Broadcasting
Nigeria Makes Giant Strides in Economic Growth and Continental Leadership with the Launch of Guided Trade Initiative Under AfCFTA
Nigeria has embarked on a historic endeavor with the launch of the Guided Trade Initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signaling a pivotal moment in boosting intra-African trade and fostering economic diversification. Spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, this initiative is anticipated to unlock an estimated $50 billion in economic opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
President Tinubu underscored AfCFTA’s transformative potential, positioning it not merely as a trade pact but as a catalyst for industrialization, equitable growth, and continental prosperity. Nigeria is steadfast in creating an enabling business environment that fosters innovation and enhances the competitiveness of local enterprises across diverse sectors.
The launch event, supported by international partners such as the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ), celebrated Nigeria’s leadership role in AfCFTA’s implementation. The Country Director for GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by GIZ ECOWAS Cluster Coordinator, Svenja Ossman, highlighted Germany’s commitment through the ECOWAS AfCFTA project, aimed at bolstering the implementation framework across West Africa.
“We are pleased to witness Nigeria’s official commencement of trade under the preferential regime established by AfCFTA,” stated the GIZ country director. “Germany acknowledges Nigeria’s proactive stance in advancing regional economic integration and pledges support in aligning national efforts with ECOWAS-coordinated AfCFTA strategies.”
The GIZ ECOWAS AfCFTA support project has been pivotal in providing technical assistance to Nigeria through the AfCFTA National Action Committee, now called, the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office (NACO). This support includes the development of a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at optimizing trade facilitation and maximizing opportunities for Nigerian businesses, including women and youth entrepreneurs.
“We commend Nigeria’s dedication in preparing the AfCFTA implementation Action Plan,” continued the GIZ country director. “In collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), we anticipate finalizing this plan to ensure robust financial and institutional support for its successful rollout.”
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of NACO, highlighted the transformative impact of AfCFTA on Nigeria’s economic landscape. The conversion of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA into NACO underscores Nigeria’s commitment to effective AfCFTA implementation, including finalizing tariff concessions to enhance competitiveness within the continental market.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging AfCFTA for industrial growth and job creation. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, emphasized the strategic importance of the Guided Trade Initiative in propelling Nigeria’s economic growth and fostering regional integration.
President Tinubu concluded the event by affirming Nigeria’s commitment to assuming a leadership role in continental and global trade through AfCFTA. Beyond immediate economic gains, AfCFTA promises a transformative future for all Africans, grounded in collaboration, innovation, and the collective strength of the continent.
Broadcasting
Fire Razes 3 Radio Stations in Abia
Three radio stations lost their electronic broadcasting equipment worth millions on Saturday night in Aba, Abia state, when they were gutted by fire.
The affected radio stations were Enyimba 94.3 FM, Rose 101.9 FM and Legend 98.3 FM which were all located in the same building located o on the PZ axis of Aba-Owerri Road.
But for the intervention of the officials of the Abia State Fire Service, the fire may have spread to other buildings within the vicinity.
No life was lost in the raging inferno.
According to The Nation, a personnel of the Abia State Fire Service, who pleaded anonymity, called on owners of big factories and companies to procure fire extinguishers and hydrants to help assist manage and attack fire during such incident.
Broadcasting
Ngozi Anyaegbunam, Veteran Journalist, Dies At 67
Dr. Ngozi Fidelia Anyaegbunam, veteran journalist and author, has passed on. She was aged 67.
A statement by Rocky C. Agbese, the deceased’s family signed by her son, said she died after a brief illness.
“With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the untimely death of Dr Ngozi Fidelia Anyaegbunam after a brief illness,” Agbese said.
He described the deceased as a trailblazing journalist who had editorial stints with Champion Newspaper at its pioneer female editor and later with the Daily Times where she authored the book titled, ‘Waziri Ibrahim: Politics Without Bitterness’.
“Subsequent to these, she became a full-time media management consultant to numerous blue chip companies,” the statement said.
She held the distinction of being a female print media journalist to interview two sitting Nigerian Presidents – Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement further described her as a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and friend, noting that, “Auntie Ngozi will be sorely missed by all who came across her and were impacted by her larger than life presence. Rest in Peace till we meet to part no more.”
The statement added that funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.
Broadcasting
How to Prevent Late Payments from Crippling Your Business
No matter the size of the business/company you run (whether an SME, a startup, or a multinational company), keeping your cash flow running is one of the most critical things you can do.
Unfortunately, sometimes that’s easier said than done!
Statistics show that 80% of MSME businesses in Africa fail within their first five years of operation due to cash flow issues. So, how can you save time and avoid late fees to keep your business running smoothly? The answer is recurring payments.
Avoid Late Payments With Recurring Payments
Late payments from customers can create cash flow issues and negatively impact your business operations. By implementing recurring payment options for customers, your business can proactively address this challenge and ensure timely and consistent revenue streams.
The benefits are enormous.
Recurring payments enable you to automate billing processes and collect payments on a predetermined schedule, minimising the risk of late or missed payments. It also provides a predictable cash flow.
How Recurring Payments Prevent Costly Delays
Creating invoices and processing payments manually is an inefficient way to run your business. Apart from consuming most of your time, there’s also the risk of costly errors which can negatively affect your business and customer relationships.
As such, utilising an automated process which efficiently saves time, reduces the risk of human errors and increases the efficiency of your payment process should be your obvious preference.
Enhancing Customer Relationships
A crucial benefit of recurring payments is that it also helps to strengthen customer relationships and loyalty. This payment method reduces friction points and reduces the payment burden on customers, so payment is streamlined and seamless. By offering a convenient and flexible payment option, such as recurring payments, you enhance your customer’s overall payment experience and reaffirm your commitment to their satisfaction and convenience. This ultimately helps to foster goodwill, loyalty, and trust with your customers.
Tips for Maximising the Benefits of Recurring Payments
To optimise the impact of recurring payments, here are a few strategies that you should implement.
- Offer tiered pricing
A tiered pricing strategy means you’re providing your customers with different product packages with specific benefits at different price points. This is an effective way to cater to the preferences and budgets of your different customers. This allows them to choose a pricing tier within their budget and a payment plan that’s convenient for them. You can also leverage customer data and analytics to personalise payment options and tailor offerings to individual preferences.
- Introduce proactive management
Taking proactive measures, such as updating customers about the expiry date on their credit card and other potential issues will effectively help avoid errors that can lead to late payment and disturb your cash flow. Proactive actions take away potential issues before they pop up, ensuring that the payment process remains unhindered. Also, ensuring your customer support is proactive in dealing with concerns or questions that customers may have helps to further improve the customer’s trust and confidence.
- Streamline the payment process
Streamline your payment process and make it seamless for customers. Ensure there are minimal steps in the checkout process and that the experience is as seamless as possible.
Conclusion
Forecast revenue and plan your expenditures easily by establishing regular payment cycles with SeerBit’s recurring payments solution.
The best part?
You significantly enhance your financial stability and business resilience.
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