Business

Dangote’s new Pasta products hit the market …to compete with rice consumption

Published

9 years ago

April 26, 2017

Sahara Weekly

Dangote’s new Pasta products hit the market

…to compete with rice consumption

In a major strategic move to grow its market equity in Africa, Dangote Flour has unveiled new improved pasta products called ‘Ecccellente’.

The re-vamped Pasta, is expected to reduce the dependency on rice consumption by Nigerians.

Speaking at the Grand Customer Launch Event in Kano on Tuesday, Executive Director, Sales & Marketing, Halima Dangote, said the improved products will delight consumers and distributors as it comes with a new taste and new pack.

She said the re-brand followed the research by the company which indicated that the customers and consumers will prefer an improved non-sticky Pasta.

Halima said: “… it’s a new improved pasta with durum wheat. We did a lot of tests and research and it took us 6 to 8 months to get the right combination in order to give consumers quality pasta with the best taste.”

She asserted that: “Despite being indigenous product, it can compete favourably with imported pasta”.

Halima Dangote expressed delight that the products have started to gain acceptability given the large turn-out of people at the re-launch.

She said it was an honor to be at the unveiling of the new products and marketing campaign.
“I cannot emphasize enough that our goal is to ensure that we produce the best product that will delight you, our distributors, wholesalers and retailers”

She said some countries have already signaled interest to import the innovative products from the Dangote pasta.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Mabe, said: “Now we have the most attractive packaging – please stock up, these will be flying off the shelf when consumers see it. Our new pricing list will also leave you smiling.”

He said the new improved spaghetti and macaroni has in them durum wheat which reduces stickiness and improves the taste.

According to him: “The purpose of this gathering is to ensure that you, the most important part of our business, are aware of the positive changes that have happened at Dangote Pasta.”

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Managing Director/Executive
Director, Supply Chain Alhaji Ahmed Yakassai said the improved product is a major development for consumers.

“Please go and tell others about all the positive changes that we have made in at Dangote Pasta. Please tell them that we now use durum wheat, which is the
highest quality wheat in the world. So that means that our pasta is nutritious, non-sticky, and great tasting,” he said.

The Guest of Honour Hajia Affia Dalhatu urged Nigerians to support the Dangote brand and called on women, specifically to make the new pasta part of their meals.
“I have fed my husband, children, in-laws and friends this new pasta and it is quite a tasty meal…I believe in supporting Nigerian brands. Dangote has never failed to invest in Nigeria and to continue developing and placing our country on the global map. Even in the face of current economic challenges, they have gone ahead to improve the product and have added durum, a more expensive ingredient without any price increase,” she added.

Elderly Statesman and politician, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, in a chat, commended Aliko Dangote for the re-brand initiative saying, “Aliko is quite innovative, I like what he is doing. Aside enhancing employment, he emphasizes quality products for the people”.

Distributors and consumers who have tasted the products spoke glowingly of it.

The new products come in the form of Spaghetti Standard, Spaghetti Slim, Twist Cavatto Macroni and Elbow Macroni

Business

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.

Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.

The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.

The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.

The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.

The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.

Bank

Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

Published

5 days ago

February 18, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

Business

GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

Published

5 days ago

February 17, 2026

Sahara Weekly

GTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion

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