Ecobank Group (www.Ecobank.com), the leading private pan-African financial services group with unrivalled African expertise, is proud to be named as the Best Trade Finance Provider Bank in Africa, at the Global Finance Trade Finance & Supply Chain Finance Awards 2025. Additionally, our affiliates in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Rwanda have also been recognised as the Best Trade Finance Provider in their respective markets.

Michael Larbie, Group Executive Corporate and Investment Banking, said, “We are focussed on delivering a wide range of trade finance solutions and excellent trade services to our clients, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area’s single market. This is exemplified by our innovative “Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub”, which digitally connects buyers and suppliers across the continent and a gateway to our comprehensive suite of trade finance products and services. At Ecobank, we are relentless in our efforts to be the bank of choice for Africans and their businesses and in our absolute commitment to delivering a Better Africa”.

Ecobank provides comprehensive trade solutions to its customers using various payment methods to facilitate cross-border and domestic trade throughout and beyond its network of 35 sub-Saharan African countries. It offers unique intra-Africa trade solutions, enabling its customers to settle their domestic and international trade transactions efficiently while mitigating payment risks. The bank works closely with clients in reviewing key aspects of transaction processing, including Settlement, Financing, Risk Mitigation, Credit Enhancement and applicable Exchange Control Regulations. Ecobank’s trade products and solutions are designed around three broad areas: structured trade and commodity finance; trade services; and supply chain finance.

The judges for the Global Finance awards selected Ecobank as the trade finance provider award winner based on input from industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts, and on objective and subjective factors such as Ecobank’s trade-related transaction volume, the scope of its global coverage, customer service, competitive pricing, risk management and innovative products, services and technology.

Ecobank was presented with its trophies by Global Finance at the awards ceremony during the BAFT Europe Bank-To-Bank Forum in Amsterdam on 12 March 2025.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has inaugurated a 10-member Service Compact (SERVICOM) committee to reinforce its commitment to efficient service delivery and data protection in Nigeria. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, alongside the National Coordinator of SERVICOM, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli.

During his address, Dr. Olatunji commended SERVICOM for its unwavering dedication to ensuring that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) provide effective and efficient services to Nigerians. He emphasized that the NDPC fully supports SERVICOM’s mandate, which led to the establishment of the committee within the Commission. This move aims to enhance the implementation of SERVICOM’s objectives within the NDPC while advancing data protection and privacy initiatives across the country.

Mrs. Akajemeli, in her remarks, lauded the NDPC for its proactive approach to service excellence, particularly in safeguarding Nigerians’ data privacy. She described the Commission as “a listening organization” that has instituted necessary structures to guarantee quality and timely service delivery. She further encouraged the newly inaugurated SERVICOM Committee members to uphold the highest standards of service excellence and contribute towards continuous improvement within the Commission.

The NDPC remains steadfast in its mission to protect data privacy and ensure the highest standards of service delivery, aligning with SERVICOM’s vision of enhancing public service efficiency in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has introduced the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and Implementation Directive (NDP Act GAID) to enhance understanding and compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act). The directive serves as a guide for individuals and organizations covered under the Act, ensuring adherence to data protection principles and legal frameworks.

Speaking at the unveiling press conference, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, lauded the committee responsible for developing the directive. The committee, comprising stakeholders from various sectors, played a crucial role in shaping the document. Dr. Olatunji highlighted that the NDP Act GAID provides technical and organizational measures on key areas such as data protection principles, lawful basis for data processing, compliance audits, and data subject rights. Additionally, he noted that the directive incorporates guidelines for handling emerging technologies.

Dr. Olatunji emphasized that data subjects are not required to be physically present at the Commission to seek redress for privacy breaches. He explained that the NDPC has democratized the privacy breach remediation process through the introduction of the Data Subjects’ Standard Notice to Address Grievance (SNAG). This initiative allows data subjects to directly request remedial actions from data controllers and processors without first lodging a complaint with the Commission.

The introduction of the NDP Act GAID is expected to provide clarity on the NDP Act’s provisions, enabling data controllers and processors to fulfill their obligations while empowering data subjects with a clear understanding of their rights.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day this month, the film and television industry is revealing itself as a powerful arena of gender transformation, and a highly effected vehicle for empowering women. This especially the case in Africa, where women occupy several leadership roles in the industry.

These roles are pivotal, as they set the tone for the sector at large, influencing the content being created, as well as the attitudes of the young audiences exposed to the material being created by the continent’s next generation of young filmmakers.

This industry’s transformed leadership is well positioned to accelerate action even further and to continue building a creative industry where women feel free to express themselves and their views of the continent and its culture.

In the vanguard of this trend is the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) a pan-African network of training institutions training the next generation of African filmmakers. With training academies in Lusaka, Zambia, as well as Lagos, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya, the MTF provides fully paid, year-long courses in the fundamentals of film and TV production, with women well represented in every cohort.

Not only do women make up a high proportion of each year’s class, but they also win accolades in prominent film festivals as well as seeing their works premiering on major content platforms.

Most recently, Everything Light Touches – co-directed by woman MTF West Africa Academy graduate Elma Baisie – premiered on the Africa Magic Showcase channel. In East Africa, woman director Lynn Gitau – an MTV East Africa Academy graduate – partnered to create Somewhere in Kole, which premiered on the Maisha Magic Plus channel.

In every one of the MTF Africa territories, academy directors actively work to empower young woman filmmakers.

“We promote women filmmakers in numbers and in terms of creative support,” says MTF Southern Africa Academy director Chris Puta. “Women students consistently make up around 50% of our cohort intake. But I believe what is most important is that they are given license to express themselves as writers, directors and producers. This is how women’s voices enter the mainstream.”

“We believe in empowering women in the film industry through training, mentorship, and opportunities,” says MTF West Africa Academy Director Atinuke Babatunde. “We give them all the skills they require to make a statement in the industry. And that is exactly what they are doing.”

Proof of this is the recognition MTF women alumni are earning on the film festival circuit. MTF West Africa graduate and producer-director Adeola Andrea Peregrino won first prize at the LEAP Africa USAID Film contest, and second prize at the IOM Film Contest for her film Poached, as well as being selected for the Africa International Film Festival, and as a finalist at the Edo State Festival.

“MTF is committed to seeing women pursue careers in film and TV,” says MTF Academy East Director Victoria Goro. “Besides upskilling young women filmmakers, we believe a highly effective way to encourage girls and young women to get into film is to inspire them by seeing great work by young women.”

Shining examples of this inspirational work are the achievements of East Africa MTF graduate Doreen Kilimbe’s film Midnight Bride, which won Best East African Film at the Uganda Film Festival, the Audience Award at Zambia’s Sotambe Film Festival, Best International Award at the Kalasha Film and TV Awards, and Best Actress at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Also making an impact was MTF Southern Africa Academy alumnus Tekla Nakale, won the best scriptwriting award for the film Ataman at the Multichoice Namibia Film Festival.

African women filmmakers are also taking charge of their own destiny in the industry by becoming involved in industry forums and even rising to leadership roles. In Namibia, MTF graduate Esther Beukes was recently appointed as Chairperson of the Board for the Namibia Film Commission.

In Botswana, former MTF student Serena Mmifinyane took time off from her work as a creative director at TV and film company N&M Productions to establish the Women in Film Guild Botswana, which is affiliated with Women in Film & TV International (WIFTI). In 2022, she was voted onto the WIFTI Board of Directors, and in 2023 became secretary of the global organisation.

“I am proud of what I have been able to achieve in the film sector,” said Mmfinyane. “But the hundreds of other young women who have come through MTF Academies have all made great strides in our industry. Their achievements exemplify the talent and drive of Africa’s women filmmakers, and how training can be a catalyst to accelerate gender empowerment across our continent.”

Sycamore (www.Sycamore.ng), a Nigerian fintech with over N10 billion in assets under management, today announced two strategic developments that position it for its next growth phase.

The company has secured a license from Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to operate as a fund/portfolio manager and has appointed former ARM Securities Managing Director Oluwagbenga Magbagbeola to lead its asset management arm. This SEC license places Sycamore among a select group of regulated investment firms in Nigeria’s competitive financial sector.

Sycamore Group CEO Babatunde Akin-Moses said, “Securing our SEC license represents the culmination of years of building institutional-grade compliance systems that protect investor interests. With this regulatory foundation and Oluwagbenga’s proven investment expertise, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver performance and security to investors navigating Africa’s complex market conditions.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Co-founder and CCO Onyinye Okonji noted, “This milestone reflects our commitment to operating at the highest standards of financial governance. Our team underwent a rigorous evaluation process, during which regulators examined our governance structures, risk management frameworks, and client protection mechanisms.”

Oluwagbenga Magbagbeola joins Sycamore with 17 years of capital markets experience, spanning roles at ARM Securities, FBNQuest Securities, and Profund Securities. At ARM Securities, Magbagbeola led the development of investment strategies that consistently performed against market benchmarks during challenging economic cycles, including Nigeria’s recent periods of currency volatility and inflation.

“Joining Sycamore allows me to bridge traditional capital markets expertise with fintech innovation at precisely the right time,” said Magbagbeola. “The SEC license creates a regulatory framework for what many Nigerians are already seeking – protected pathways for investment diversification during economic uncertainty.”

Empowering its institutional approach is Sycamore’s cutting-edge technology infrastructure. Mayowa Adeosun, co-founder and COO, explained, “Our proprietary investment platform represents years of innovation in applying financial technology to local market conditions.”

“We’ve leveraged artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse market trends and optimise portfolio allocations across multiple asset classes, resulting in more responsive investment strategies tailored to Nigeria’s dynamic market conditions,” Adeosun added.

The company’s recently upgraded mobile app transforms how clients manage their investments. Through an intuitive dashboard, investors can now access institutional-grade portfolio analytics that provide clear visibility into performance, risk exposure, and growth opportunities.

A standout feature is the new Multi-Currency Wallet, which directly addresses clients’ needs for currency diversification by allowing users to hold and invest funds across USD, EUR, GBP, and NGN. This capability, backed by Sycamore’s SEC-licensed status, provides investors with a regulated channel for managing currency exposure.

In an era where workplace safety is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of organizational success, Zoracom has taken a proactive step to ensure the well-being of its workforce. The company recently conducted an extensive Safety Talk focused on proper ladder usage, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of workplace safety. This initiative underscores Zoracom’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and productivity within its organization and beyond.

The session, held as part of Zoracom’s ongoing safety education program, aimed to equip employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent ladder-related accidents. Falls from ladders are among the most common causes of workplace injuries, often resulting from improper usage, lack of awareness, or negligence. By addressing these issues head-on, Zoracom is not only protecting its team but also setting a benchmark for other organizations to follow.

The Critical Importance of Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is far more than a regulatory requirement—it is a moral and operational imperative. A safe work environment ensures that employees can perform their duties without fear of injury, leading to higher morale, increased productivity, and reduced downtime. Moreover, a strong safety culture reflects an organization’s commitment to its most valuable asset: its people.

For Zoracom, safety is a core value that permeates every aspect of its operations. The company believes that a healthy team is a productive team, and this philosophy drives its continuous efforts to educate and empower its workforce. The recent Safety Talk on ladder usage is a testament to this commitment, providing employees with practical tools to mitigate risks and maintain a secure workplace.

Key Lessons from the Ladder Safety Training

The Safety Talk covered several essential aspects of ladder safety, each designed to address common pitfalls and promote best practices. These lessons are not only relevant to Zoracom’s team but also serve as valuable guidelines for any organization that prioritizes safety.

1. Inspect Before Use
One of the most critical steps in ladder safety is conducting a thorough inspection before use. Employees were reminded to check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, loose rungs, or bent parts. A damaged ladder is a hazard waiting to happen, and using one can lead to catastrophic accidents. By taking a few moments to inspect the ladder, workers can identify potential issues and avoid unnecessary risks.

2. Use the Right Ladder for the Task
Not all ladders are created equal, and using the wrong ladder for a task can have serious consequences. The training emphasized the importance of selecting the appropriate ladder based on factors such as height, weight capacity, and type. For instance, a step ladder might be suitable for low-height tasks, while an extension ladder is necessary for reaching greater heights. Choosing the right tool for the job is a simple yet effective way to enhance safety.

3. Maintain Three Points of Contact
A fundamental rule of ladder safety is maintaining three points of contact at all times. This means keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder. This technique ensures stability and reduces the likelihood of losing balance. Employees were encouraged to practice this habit consistently, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls.

4. Place the Ladder on a Stable Surface
The stability of a ladder depends largely on the surface it rests on. The training highlighted the importance of placing the ladder on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface. Uneven or unstable ground can cause the ladder to shift or tip over, putting the user at risk. By ensuring a secure foundation, workers can significantly reduce the chances of accidents.

5. Avoid Overreaching
Overreaching while on a ladder is a common mistake that can lead to falls. Instead of stretching too far, employees were advised to reposition the ladder to maintain a safe and stable posture. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring safety.

Zoracom’s Holistic Approach to Workplace Safety

Zoracom’s commitment to safety extends beyond individual training sessions. The company has implemented a comprehensive safety program that includes regular workshops, safety audits, and the provision of high-quality safety equipment. This holistic approach ensures that safety remains a top priority at all levels of the organization.

The recent Safety Talk on ladder usage is just one example of Zoracom’s proactive efforts to create a secure work environment. By equipping employees with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe, Zoracom is not only protecting its workforce but also enhancing overall productivity and morale.

Expert Guidance for Organizations

For organizations looking to improve workplace safety and implement effective safety protocols, Zoracom offers expert guidance and tailored solutions. Whether it’s conducting safety training, optimizing workflows, or providing customized safety equipment, Zoracom is dedicated to helping businesses create secure and efficient workplaces.

To learn more about Zoracom’s safety solutions or to schedule a consultation, visit their website at www.zoracom.com or contact them directly via the link: https://lnkd.in/dScqaibV.

A Call to Action for Safer Workplaces

Zoracom believes that workplace safety is a shared responsibility. The company encourages businesses and individuals to join the movement for safer workplaces by prioritizing safety education, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of care and responsibility.

By sharing experiences, tips, and insights, we can collectively build safer, healthier, and more productive work environments. Zoracom invites everyone to participate in this important conversation using the hashtags #SafetyFirst, #LadderSafety, #Zoracom, #WorkSafety, and #SafeWorkflow.

About Zoracom
Zoracom is a leading provider of workplace safety solutions and workflow optimization services. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and employee well-being, Zoracom empowers organizations to create secure, efficient, and thriving workplaces.

Quote from John Nwachukwu, Zoracom’s Top Executive:
“At Zoracom, we believe that safety is not just a policy—it’s a promise to our people. By equipping our team with the right knowledge and tools, we are not only preventing accidents but also building a culture of trust and excellence. A safe workplace is the foundation of a successful organization, and we are committed to leading by example.”