By Paul Ejime Lagos, Oct. 14,2025 – Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote is expanding his business empire to more African countries with the official launch on 8th October 2025 of the cement manufacturing operations in Attingué, some 30 km from Abidjan, the Ivorian capital. Already, the largest conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest on the African continent, with operations in at least 10 countries, the Dangote group employs more than 30,000 people and is projected to generate more than US$25 billion this year. Serge Gbotta, Managing Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, launched the Attingué plant, which spans …
Trump’s 100% pharmaceutical tariffs won’t apply to the EU and Japan
Washington, Sept. 27, 2025 – President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on pharmaceutical imports will not apply to countries with negotiated agreements with the US that contain provisions on drugs, according to a White House official, delivering promised relief to economies including the European Union and Japan. Duties on pharmaceuticals from the EU will be capped at 15% per the terms of its framework deal, the official said Friday. Japanese drugs will also be charged the rate spelled out in its pact, the official added. The US-Japan joint statement says …
Dangote-Ethiopia Deal: A New African Renaissance
By Henok Tadele Haile Addis Ababa, Sept. 1, 2025 – When Ethiopia and Nigeria shook hands in Addis Ababa last week over a 2.5 billion USD fertilizer complex deal, it was more than a business transaction. It was a declaration of intent, a bold statement that Africa is ready to rewrite its agricultural future with homegrown solutions and intra-continental cooperation at an unprecedented scale. This landmark investment, led by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and Ethiopia’s reform-driven government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, positions Ethiopia not just as a consumer …
Dangote signs $2.5bn deal to build fertiliser plant in Ethiopia
Somali, Aug. 28, 2025 – Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, has sealed a $2.5bn deal to with the Ethiopian Government to build a fertiliser plant in Ethiopia. The plant is to be one of the world’s largest single-site fertiliser plant in the world. The Dangote Group signed the agreement on Thursday with Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the government’s strategic investment arm. Under the agreement, Dangote Group will hold 60 per cent stake, while EIH will retain 40 per cent. EIH, in a statement on Thursday, said the plant …
China’s factory activity rebounds in June as US trade tensions ease
Beijing, June 30, 2025 – Factory activity in China edged upwards in June but stayed in contractionary territory for a third straight month, as the country battles soft demand and the effects of a trade war with the United States. China’s official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) – a gauge of manufacturing activity – rose to 49.7 in June from 49.5 in May and 49.0 in April, the National Bureau of Statistics announced on Monday. Scores above 50 indicate growth in manufacturing while readings under 50 suggest a contraction. The improved …
US government to hold some U.S. Steel shares in Nippon Steel deal, Kyodo says
Tokyo, May 27, 2025 – The U.S. government may hold some of U.S. Steel’s shares as part of a deal to allow Japan’s Nippon Steel to acquire the American steelmaker, Kyodo reported on Tuesday. The Japanese news agency said an idea had been floated for the U.S. government to hold a so-called “golden share” which would give Washington the power to veto important management matters. Kyodo did not cite any sources for the information. Nippon Steel declined to comment on the report and the White House could not be immediately reached …
China to establish electric vehicle factories in Nigeria
Abuja, May 19, 2025 – Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, says China is planning to establish electric vehicle factories in Nigeria. He said this during a courtesy visit to Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja at the weekend. Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant to the Minister, disclosed this in a statement. Yu Dunhai said the establishment of the factories would further enhance trade cooperation between the two countries. He described Nigeria as a great country blessed with tremendous natural resources, adding that China had always placed …
SMEDAN creates 90,160 jobs in Q1 2025
Abuja, May 6, 2025 – The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) created 90,160 jobs in the first quarter of 2025. The agency disclosed this in its 2025 first quarter performance report released in Abuja on Tuesday. It said it also supported more than 116,000 entrepreneurs with training, access to finance and markets as well as work tools. It attributed the achievement to the empowerment programmes and strategic partnerships in the MSME sector. SMEDAN also said it worked with organisations like Google and Wema Bank to train …
Dangote to build sugar refinery in Ghana
Lagos, May 5, 2025 – Aliko Dangote, the Chief Executive of Dangote Group, is to build a sugar refinery in Ghana. He announced the plan in a post on Linkedin, saying the company would be located in Kwame-Danso in Bono Region of Ghana. Dangote said the company would help to reduce Ghana’s sugar bill estimated at $162 million and boost local agro-industrial capacity. “We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a major agro-industrial project in Kwame-Danso, Bono Region: Dangote Sugar Refinery,” he said. Dangote described he venture as a new …
US job cuts decline in April, recruitment firm says
Washington, May 1, 2025 – Layoffs announced by U.S. employers dropped in April, but companies remained resistant to boost hiring amid an uncertain economic outlook because of tariffs. Global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said on Thursday that planned job cuts fell 62% to 105,441 last month. Layoffs were, however, 63% higher compared to last year and April’s tally was the highest for the month in five years. “Generally, companies are citing the economy and new technology,” said Andrew Challenger, senior vice president at Challenger, Gray & Christmas. “Employers …