise Nigeria’s free trade zones, attract investment, create jobs, and boost trade and commerce in Nigeria and Africa.”

The statement disclosed that Digital Free Zones will leverage cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Edge Computing, fostering an environment for innovation, job creation and economic expansion.

These ecosystems will support business growth and competitiveness through a supportive regulatory framework, facilitating the seamless integration of emerging technologies into business operations,” it added.

Founders Factory Africa (FFA), leading African venture capital firm has announced its rebrand and name change to 54 Collective, evolving its business model to better support transformative technology ventures across the continent through catalytic capital and value-add support through its Venture Success Platform.

54 Collective builds on its exceptional track record of investing in and scaling early-stage ventures in Africa. The new name, 54 Collective, reflects the firm’s ambitious pan-African vision, aspiring to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses to serve all 54 African countries.

The firm is a commercial-first investor and embeds impact in everything it does. 54 Collective invests in ventures from idea to Pre-Series A stage by offering catalytic capital, and value-add support through its Venture Success Platform.

“Our catalytic capital and value-add support to founders, through our Venture Success Platform, signifies our evolution and ongoing mission to support entrepreneurs across Africa and enable them to build without boundaries to drive commercial and impact returns. Our name change to 54 Collective communicates our continued commitment to African founders.

“We are more supportive than ever of unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs and ensuring a level playing field for youth and women founders,” commented 54 Collective CEO Bongani Sithole.

Investment strategy

54 Collective, offers equity and non-dilutive capital up to a total of $500k, enabling founders to scale their ventures across the continent. To break barriers of access, female founders receive an additional $150k, to their male counterparts, in the form of a non-dilutive capital.

The Venture Success Platform is made up of a team of highly experienced venture specialists who provide tailored support. This is in the form of product, growth, commercial relationships, business strategy, talent, technology and data to build ventures for scale.

The team also ensures that founders have access to the right funding by preparing them for investor readiness, investor access, fundraising strategies, unlocking debt and impact capital. The Venture Success Platform empowers founders to succeed globally by facilitating networking and community building opportunities.

This unique combination of significant funding and comprehensive support distinguishes 54 Collective as the only Venture Capital firm in Africa offering early-stage founders with the highest amount of catalytic capital and support from the largest Africa-based venture capital team with over 70 staff members in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and the UK.

The firm has evolved from investing only in the Agtech, Fintech, and Healthtech sectors to being sector-agnostic in its investments, supporting more founders across many sectors on the continent. ​​54 Collective helps founders navigate complex challenges to achieve commercial success and make an impact on the continent through economic growth and job creation.

In 2023, Founders Factory Africa was named one of the top venture capital investors in Africa, with an active portfolio of over 50 ventures across 10 countries.

To date, the firm has supported more than 70 ventures across Africa and helped its portfolio startups to raise nearly $140 million in follow-on capital.

A future of empowerment

With seven of the world’s fastest-growing economies in Africa, the continent’s venture capital sector is rapidly expanding, with $6 billion invested annually. However, this represents less than 1 percent of global venture funding, indicating a significant unmet need for smart capital.

“We are pursuing opportunistic investments in different sectors across the continent where there are uniquely large opportunities for startups to scale and create sustainable impact in these sectors.

“Our goal is to invest in 105 startups across Africa in the next five years, enabling entrepreneurs to provide solutions to the continent’s biggest challenges and transforming lives and industries,” concluded Sithole.

“The firm is well on its way to achieving many of its five-year goals which range from enhanced financial inclusion, improved healthcare access, and creating dignified and fulfilling work to creating a gender forward portfolio. 54 Collective is targeting a portfolio where 50% or more of its startups are founded by women. Currently, from the 17 investments made between January 2023 and July 2024 in its portfolio, 45% of them are founded by women.

The firm’s investments are also creating social economic impact in the wider economy. For example, Asaak, a vehicle asset financing company has improved financial inclusion for over 11,000 bodaboda drivers. An impact study uncovered that 79% of these drivers improved their quality of life significantly and 80% increased their income after receiving credit from Asaak.

Speaking on the significance of the brand evolution and future ambitions, 54 Collective’s Executive Chairman and UTOPIA CEO Roo Rogers said, “54 Collective is a powerful economic and social force in the African economy. It is anchored with strong roots on the continent and exceptional network and reputation across the globe. Together with our sister funds, we continue our mission to redistribute investment and knowledge pathways towards a more inclusive, relevant, and equitable future for the Global South.”

54 Collective’s vision is to create a future where African entrepreneurship drives generational progress and prosperity across the continent. The firm’s new name, catalytic capital, and value-add Venture Success Platform offering, marks a new era for the venture capital ecosystem. 54 Collective is redefining investing across Africa, enabling its founders to build without boundaries and solve some of Africa’s biggest challenges.

Heirs Insurance Group (HIG), Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance provider, has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Puri and Sonny Iroche as Independent Non-Executive Directors of its non-life insurance business, Heirs General.

L-R: Sonny Iroche, Independent Non-Executive Director, Heirs General Insurance and Ibrahim Puri, Independent Non-Executive Director, Heirs General Insurance

The appointments further strengthen HIG’s governance and leadership team. HIG has enjoyed rapid growth since its launch in 2021, as consumers benefit from the Group’s unique offering of digitally driven insurance products and customer-centric service proposition.

Ibrahim Puri is an accomplished financial services leader, with over 30 years of experience in banking, fintech, and FMCG industries. He was Group Executive Director at the United Bank for Africa and serves on the board of RedTech and Nigeria Breweries. He brings a deep understanding of the African financial industry and the ability to navigate complex market dynamics.

Sonny Iroche has over four decades of experience in finance, investment promotion, and economic advisory. He serves as the Executive Chairman of Strategic Alliance Promotion Company and has held leadership positions at the Transmission Company of Nigeria and United Capital Plc. He also serves as a special advisor to the Board of Governors of the African Leadership Institute (AFLI).

Commenting, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman, Heirs Holdings said: “We are pleased to welcome Ibrahim and Sonny to Heirs Insurance Group, and specifically to Heirs General Insurance. Their exceptional leadership and track record of success will further assist in executing our vision of being Nigeria’s foremost, trusted, and innovative insurance provider.

“I know that their expertise will enhance Heirs Insurance Group’s position as an industry leader, delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders.”

Heirs Insurance Group is the insurance arm of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents, founded and led by Tony Elumelu. With a rapidly expanding retail footprint and an omnichannel digital presence, Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs General Insurance Limited, Heirs Life Assurance Limited and Heirs Insurance Brokers, serves both corporate and individual customers across Nigeria.

Heirs Insurance Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.