Tag: SMEs
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CBN Recapitalisation: A Path to Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy by 2030
Introduction: Banking Reforms at the Core of Nigeria’s 2030 Economic Dream As Nigeria eyes a bold milestone—the country reaching a $1 trillion economy by 2030—the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues to push ahead with its banking sector reforms. In particular, the ongoing recapitalisation drive is positioned as a central lever to unlock credit, attract…
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CBN Recapitalisation to Drive Nigeria’s $1T Economy by 2030
Overview: Recapitalisation as a Catalyst for Growth The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has renewed its emphasis on banking sector reforms, with bank recapitalisation at the forefront. The objective is clear: strengthen the financial system, restore confidence, and set the stage for Nigeria to achieve a targeted $1 trillion economy by 2030. As with any…
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Private Investment Halves in 6 Years: Pakistan’s Manufacturing Slowdown Signals Structural Challenge
Introduction: A Turning Point for Pakistan’s Manufacturing Sector Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, long hailed as a driver of growth, employment, and export potential, is confronting one of its most significant slowdowns in modern memory. Private investment in manufacturing has roughly halved over the past six years, a collapse that experts say could reshape the country’s economic…
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KRA to Validate Income and Expenses in Tax Returns from January 2026: What it Means for Kenyans
Overview: A New Era of Tax Validation in Kenya The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a landmark shift set to begin on January 1, 2026: the validation of income and expenses declared in all individual and non-individual income tax returns. This policy move aims to strengthen tax compliance, reduce misreporting, and improve the accuracy…
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Awash Bank’s Mesmer Digital Lending: A New Era for SME Financing in Ethiopia
Awash Bank Expands SME Financing with Mesmer Digital Lending Awash Bank has unveiled a new digital lending service designed to broaden access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Ethiopia. The Mesmer Digital Lending platform marks a significant shift toward streamlined, technology-driven lending that aims to reduce the traditional bottlenecks associated with SME…
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Awash Bank Unveils Mesmer Digital Lending Platform for Ethiopian SMEs
Reinventing SME Financing in Ethiopia Awash Bank has taken a significant step to redefine access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia with the launch of Mesmer Digital Lending. This new platform is designed to streamline the loan application process, reduce turnaround times, and provide SMEs with a more transparent and user-friendly…
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FirstRand Namibia Hosts Mid-Term Budget Dialogue on Economic Outlook
Public-Private Collaboration Drives Namibia’s Economic Outlook Namibia’s public and private sectors came together for a focused conversation on the national economic outlook at the Mid-Term Economic Breakfast Budget Review hosted by FirstRand Namibia. The event, held at the bank’s Parkside Head Office in Windhoek, underscored a shared commitment to open dialogue, evidence-based planning, and pragmatic…
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Nigerian Businesses Face Slower Cost Pressures Amid Insecurity Challenges
Overview: A Mixed Bag for Nigerian Businesses Recent analyses of Nigeria’s business landscape show a cautious improvement in October. While inflation has moderated, easing some operating pressures, many firms still contend with financing constraints, high property costs, and ongoing security concerns. The evolving environment suggests a resilience among entrepreneurs but also highlights the fragility of…
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Nigerian Businesses Struggle With High Costs And Insecurity Amid Moderating Inflation
Overview: A Mixed Picture for Nigeria’s Business Climate October brought a nuanced shift in Nigeria’s business environment. While inflation showed signs of moderating, reducing some pressure on operating expenses, companies continued to grapple with financing constraints, high property costs, and persistent insecurity. The combination of these factors has created a challenging backdrop for expansion, investment,…
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Survey Finds DPI Could Unlock Africa’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Overview: A Data-Driven Path to Entrepreneurial Growth A landmark survey from the Digital Productivity Initiative (DPI) highlights the potential for a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial landscape across Africa. Examining six diverse markets, the study reveals that secure digital payment rails and robust identity systems could dramatically lower the barriers to starting and scaling small…
