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BorderlessTek Launches Lifeline for Underprivileged Nigerian Children Through Coding

BorderlessTek Launches Lifeline for Underprivileged Nigerian Children Through Coding

 

In a powerful intervention against digital exclusion, a UK-based Nigerian tech entrepreneur, Wale Atekoja, is rewriting the future of disadvantaged children in Lagos, one line of code at a time.

His organization, Borderless Tek, has launched the Kids Coding Partnership — a grassroots tech education program designed to equip underprivileged schoolchildren in communities like Ikorodu and Yaba with foundational coding and software development skills, completely free of charge.

This is not just another CSR initiative. It’s a deliberate human-centered response to the growing digital divide that continues to marginalize low-income Nigerian children from the technology revolution sweeping the globe.

“We’ve been teaching Black kids in Europe how to code, but what about those back home?” says Wale Atekoja, better known as @AtexXeta on social media. “We’re not targeting the privileged. We’re starting with the forgotten — the children who have never touched a laptop.”

 

The first three-month cohort of the program is scheduled to kick off in September 2025, targeting public Junior and Senior Secondary School students across Lagos’ low-income areas. The curriculum will focus on practical, hands-on learning — from basic programming to animation, mobile app creation, and problem-solving.

But Wale is not walking this path alone.

The initiative is supported by strategic partners such as Yesding (education facilitation), Proline (internet infrastructure), and Akowe App, a credential verification startup that will ensure every certificate earned is both digitally secured and internationally recognized.

> “This is how we break cycles of exclusion,” says Olamide Busari, a representative from Akowe. “These children will walk away not only with new skills but with verifiable certificates that open doors.”Borderless Technology (@BorderlessTek) / X

 

This credibility ensures the effort extends beyond the classroom — helping students qualify for advanced training, internships, or even scholarships. It’s about real-world impact, not just inspiration.

The classrooms — to be set up in schools and libraries — are being fitted with digital infrastructure through partnerships with local governments and community stakeholders. Earlier pilot classes held this year already demonstrated tangible success: students who had never used a laptop built mobile apps and animations in just weeks.

Wale’s intervention is not just technical — it is deeply personal. Raised in Nigeria, he knows what it feels like to have the intellect but not the opportunity.

“I know what it’s like to be capable but invisible,” he says. “That’s why we’re building a new table — not waiting for a seat at someone else’s.”

 “We’ve been teaching Black kids in Europe how to code, but what about those back home?” says Wale Atekoja, better known as @AtexXeta on social media. “We’re not targeting the privileged. We’re starting with the forgotten — the children who have never touched a laptop.”

He is calling on corporate entities, public servants, NGOs, and everyday Nigerians to join the effort — by donating laptops, sponsoring training centers, or mentoring the children.

“We’ve opened the doors,” Wale adds. “But we need others to help keep them open.”

In a country where millions of young people are at risk of being left behind in the tech-driven global economy, the Kids Coding Partnership is more than a program — it is a necessary human intervention. A digital lifeline. A second chance.

And for many Nigerian children, it may be their first real shot at creating — not just consuming — the future.

NITDA Boss Hosts Gambian Minister at GITEX Africa, Discusses Strategic Tech Collaboration

NITDA Boss Hosts Gambian Minister at GITEX Africa, Discusses Strategic Tech Collaboration

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has welcomed the Gambian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Lamin Jabbi, Esq., to the Nigerian Pavilion at the ongoing GITEX Africa in Marrakech.

The high-level meeting focused on deepening bilateral collaboration in the digital economy space, with particular emphasis on revitalising the Gambian tech ecosystem and fostering regional innovation. Discussions also covered plans for the Gambian delegation’s active participation in GITEX Nigeria, slated for September 2025.

Highlighting the need to boost digital trade between Nigeria and Gambia, Abdullahi stressed the importance of fostering closer ties among tech startups, innovation hubs, and venture capitalists across both countries. He further encouraged the adoption of supportive policy frameworks—such as tax holidays for startups in Gambia—as a catalyst for driving innovation, attracting investment, and strengthening cross-border partnerships in West Africa’s digital economy.

Southeast Nigeria Leads in Self-Made Billionaires, Not Ritualists – Hon. Obi-West Utchaychukwuo Declares

Southeast Nigeria Leads in Self-Made Billionaires, Not Ritualists – Hon. Obi-West Utchaychukwuo Declares

A renowned radio personality and social commentator, Hon. Obi-West Utchaychukwuo, has sparked conversation on social media with his bold statement debunking the myth surrounding wealthy individuals from Southeast Nigeria. According to Utchaychukwuo, the wealth of Igbo businessmen is not rooted in ritual practices but in hard work, smart networking, and deep business acumen.

In a recent statement shared online, Utchaychukwuo noted that the southeastern region of Nigeria, predominantly occupied by the Igbo ethnic group, is home to the highest number of self-made billionaires in the country. “These are not people who looted public funds,” he emphasized, “but entrepreneurs who have built legitimate empires.”

He pointed to events such as the high-profile burial ceremony of Obi Cubana’s mother, which drew nationwide attention due to the extravagant displays of wealth. While some questioned the sources of the funds, Utchaychukwuo clarified that many of those in attendance were top importers, exporters, and sole distributors of major international products across Africa.

“There is hardly any Igbo family today without at least one millionaire. This isn’t by accident. It’s due to a strong entrepreneurial culture passed down through generations,” he said.

He also challenged common stereotypes, urging the public to stop associating Igbo businessmen with rituals, fraud, or money laundering. “You need to emancipate yourself from the misconception,” he said, listing notable Igbo entrepreneurs such as E-Money, Obi Cubana, Jowi Zaza, Valentine Ozigbo, and business entities like Air Peace as examples of legitimate wealth creation.

Utchaychukwuo went on to reveal that one of the contributors to the over N250 million raised during the burial is the sole distributor of a pharmaceutical drug in Nigeria that records millions in annual sales. “He earns N1,000 from each unit sold at N3,500. With sales running into millions yearly, that’s a legitimate billionaire,” he said.

The media figure further urged young Nigerians to shift focus from salaried jobs to entrepreneurship, noting that Nigeria remains an untapped goldmine for business-minded individuals. He cited the example of Hotels.ng founder, Mark Essien, who returned to Nigeria from Germany and built one of the country’s largest hotel booking platforms. The company attracted a $1.2 million investment from eBay founder Pierre Omidyar in 2015.

“Poverty is vanity,” he concluded, “because living a life without meaning or purpose is in itself, vain. Nigeria has opportunities for those ready to act.”

The statement, now trending with hashtags such as #madamCEO, #DivineFM, and #highchiefadaigbo, has ignited fresh discourse about wealth creation, regional stereotypes, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

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Regional Poverty Risk in Nigeria: North Central Households Most Vulnerable in 2023 — Report

Regional Poverty Risk in Nigeria: North Central Households Most Vulnerable in 2023 — Report

 

A new report has shed light on the economic vulnerability of Nigerian households, showing significant disparities in poverty risk across the country’s six geopolitical zones. The data, compiled by the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (GMPI) in collaboration with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and published by Statisense, highlights the percentage of households in each region that are considered vulnerable to poverty in 2023.

According to the report, the North Central zone tops the list with 22.58% of households identified as being at risk of falling below the poverty line. This is closely followed by the North East, where 21.47% of households are vulnerable, reflecting the ongoing socio-economic challenges and insecurity that have plagued the region.

In the South South, often regarded as Nigeria’s oil-rich zone, 19.44% of households remain vulnerable to poverty. Despite the region’s resource wealth, many communities continue to struggle with underdevelopment and economic instability.

The South West, home to some of Nigeria’s largest urban economies including Lagos, showed a vulnerability rate of 17.18%, while the North West recorded 13.61%, indicating relatively lower levels of economic fragility compared to the northern and southern counterparts.

Surprisingly, the South East had the lowest poverty vulnerability rate at 11.47%, suggesting a more resilient household economic structure in the region, possibly attributed to widespread entrepreneurship and remittances from the diaspora.

Experts Call for Regional Economic Policies

The findings have prompted renewed calls from economists and development experts for region-specific economic policies that address the unique challenges of each zone. Analysts warn that failure to tailor social protection programs and job creation strategies to local realities could deepen existing inequalities.

Speaking on the data, a development economist noted, “These figures reflect not just income disparities but multidimensional poverty — including lack of access to education, healthcare, and proper living standards. The North Central and North East in particular need urgent, focused interventions.”

Federal and State Government Interventions Needed

The federal and state governments are being urged to review their poverty alleviation strategies and increase investments in infrastructure, education, and health — especially in high-risk zones. With Nigeria battling rising inflation and a growing youth population, the stakes are high for sustainable economic recovery and inclusive growth.

As 2024 approaches, stakeholders believe these poverty indicators should serve as a guiding compass for policy formulation, resource allocation, and donor support, ensuring no region is left behind in Nigeria’s fight against poverty.

 

Nigeria’s Top Banks Record Historic Profits, Asset Growth in 2024 – Zenith, GTBank Lead in Earnings and Returns

Nigeria’s Top Banks Record Historic Profits, Asset Growth in 2024 – Zenith, GTBank Lead in Earnings and Returns

Nigeria’s leading tier-1 banks, commonly referred to as FUGAZ – comprising First Bank, UBA, GTBank, Access Holdings, and Zenith Bank – have reported their full-year 2024 financial results, revealing a year of significant profitability, robust asset growth, and varied levels of return on assets (RoA). The figures reflect strong resilience and performance amidst economic headwinds and changing monetary dynamics in the country.

Zenith Bank and GTBank Cross ₦1 Trillion Profit Mark

In what has been described as a historic performance, both Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) surpassed the ₦1 trillion milestone in Profit After Tax (PAT) – a first for many in the Nigerian financial sector. Zenith Bank led the chart with ₦1.03 trillion in PAT, closely followed by GTBank with ₦1.02 trillion. This milestone signals strong cost management, increased interest income, and operational efficiency.

UBA, which has significantly expanded its footprint across Africa and other global markets, also posted an impressive ₦766.57 billion in PAT, reflecting its improved cross-border operations and diversified income sources. Access Holdings, another pan-African banking group, recorded ₦642.22 billion in PAT, continuing its trend of growth after its transformation into a HoldCo structure.

First Bank’s 2024 profit figures are still pending publication as of the time of this report.

Access Holdings Tops Asset Table with ₦41.50 Trillion

In terms of asset accumulation, Access Holdings solidified its position as Nigeria’s most asset-rich financial institution, closing 2024 with total assets of ₦41.50 trillion. This reflects its aggressive expansion strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and diversified investment portfolio.

UBA followed with ₦30.32 trillion in total assets, underscoring the strength of its Pan-African banking operations. Zenith Bank recorded ₦29.96 trillion, while GTBank, despite its smaller footprint compared to its peers, managed ₦14.80 trillion in total assets.

The continued asset growth across FUGAZ banks points to strong customer deposits, growth in loan portfolios, and strategic investments in treasury instruments and digital banking infrastructure.

GTBank Tops in Asset Efficiency with Highest RoA

Beyond size and profit, Return on Assets (RoA) provides a critical insight into how effectively banks use their assets to generate profits. GTBank stood out with the highest RoA of 6.89%, reflecting high operational efficiency and superior profitability relative to its asset base. This is a notable achievement, especially given its relatively leaner asset book compared to its rivals.

Zenith Bank recorded an RoA of 3.44%, UBA followed with 2.53%, and Access Holdings posted 1.55%. These numbers highlight the varied strategic approaches and business models across the institutions, with some favoring scale while others focus on efficiency and niche banking.

Sector Outlook Remains Positive Despite Challenges

The 2024 results from FUGAZ banks come at a time when Nigeria’s financial ecosystem is undergoing transformation due to regulatory reforms, inflationary pressures, FX market fluctuations, and evolving customer expectations. The performance of these banks suggests a resilient and adaptive banking sector, positioned to play a crucial role in supporting economic stability and growth.

As stakeholders await First Bank’s full-year report, analysts anticipate that the FUGAZ group, as a collective, will continue to be the bellwether for Nigeria’s banking industry, driving innovation, inclusion, and sustainable profitability.

Data Source: FY 2024 Bank Reports, Compiled by Statisense

 

South East Leads in Milk Consumption as Experts Call for Wider Dairy Access Across Nigeria

South East Leads in Milk Consumption as Experts Call for Wider Dairy Access Across Nigeria

 

By Anthony Nwosu – Lagos

The South East region of Nigeria has emerged as the leading zone in milk consumption, with a record 54.7% of households reportedly consuming milk and dairy products regularly. This is according to the latest 2023/2024 data released by Statisense using figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the General Household Survey (GHS), and the Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS).

The national average of milk consumption stands at 41.5%, with other zones falling behind the South East. The South South region follows closely at 50.1%, while the South West records 48.3%. However, the figures drop significantly in the North: North West (37.6%), North Central (29.4%), and North East (23.3%).

Health and nutrition experts say these numbers reflect the socio-economic imbalance in Nigeria, where access to nutritious foods like milk is often dictated by purchasing power and awareness.

Milk: A Nutritional Necessity

“Milk is not just a beverage—it’s a nutritional powerhouse,” said Dr. Adaeze Onwumelu, a nutritionist based in Enugu. “It provides essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamin D, and potassium which are crucial for the development of bones, especially in children, and also supports heart and muscle health in adults.”

She added that regular milk intake can help tackle malnutrition and stunting, which are still prevalent in many parts of Nigeria.

Economic Barriers Remain a Challenge

Despite its health benefits, milk consumption remains relatively low in many parts of Nigeria due to economic constraints. Industry observers note that the average Nigerian consumes only about 8 litres of milk per year—far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 210 litres.

“Affordability is a big issue,” says Suleiman Yakubu, a dairy supply chain expert. “Most households in rural areas can’t afford processed milk, and local milk production still struggles with poor infrastructure, limited grazing access, and outdated techniques.”

Nigeria reportedly spends over $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports, further driving up the cost of milk-based products for the average consumer.

Closing the Dairy Gap

Experts and industry stakeholders are now calling for deliberate efforts to bridge the dairy gap through policy reform, investment in local dairy farming, and nutrition awareness campaigns.

“The government should subsidize dairy products and strengthen school feeding programs that include milk. That will improve access, especially among children in low-income families,” said Mrs. Chinelo Ibe, a food security advocate.

There’s also a push for increased support for small-scale dairy farmers to boost local production, reduce import dependency, and ultimately make milk more affordable and accessible to all Nigerians.

A Call for Action

As the South East sets the pace in milk consumption, nutrition advocates say other regions must not be left behind.

“Milk is a basic dietary need. Ensuring that every household can afford and access it is not just a health issue—it’s a matter of national development,” Dr. Onwumelu stressed.

With proper investment, policy backing, and public education, Nigeria can improve its dairy consumption nationwide and build a healthier future for its citizens.

Information Minister Warns: Without Media Literacy, Public Officials Are Vulnerable to Fake News

Information Minister Warns: Without Media Literacy, Public Officials Are Vulnerable to Fake News

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has sounded a strong warning to public officers on the dangers of lacking media and information literacy, stating that in today’s complex media environment, ignorance makes individuals susceptible to fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

The Minister gave this charge on Tuesday at the second Spokespersons Summit held in Abuja, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

In his keynote address, Idris emphasized the growing necessity for public officials and communicators to develop competencies in media and information literacy, a composite concept pioneered by UNESCO in 2008.

“Today, in a world where everyone is a spokesperson – whether a PR practitioner or a chief executive – the imperative for media literacy becomes ever more paramount,” he said. “It equips individuals with the tools to decipher, analyze, and evaluate messages conveyed through various media channels, enabling them to make informed decisions and engage responsibly.”

He noted that the increasing circulation of misleading information across digital platforms has left many public officers vulnerable, primarily due to their inability to verify the authenticity and context of the content they encounter.

“Lately, due in effect to the lack of media literacy… public officers, and indeed the general public, have become prone to the cankerworm of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation,” he warned.

To address this challenge, the Minister disclosed that plans are at an advanced stage for the establishment of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, to be sited within the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.

“In fact, I have just returned from Paris, France, where I held a meeting with senior UNESCO officials, in which the impending take-off of the Institute featured prominently,” Idris revealed.

In a significant policy update, the Minister announced the successful cadre restructuring of Public Relations roles within the Federal Civil Service, achieved in 2023. With this development, PR has become a recognized standalone cadre, transitioning from the traditional “Information Officer” designation to “Information and Public Relations Officer” and “Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations)”.

He commended the NIPR for its pivotal role in this milestone, which aims to strengthen professional communication in the public sector.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to free speech and creative expression, Idris said the government will continue to expand Nigeria’s dynamic media landscape and unlock economic opportunities within it.

The Minister also applauded NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, for introducing the Information Ministerial Clinic to this year’s summit. The Clinic featured former Ministers of Information—Prof. Jerry Gana, Chief John Nwodo, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr., Labaran Maku, and Lai Mohammed—who shared valuable insights from their time managing national communication challenges.

“This is an outstanding initiative that brings institutional memory and firsthand experience into the learning process for present and aspiring government spokespersons,” he said.

The Spokespersons Summit continues to serve as a vital platform for strengthening professional standards and equipping Nigeria’s communicators with the tools needed to navigate an ever-evolving media environment.

14% increase in spyware attacks on businesses in Africa: Kaspersky presents a cyberthreat report at GITEX Africa

14% increase in spyware attacks on businesses in Africa: Kaspersky presents a cyberthreat report at GITEX Africa

As part of the company’s participation at the GITEX Africa conference, taking place in Morocco on 14-16 April 2025, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) will address the dynamics for cyberthreats in the African region as per the latest anonymised data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN)[1]. From 2023 to 2024 businesses in Africa were targeted by web threats, on-device threats, and attacks aiming to steal data, including spyware and password stealers. Phishing and ransomware continue to be significant threats in the region, with 66 million phishing link clicks seen by Kaspersky in the African region in 2024, including over 14.8 million phishing link clicks by corporate users.

 

Web-based threats, or online threats, are a category of cybersecurity risks that may cause an undesirable event or action affecting users browsing the Internet. According to Kaspersky data, there were 131 580 587 web threats detected in 2024 in the African region, including almost 20 million attack attempts in Kenya, almost 17 million in South Africa, and 12.6 million in Morocco. Businesses were targeted by web threats more often in 2024 than in 2023, with threat detections increasing by 1.2%.

 

Local (on device) threats include malware that is spread via removable USB drives, CDs and DVDs, or that initially makes way onto the computer in non-open form (for example, programs in complex installers, encrypted files, etc.). According to Kaspersky telemetry, local (on device) threat detections in organisations in the African region in 2024 increased by 4% compared to 2023. Among the countries that saw growth in local threats detected in organisations were Nigeria (169% increase), Ethiopia (86%), South Africa (32%), Senegal (11%), and Morocco (9%).

 

There has been a spike of threats related to data theft. According to Kaspersky data, there was a 14% growth in spyware attack detections on businesses in the African region from 2023 to 2024. Spyware is secretly installed on a user’s computer to monitor their actions and collect their data. Apart from that, there has been a 26% increase in password stealer detections. Password stealers are a type of malware designed to harvest login credentials and other sensitive data.

 

“Our statistics show an increase in attack detections for several types of cyberthreats, and the factors driving these increases are multifaceted. In the B2B sector, the continuing shift toward hybrid work models and the rush to digitise operations — often outpacing cybersecurity investments — may leave businesses in Africa exposed to advanced persistent threats. In the B2C space, the explosion of digital financial services, coupled with low digital literacy rates, makes individuals prime targets for opportunistic attacks,” comments Maher Yamout, Lead Cybersecurity Researcher with Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team. “Organisations in Africa should prioritise a unified approach by enhancing collaboration, investing in specialised cybersecurity training, and promoting digital literacy to effectively combat the rising tide of cybercrime. Initiatives like the African Cyber Surge operation and targeted educational programs can serve as blueprints for building a resilient digital ecosystem across the continent.”

 

In the B2C space, the explosion of digital financial services, coupled with low digital literacy rates, makes individuals prime targets for opportunistic attacks

To stay protected, Kaspersky suggests following the recommendations below.

 

Individual users:

  • Do not download and install applications from untrusted sources.
  • Do not click on any links from unknown sources or suspicious online advertisements.
  • Always use two-factor authentication when available. Create strong and unique passwords, using a mix of lower-case and upper-case letters, numbers, and punctuation. Use a reliable password manager to help to remember them.
  • Always install updates when they become available; they contain fixes for critical security issues.
  • Ignore messages asking to disable security systems for office or cybersecurity software.
  • Use a robust security solution appropriate to your system type and devices, such as Kaspersky Premium (apo-opa.co/3G2yjUZ).

 

Organisations:

  • Always keep software updated on all the devices you use to prevent attackers from infiltrating your network by exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • Do not expose remote desktop services (such as RDP) to public networks unless absolutely necessary and always use strong passwords for them.
  • Use solutions such as Kaspersky NEXT EDR Expert (apo-opa.co/4ifQ8NV) for comprehensive visibility across all endpoints on a company’s corporate network to get superior defense, automate routine EDR tasks, enable analysts to speedily hunt out, prioritise, investigate, and neutralise complex threats and APT-like attacks.
  • Use the latest Threat Intelligence (apo-opa.co/3XVFTa3) information to stay aware of actual TTPs used by threat actors.
  • Back up corporate data regularly. Backups should be isolated from the network. Make sure you can quickly access the backups in an emergency if needed.

 

The Kaspersky stand at GITEX Africa (https://GITEXAfrica.com) in Morocco will be located in Hall 13, 13C-20, while a keynote titled “When AI/ML fails in cybersecurity, humans are the last line of defense” will take place at the Dark Stage on April 15 at 2:10 PM.

Nigeria’s Cross River State second to commence construction of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

Nigeria’s Cross River State second to commence construction of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

Nigeria’s Cross River State became the second to mark construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone after the country’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina broke ground at the project site on Thursday 10 April.

 

The SAPZ aims to tackle food insecurity, enhance local production, and position Nigeria as a food export leader by leveraging Cross River’s ports and research assets to boost global trade, reduce food imports, and drive prosperity through the agro-industrialization of crops like cocoa and cassava.

The groundbreaking in Cross River follows that of Kaduna (http://apo-opa.co/42Mquvu) which took place few days earlier. Six other states – Kano, Kwara, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory – are included in Phase 1 of the $538 million SAPZ program, with plans to expand to the remaining 28 states this year pending the African Development Bank’s Executive Board approval for Phase 2 funding.

Shettima emphasized the project’s priority and need for national collaboration: “The SAPZ program has been recognized as a national priority for food security in Nigeria.” He noted, “There is no better time than now for the federal and state governments, development partners, the private sector, and our communities to work hand in hand to ensure the success of the SAPZ project.”

Adesina celebrated the milestone, saying, “Today is a big day for Nigeria,” and added, “The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones is bringing good news to Nigeria, State Governments and Local Governments. Good news to farmers, agribusinesses, and all rural areas of Nigeria. Good news of jobs, wealth, and prosperity with agriculture as a business.

“With the abundant arable land, cheap labor and vast agro-ecological areas, Nigeria should not be importing food,” said Adesina who was accompanied by his wife Grace Yemisi Adesina.

The Bank Group president highlighted Cross River’s export potential: “Bakasi deep seaport will turn the state into a logistics hub in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, enabling trade with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau.”

Bakasi deep seaport will turn the state into a logistics hub in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, enabling trade with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau

The 130-hectare Agro-Industrial Hub in Adiabo will leverage the Calabar Sea Port, Bakassi Deep Sea Port, a 23 kVA power plant in Tinapa, and a 630 kVA Calabar Power Plant. Its Agricultural Transformation Centre, supported by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and the University of Calabar, lies less than 45 minutes from Ikom, Etung, and Boki, boosting cocoa production for global markets.

Governor Bassey Otu outlined the state’s vision, saying, “For us in Cross River State, the establishment of clusters of smallholder farmers focused on staple and cash crops such as rice, cassava, millet, cocoa, and oil palm is a vital step toward agro-industrialization.”

“These initiatives are aimed at strengthening food security, diversifying our state’s economy toward export-oriented agriculture, and boosting our GDP,” added Governor Otu, saying the state should expect to see a big difference in two years.

The African Development Bank Group is investing $210 million, including $50 million from its Africa Growing Together Fund. The Islamic Development Bank is contributing $150 million, the International Fund for Agricultural Development is contributing $100 million, the Green Climate Fund is contributing $60 million, and the government is contributing $18 million.

Speaking during the occasion, the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s Country Director, Dede Ekoue, noted that the SAPZ will build on the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project which has empowered 26,000 youth and women agripreneurs in the Niger Delta, including 4,000 in Cross River, with plans to scale to 100,000 by 2028.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said, “The SAPZ program is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and import substitution. By investing in agro-processing development, we are investing in the future of our communities.”

The African Development Bank Group has committed $934 million to SAPZs in 11 African countries. The 2024 Africa Investment Forum (http://apo-opa.co/42eqx33), held in Morocco, recorded $2.2 billion in investor interest for 28 Nigerian states, which make up the second phase of the project.

Adesina explained that with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, Nigeria will reduce food imports, conserve foreign exchange, expand local production and processing of food and agricultural commodities, strengthen the Naira, and attract significant private investment into the development of agricultural value chains.

The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones will also revive and transform rural economies and create millions of jobs.

Adesina was accompanied by the African Development Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development Dr Beth Dunford, the Director General for Nigeria Dr Abdul Kamara, Prof Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation, Director Richard Ofori-Mante, Director of the Agricultural Finance and Rural Development Department, and Dr Yusuf Kabir, National Coordinator for SAPZ, Nigeria.

The Rise of Contemporary African Art in a Global Market

The Rise of Contemporary African Art in a Global Market

By Marelize van Zyl, CEO at Aspire Art

 

The art historical narrative, traditionally skewed towards Western perspectives, has long undervalued African art, limiting its global visibility and appreciation. This trend, however, has changed as collectors from around the world increasingly appreciate African art’s rich history and significance.

While the contemporary African art market’s dollar value remains small compared to other regions, it has experienced remarkable growth in the past decade with ultra-contemporary art pieces by African-born artists – under 45 years of age – accounting for the highest sales volume in the market.

The global art market is estimated to be worth around $68 billion. London-based research firm ArtTactic says work by African artists currently exceeds a combined annual value of $72 million, more than double its 2016 value.

According to Artnet’s 2025 Intelligence Report, postwar and contemporary art was the most lucrative art-market category for the second year running in 2024, generating just under $4 billion. In 2024, the Artnet report revealed that sales surged by 46% between 2013 and 2023, peaking at $101.3 million in 2021. The postwar and contemporary genre led sales in 2023, with the ultra-contemporary category, driven by its affordability and online accessibility helping to attract a younger generation of collectors, growing significantly in recent years.

Africa is the only region globally where ultra-contemporary art – typically the smallest genre by sales total – has ever surpassed all other genres during the decade under review.

Sales of ultra-contemporary works by African-born artists jumped from $16.2 million in 2020 to $40.6 million in 2021. It’s estimated that the African art market could reach around $1.5 billion this year, driven by a growing number of collectors, patrons, investors, international art fairs and events interested in African art.

As interest in African contemporary art continues to rise, its market value is expected to see a corresponding increase, positioning it as a lucrative investment opportunity. According to ArtTactic, demand for young emerging contemporary artists has remained strong, with their presence in the market growing to the third highest level since 2015.

Specialising in handling contemporary art from Southern Africa, Aspire Art was the first auction house since its inception to actively promote what it perceives as undervalued 20th-century Black artists and the first to present a genuinely pan-African offering of modern and contemporary art to a global audience.

There is no question that Africa has much to offer in the way of highly collectible contemporary works. A good example is Ugandan artist Joseph Ntensibe whose large-scale canvases are regarded as rare and highly collectable. Ntensibe has made it his life’s work to put the spotlight on the rampant deforestation that has taken place in Uganda as a result of mining, war, drought, urbanisation and downright ignorance regarding the value of what was once the country’s most prolific resource. Although Ntensibe’s shimmering forest scenes have been likened to Cezanne and Klimt for their luminosity, in reality, this artist’s work is in a league of its own. Aspire Art currently holds the record for the highest achieved hammer price at auction of a Ntensibe artwork. Earlier this year, Aspire Art debuted the artist in South Africa and his impressive Forest Scene (2020) sold for R924,200.

This is far from the only record Aspire Art has achieved for contemporary African art. We hold the South African and world auction records for numerous other artists including multiple award-winning South African artist Nicholas Hlobo whose artwork, Intlambo yochulumanco, sold at an Aspire Art Auction in 2021 for R1,479,400 and Sam Nhlengethwa, whose portfolio titled Glimpses of the Fifties and Sixties sold for R967,300 in 2019.

We also currently hold the South African and world auction records for South African contemporary artist Mary Sibande. A multi-media artist, Sibande’s work interrogates the intersections of race, gender and labour in South Africa. Her work A Terrible Beauty is Born – from the artist’s Long Live the Dead Queen series – sold at the Aspire X Piasa auction in 2020 for R341,400. This record was again achieved in 2022 for Caught in the Rapture.

Partnerships and collaborations with international auction houses have extended the reach of African art from the 20th– and 21st centuries. Growing interest in this category saw Aspire Art partner with Paris-based auction house Piasa in 2020 to present some of the best examples of modern and contemporary African art, introducing several new African artists including Uche Okeke (Nigeria), Gareth Nyandoro (Zimbabwe), Salah Elmur (Sudan), Michael Musyoka (Kenya), Marc Padeu (Cameroon), Peter Ngugi (Kenya), Cyrus Kabiru (Kenya) and Cristiano Mangovo Brás (Angola) to a global audience.

The resounding success of the first auction in Cape Town in February 2020 was followed by a second auction in Paris in May that same year.

However, fast forward five years, and it is real-time online auctions that we believe will most successfully expand the reach of African contemporary art beyond the continent’s borders. Offering convenience, cost savings and broader reach for both sellers and buyers, online auctions streamline the bidding process and allow buyers to participate from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection.

By bridging the gap between traditional African aesthetics and modern art practices while offering a rich diversity of talent, contemporary African artists have an exciting future ahead.

For more information on Aspire Art’s next real-time online auctions and to view its current collection of carefully curated contemporary African artworks, please visit www.aspireart.net