Business
IATF: Dangote seeks greater Expansion of Trade and Investments in Africa
IATF: Dangote seeks greater Expansion of Trade and Investments in Africa
…As Dangote Subsidiaries show strength in Cairo
Africa’s leading entrepreneur and President/CE of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has called for greater integration of African economies and expansion of trade and investments across the continent to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities.
Speaking at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair 2023 holding at the Al Manara International Conference Centre, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate, Dangote, who was represented by the Group Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Government Relations, Engr. Ahmed Mansur expressed commitment to participating and supporting both the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Intra-African Trade Fair.
According to him, “The Dangote Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Africa with investments in several sectors and across 14 countries in Africa. The integration of African economies and the expansion of trade and investments within the continent is therefore extremely important to our group because it provides opportunities for continuous growth and expansion. This is why we support the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and indeed the Intra-African Trade Fair.
“We believe that both the AfCFTA and the IATF are important milestones in the trajectory of Africa’s economic growth and development and we as a major stakeholder in that development are therefore committed to participating and supporting both the AfCFTA and the Intra-African Trade Fair.
His comments lent credence to the show of strength displayed by the various Dangote Business Units which stormed Egypt to showcase the remarkable products and services which have become household names across the continent.
The Business Units included Dangote Cement PLC, Dangote Sugar PLC and Dangote Packaging Limited (formerly Agrosacks), and some officials of the Branding & Communications Department of Dangote Industries Limited. Dangote is a major sponsor and event partner of this year’s Trade Fair, organised by Afreximbank. Many participants from various organisations across Africa and beyond also thronged the Dangote stand to obtain information and seek possible collaboration with the Group and the various business units.
Also speaking on the sidelines of the event which drew interested participants from across Africa and beyond, Mansur affirmed that Dangote, which is one of the event partners, has a responsibility to help promote entrepreneursip and development in Africa; reason why the group has its presence in around 14 countries across the continent, and why it is collaborating and participating at the highest level of the IATF 2023.
“For an event of this magnitude, Dangote has a responsibility because it is recognised all over Africa. You will be surprised that perhaps the Dangote Group in terms of its capacity as a leading entrepreneur in Nigeria is recognised more widely in other African countries. And so, we have the responsibility to carry our brand and to carry that name very prominently.
“I think it is not just a question of coming to sell something or look for partners, we have loads of partners, Dangote sits at home, the partners will come from everywhere. But I think we also need to show the flag and it is important not only for Dangote but for Nigeria. We need to continue to recognise this responsibility,” he added.
The 3rd Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) which was organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and AfCFTA Secretariat, brought together 1,600 exhibitors drawn from over 75 exhibiting countries, with around 35 000 conference delegates, trade visitors and the media among the participants who thronged the event venue in Cairo.
Dangote Industries Limited (Dangote Group) is one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates, and a key investor in the Nigerian economy. It is an integrated group with an annual turnover over US$4billion. The Group’s interests include cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, agriculture, transport, packaging and real estate, with ongoing new projects in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and steel sectors.
The trade fair, with the theme ‘Connecting African Markets’, is billed to promote greater trade among African member-countries, drive regional integration, and spur the speedy implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement for the benefit of all Africans. It is expected to end on November 15.
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.
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.
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
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