Business
Buratai on the Ground in Lusaka as Africa’s Diplomats Rally for Change
Buratai on the Ground in Lusaka as Africa’s Diplomats Rally for Change
LUSAKA — In a powerful show of continental unity and vision, the League of African Ambassadors (LAA) is set to officially launch in Lusaka, Zambia, promising to become a game-changer in Africa’s socio-political and economic diplomacy.
On the evening of October 5th, 2025, distinguished members of the LAA, led by Ambassador Ominyi Nwanne, the Interim President of the League of African Ambassadors (LAA), the immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia and Zambian Special Envoy Ambassador Lazarus Kapambwe, held an exclusive briefing and dinner at Pamodzi Hotel, outlining plans for the historic event.
Among the distinguished guests was the Board of Trustees member representing West Africa and former Nigerian Army Chief, His Excellency Ambassador Lt. General T.Y. Buratai, who is currently on an on-ground assessment mission ahead of the launch.
Buratai’s Message of Unity and Vision for Africa
General Buratai commended the Zambian President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, for his progressive leadership of Zambia and Africa. He appreciated the Zambian President for graciously taking over the hosting of the LAA and its grand launch scheduled for October 14 and 15, 2025.
Reflecting on Africa’s liberation movements in the 19th and 20th centuries, Buratai recalled the immense contributions of Zambia’s founding father, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, of blessed memory. “Kenneth Kaunda will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism and liberation. He was a champion of peace, unity, and reconciliation — a man of profound humility and personal integrity,” Buratai said.
He urged the League to continue from where Africa’s founding fathers stopped, stressing that the issues of security, development, and progress remain elusive across the continent. With the birth of the LAA, Buratai called for a new era of robust, progressive, and pragmatic diplomacy to tackle Africa’s myriad challenges.
The former Army Chief also commended the interim president, the chairman and vice chairman of the local organising committee, and all members for their vision, solidarity, commitment, and sacrifices toward ensuring the success of the launch.
Buratai was accompanied by his close friend, His Royal Majesty, Oba Alhaji (Dr.) Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, a distinguished and influential monarch from Osun State, Nigeria.
A Call to Action for Africa
In a stirring statement, Deputy Spokesperson Ambassador John J. Usanga urged all African stakeholders to “join the League, lend your voice, and shape Africa’s future together. History will judge us not by our hesitations, but by the actions we take today.”
Zanaco: A Strategic Partner in Economic Diplomacy
Ahead of the launch, the LAA planning committee made a courtesy visit to Zanaco headquarters in downtown Lusaka, where CEO Ms. Mukwandi Chibesakunda hailed the League as a vital partner in advancing Africa’s economic diplomacy.
“The knowledge and experience I see in this room is immense,” she said, noting that the LAA complements existing government initiatives and can catalyze long-term continental growth.
The LAA, a non-profit and non-political continental body comprising retired and serving envoys, models itself after the Council of American Ambassadors in the United States and the European Council on Foreign Relations. Its inaugural launch, scheduled for October 14th, will host delegates from across Africa and beyond.
Ambassador Sylvester Mundanda, the LAA’s administrative head, added, “Zanaco’s pan-African reach and credibility make it the perfect partner as we pursue economic diplomacy. Their commitment to sustainability, financial growth, and social development aligns seamlessly with our vision for Africa Rising.”
Building on Experience, Recycling Wisdom
Ambassador Kapambwe emphasized the League’s mission: “Recycling wisdom and experience earned at a huge cost is invaluable. If we can recycle plastic, why not recycle the knowledge and expertise of Africa’s ambassadors?”
The Lusaka launch promises to set the stage for an enduring legacy, ensuring that Africa’s diplomatic experience is preserved, shared, and leveraged for the continent’s development.
Interim President Ominyi Nwanne, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, and other key stakeholders were recognized for their pivotal roles in making this historic event possible.
With Zambia’s central location, peaceful democratic credentials, and growing reputation as a hub for regional diplomacy, the LAA’s continental launch is poised to become a defining moment for Africa’s collective vision and ambition.
Africa Rising: The Journey Begins
As the countdown to October 14th continues, one message resonates across the continent: Africa’s future is a shared responsibility — and the League of African Ambassadors is ready to lead by example.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
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