Nigeria

The New Guard
Ivory Coast, Nigeria, DRC

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

Ivory CoastArthur Banga, the security expert whispering in the ears of military staff

NigeriaArabinrin Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, a decisive woman of multiple talents

DRCCorneille Kabanga, the quiet go-between for Chinese giant CNMC

UN seeks permanent presence in Abuja to combat terrorism

The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre has started talks with Nigeria to discuss the creation of a UN office in the country. This new office would enable the fight against cross-border crime to be better coordinated.

Agriculture minister calls on Brussels to help map cocoa production

The Ministry of Agriculture wants the EU to participate financially in the updating of maps of Nigerian forests.

British oil company Energean's West African ambitions

The London-listed company is looking to expand its operations on the continent, particularly in West Africa.

Abuja finalises MoU with Brazil to combat drug trafficking

The Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism will take place in the Nigerian capital on 17 June under the auspices of Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and his Brazilian counterpart Geraldo Alckmin.

Vista Bank abandons plans to acquire Oragroup

On 13 May, the group headed by Simon Tiemtoré informed the pan-African bank Oragroup that it would not be acquiring the shares held by the Emerging Capital Partners fund. This marks the end of two years of thorny negotiations.

Abuja to respond to US collector Robert Lehman's refusal to return Benin Bronzes

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments has suffered a setback. A collector has refused to return works looted by the British in the 19th century, which he has held onto since an exhibition at a Boston museum in late April.

Palestinian Authority launches first ever Africa division

For the first time, Palestinian diplomacy has set up a department exclusively dedicated to the continent. However, its meagre resources are likely to limit its scope of influence.

Goodluck Jonathan plays mediator to tycoon Benedict Peters

Under pressure from the new administration in Accra, the Nigerian businessman based in Ghana called on the services of his friend and former head of state, himself close to the new Ghanaian president, John Dramani Mahama.

The New Guard
Nigeria, Morocco, Tanzania

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

NigeriaHadiza Bala Usman, Tinubu's indispensable confidant

MoroccoMajda Lakhfif, the kingdom's unofficial ambassador to Paris business school

TanzaniaNeema Mduma, cultivating AI just for farmers' needs

Volodymyr Zelensky cuts short his African tour

The Ukrainian president left Pretoria prematurely on 24 April, cancelling his tour that was supposed to take him to at least two other countries on the continent.

Culture minister set to head to this year's Cannes Film Festival

Nigerian culture minister Hannatu Musawa is expected to attend the Cannes Film Festival next month, where she will inaugurate the new Nigerian pavilion.

Abuja strengthens links with London in fight against fraud

The UK and Nigeria signed a cooperation agreement to combat fraud on 30 April. The agreement covers document fraud - visas and passports - and cyber security, and provides for the sharing of information.

Abuja to hold talks about artists' payouts on music streaming platforms

The Nigerian Ministry of Culture is working on creating a discussion platform to bring streaming giants together with players from the music industry to improve payouts per-stream.

Army caught between urgent requirements and red tape

The Nigerian Armed Forces are seeking new equipment, both in terms of munitions and transport, in order to keep pace with an increase in capabilities. However the ministry of defence is struggling to process demand.