Author: Emmanuel Udoye

Charter By Kevin J. Delaney Futurist Rishad Tobaccowala writes provocatively and thoughtfully about how we work. The former global strategist and chief growth officer of marketing firm Publicis Groupe has argued, among other things, that business presentations should be no longer than nine slides and that companies should offer every worker the option of 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-time employment. Tobaccowala’s new book Rethinking Work was published on February 4 and explores the implications of the macro forces we also focus on at Charter—including technology and generational shifts—for our work and careers. Here are excerpts from our recent conversation with him, edited for space and clarity: The…

Africa seaports are vital hubs for trade, driving economic growth across countries on the continent. Despite handling just 2.7% of global trade by value, African countries contribute 7% of maritime exports and 5% of imports by volume. Seaports in Africa are vital for trade, driving economic growth despite handling just 2.7% of global trade by value. They account for 7% of maritime exports and 5% of imports by volume. Though a third of countries in Africa are landlocked, seaports remain crucial, linking businesses to global markets. To boost trade, many countries are investing in port expansion, enhancing connectivity, and strengthening regional economies. Countries…

By Adesina Wahab A report by the Global Partnership for Education, GPE, under the auspices of the World Bank, has noted that well-designed technology initiatives, managed and implemented by qualified and caring educators, can significantly enhance educational opportunities for both teachers and students and help tackle the ongoing global teaching crisis. The report was titled “Bridging the gap: How technology can mitigate the global teaching crisis.” While the report enumerated a number of measures to take to curb the global teaching crisis, it, however, said such measures require long-term planning and funding, and their benefits may take years to accrue. “In…

By Yaron Hazan Nigeria has a unique opportunity to redefine its financial integrity on the global stage. In February 2023, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed the country on its grey list, citing deficiencies in the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks. This designation has profound implications, including increased scrutiny from international financial institutions, potential barriers to foreign investment, and challenges in accessing global banking networks. The urgency to address these issues is palpable, with a target set to exit the grey list by May 2025. Achieving this goal necessitates a comprehensive and innovative approach, with Artificial Intelligence…

United States President Donald Trump has announced a new immigration initiative, introducing a $5 million “gold card” residency permit for foreign investors. This program would replace the existing EB-5 visa and provide a direct route to American citizenship. Here are the key details: 1. What is the ‘Gold Card’ Visa? Trump’s proposed “gold card” residency permit is designed for wealthy foreigners seeking U.S. permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship. Unlike traditional green cards, this premium visa would offer additional privileges and a more streamlined citizenship process. “You have a green card; this is a gold card,” Trump said during…

The potential of AI is growing far beyond making work easy. AI-powered translation tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated. There are system developments that can generate human-like texts, summarize complex documents, and even engage in nuanced conversation. AI is also breaking down cultural and linguistic divides and those who do not have control of it may struggle to keep the originality of their languages. But Nigeria is not letting any of that happen as Africa’s foremost data science and artificial intelligence organization, Data Science Nigeria, DSN, is developing a suite of AI-driven innovations designed to bridge the digital divide and preserve…

•As exporters decry delay in new NXP policy The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has said that Export Process Terminals, EPTs, were established to simplify the burdensome process of exporting Nigerian goods, as well as to contribute to strengthening the domestic economy via promotion of balance of trade. He said this at the ‘Special Day’ of NPA at the ongoing Kaduna International Trade Fair, adding that the EPTs were conceptualised to serve as a one-stop-shop for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification and onward shipment through electronic call-up to the ports in quick turnaround time thus…

…Says strengthening revenue generation no longer an option The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Shehu, has advocated the urgent need for innovative and sustainable revenue generation strategies to address the increasing public service demands at all levels of government. Speaking at the two-day training programme titled “_Optimizing Revenue Generation, Budgeting Process, and Good Governance”, in Abuja, today, Dr. Shehu emphasised that strengthening revenue generation was “no longer an option but a necessity for economic stability and sustainable development.” “We must move beyond traditional revenue sources and explore new frontiers to boost fiscal sustainability,”…

SAMI TUNJI explores the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent monetary policy as it relates to stabilisation of the naira and curbing of inflation The Central Bank of Nigeria and its Monetary Policy Committee have taken decisive steps to stabilise the naira and curb inflation, signalling a shift in the country’s macroeconomic landscape. At the 299th MPC meeting held on February 19 and 20, 2025, the Committee opted to maintain the Monetary Policy Rate at 27.5 per cent, a move that underlines its commitment to balancing inflation control with exchange rate stability. CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced the decision during a press…

Ololade Mafimidiwo In today’s hyper-connected digital economy, convenience is king. The ability to book a flight, reserve a hotel room, or make an online purchase with just a few clicks has revolutionised commerce and travel. Yet, beneath this seamless digital experience lies an unsettling and rapidly growing threat: cybercriminals leveraging artificial intelligence to manipulate, deceive and exploit unsuspecting consumers. For those of us in the travel and hospitality industry – where sensitive personal data, such as passport numbers, payment information, and itinerary details, flow freely through interconnected systems – this AI-driven threat is not just theoretical; it is a pressing…