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Ecobank MySME Growth Series: Proper Packaging and Basic Certification are Critical for SME Exports, Says Expert

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Lagos, April 9, 2024 – Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have great potentials and opportunities to earn foreign exchange (forex) if their products are well branded and packaged to meet international standards. Managing Director/Chief Executive, Export and Sell Limited, Nduka Udeh made this submission in his presentation titled: Earning FX By Exporting to USA and Canada, delivered at the Ecobank MySME Growth Series webinar. He stated that it was important for exporters of SME products to take into consideration the nature of their products while packaging and making shipping arrangements as well as an effective use of multi sale channels in US and Canada. According to him, many foreign markets particularly, United States and Canada are interested in Nigerian products and the SMEs can gain greater penetration in these markets that have huge potential but sadly most of their products are often rejected because they are not properly packaged and lacked necessary certifications. “SME products from Nigeria have great potentials in the export market. However, over 70% of food products are held at entry points because exporters don’t pay attention to packaging, local licensing and certifications needed to meet US specifications. The right process can save you so much. Exporters should pay attention to products that would give them maximum profitability, low shipping costs and effective distribution channels. It is important for them to be familiar with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)”, He said. Mr. Udeh who is also Chairman of African Import Export Solution, Houston, Atlanta, US advised exporters to explore the opportunities provided by Ecobank and his firm to train and support them on how to navigate the export market, adding that their products are in high demand, and they stand the chance to earn huge foreign exchange. Ecobank MySME Growth Series which started in February this year is designed to empower SME operators across the country. It is part of the bank’s commitment to train over 1 million SME operators in various sectors of the economy in 2024. The training will provide resources for starting a business, registration processes, industry statistics, and essential considerations for running a business. The series cover key topics such as accounting, credit, sales & marketing, taxation, and inventory management. Additionally, articles on key topics like increasing sales, advertising ideas, business management practices, case studies, and leveraging technology will be provided. Ecobank also plans to launch an SME Mentorship program to collaborate with successful entrepreneurs. Taken together, the MySME Growth Series reflects Ecobank’s dedication to fostering growth and success within the SME community.

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First Asset Management launches N100 Billion Infrastructure Fund to provide sustainable capital for infrastructural development across sectors.

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Lagos, Nigeria – May 2025 – In a strategic move to address Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap, First
Asset Management, one of Nigeria’s leading investment managers and a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc.,
has officially launched the N20 billion Series 1 Offer under its N100bn FBN Infrastructure Fund Programme.
This groundbreaking initiative reflects the firm’s dedication to support critical infrastructure development
through long-term investment strategies tailored to Nigeria’s unique needs.
The Fund is designed to provide sustainable capital for large-scale projects across key sectors, including
renewable energy, power, recycling, waste management, and water resource development. These sectors
are critical to economic transformation, environmental sustainability, and fostering social impact. The
launch marks a significant milestone in First Asset Management’s mission to enhance Nigeria’s capital
markets by offering investors robust alternative investment opportunities.
Mr. Ike Onyia, Managing Director of First Asset Management, emphasized that the infrastructure fund
underscores the company’s strategic focus on contributing to national development through innovative
financial instruments. “This launch represents a bold step forward in actualising our promise to support
transformative projects that unlock economic potential, empower communities, and align with the global
drive towards sustainable finance,” he stated. Mr. Onyia further affirmed that the Fund would facilitate
private and public sector collaboration on capital-intensive projects that will create jobs, enhance social
welfare, and improve Nigeria’s environmental outlook through a strong focus on ESG (Environmental,
Social and Governance) principles.
The Series 1 Issuance offers a tenor of ten years and a minimum investment of N10,000,000.00, targeting
qualified investors seeking long-term returns. The Fund is structured to provide stable income derived
from infrastructure projects domiciled in Nigeria, with investments denominated in Naira. It is tailored to
attract pension funds, development finance institutions, institutional and professional investors, as well
as high-net-worth individuals who are eager to contribute to infrastructure growth while achieving
substantial financial returns.
In addition to offering a strong financial proposition, the Fund aims to directly support Nigeria’s
development priorities by financing projects that create employment, enhance productivity, mitigates
pollution, and improve the quality of life across communities. By adopting a sustainable and impact-driven
approach to investing, First Asset Management is setting the tone for a new era of development aimed at
capital mobilisation in Nigeria.
First Asset Management Limited reaffirms its position as a catalyst for progress in the Nigerian financial
ecosystem. Through initiatives like the FBN Infrastructure Fund, the firm remains dedicated in its
commitment to delivering innovative solutions, building investor confidence, and contributing to the
nation’s enduring growth trajectory.
To access this fund, kindly reach out to: infrafund@first-assetmanagement.com or Call – 02018886722

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Interswitch Leadership Visits FIRS Executive Chairman to Deepen Strategic Collaboration

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The leadership of Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, at the FIRS Headquarters in Abuja.

The Interswitch delegation was led by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Elegbe, and the Board Chairman and Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa. Also present at the meeting was the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman and Coordinating Director of the FIRS Strategic Management Office, Tayo Koleosho.

The visit served as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Interswitch and the FIRS, reinforce ongoing collaboration, and reiterate Interswitch’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and support for national development efforts.

Speaking concerning the visit, Elegbe, remarked:

We recognise the critical role that the FIRS plays in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, and we are honoured to engage at this level. At Interswitch, we see our work not just through the lens of innovation, but also through the responsibilities that come with growth. This visit reflects our belief that public-private partnerships are essential to building sustainable progress in the digital economy.”

The courtesy visit reflects Interswitch’s continued efforts to maintaining strong, transparent relationships with key regulatory institutions, while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic advancement. Interswitch remains committed to building solutions that support national objectives, aligning innovation with compliance, and driving transformation across Africa’s financial ecosystem.

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First Asset Management Limited Surpasses ₦1 Trillion in Assets UnderManagement

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Lagos, Nigeria – May 2025 – First Asset Management Limited, a leading investment
management firm in Nigeria and a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., has announced a significant
milestone, the company has surpassed ₦1 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM).
This achievement reflects the firm’s steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional client
service and strong investment performance. It also underscores the trust and loyalty shown
by its clients, partners, and stakeholders, which have been instrumental in driving the
company’s sustained growth.
Speaking of the milestone, Ike Onyia, Managing Director of First Asset Management Limited,
credited the accomplishment to the enduring support of the firm’s clients and stakeholders.
“This milestone is a clear indication of the confidence placed in us by our clients and partners.
It highlights the firm’s ability to deliver successful investment outcomes and reinforces its
dedication to fulfilling its mandate,” Onyia said.
He went on to express deep appreciation to the firm’s clientele: “The continued partnership
of our clients is not taken for granted. Their commitment has been pivotal, and the
performance of their investments inspires the team’s dedication to providing best-in-class
service. As the firm continues to grow, it remains focused on deploying innovative and
forward-looking investment strategies tailored to each client’s financial goals.”

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