NIGERIAN ONION PRODUCERS GO BACK TO GHANA: TRADE RESTARTS AFTER MONTHS OF TENSION

 

Nigerian onion producers have resumed exports to Ghana following renewed talks between stakeholders, reopening an important regional market for farmers and traders.
Designed by ZpotHub News 

ABUJA — There is good news for onion farmers in Sokoto, Kano, Jigawa and Katsina. 

After weeks of uncertainty and closed borders, Nigerian onion trucks are rolling into Ghana again. 

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, NOPPMAN, announced that exports to Ghana have resumed with immediate effect. The news was confirmed in a report released early Thursday morning.

For thousands of farmers and traders who depend on Ghana as their biggest foreign market, this is a big relief. For consumers in Accra and Kumasi, it means the price of onions might finally stop jumping up and down every week.

This is not just about onions. It is about how two West African neighbors do business, and what happens when politics, money, and food collide.

HOW DID WE GET HERE

If you sell onions, you already know the story. One week the border is open. Next week someone says "stop." Then traders start losing money, produce starts rotting, and everyone starts blaming each other.

That is what happened between Nigeria and Ghana in the last few months. Onion exports slowed down. Traders complained. Farmers in the North started panicking because harvest season was coming and they had nowhere to send excess stock.

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So NOPPMAN sat down with stakeholders from both Nigeria and Ghana. They talked to customs officials, transport unions, market leaders, and government representatives. The goal was simple: find a way to move onions again without drama.

After those talks, NOPPMAN came out on Wednesday and said the road is open. Trucks can move. Papers will be processed. Trade can continue.

The association did not give many details about what exactly was agreed. But the important part is this: Ghana is buying again, and Nigeria is selling again.

WHY GHANA IS SO IMPORTANT FOR NIGERIAN ONIONS

Let us be honest. Nigeria produces a lot of onions. But we also eat a lot of onions. Every pot of stew, every jollof, every suya needs onions.

So why export?

Because Ghana is close, and Ghana buys in bulk. Ghanaian markets in Accra, Tema and Kumasi have always been a natural home for Nigerian onions. The distance is shorter than Lagos to Maiduguri. Transport is faster. And the demand is steady.

For farmers in Kano, exporting to Ghana means 3 things.

First, it means less waste. Onions do not last forever. If there is too much in Dawanau market and no buyer, the price crashes and farmers lose everything. An export market gives them another place to sell.

Second, it means better money. When you have more buyers, you can negotiate better prices. Local glut will not destroy your profit.

Third, it means jobs. From the farmer, to the loader, to the driver, to the woman selling at the border, so many people eat from this trade.

That is why when the export was disrupted, people felt it immediately. Prices in Ghana went up. Prices in Nigeria sometimes crashed. Everyone lost.

THE TALKS THAT SAVED THE TRADE

Trade between countries is never just about the product. It is about rules, trust, and paperwork.

According to NOPPMAN, the recent disruption came from disagreements around border procedures, documentation, and how trucks were being checked. Sometimes it was about fees. Sometimes it was about who had the right to sell where.

These kinds of issues happen all the time in ECOWAS. We have the treaty that says goods should move freely. But on the ground, it is different. You still meet roadblocks, different taxes, and officials who interpret the rules their own way.

This time, both sides decided to talk instead of fight. Nigerian authorities spoke with their Ghanaian counterparts. Market associations spoke with transport unions. NOPPMAN played the middle man.

The result is that onions can move again. The agreement is supposed to make the process smoother so that trucks are not delayed for days at the border.

Traders are hoping this agreement will last. Because every time there is a shutdown, it is the small farmer who suffers the most.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE FARMER IN KANO

Imagine you are Musa, a farmer in Kano with 200 bags of onions ready for market.

Last month you were worried. "Where will I sell all this?" The local market was full. Prices were low. And Ghana, your usual backup, was closed.

Now the news has changed. Trucks are loading again. Exporters are calling. There is hope that you can sell at a better price and not watch half your harvest rot.

That is the immediate impact. Farmers can breathe.

But there is also a bigger picture. When farmers know they have a reliable export market, they plant more. They invest in better seeds. They hire more people during harvest. The whole local economy gets a boost.

Agriculture in the North is not just farming. It is a whole chain. And onions are one of the biggest chains.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR GHANAIAN CONSUMERS

On the other side of the border, Ghanaian households also felt the disruption.

Onions are not a luxury. They are in everything. When supply from Nigeria drops, prices go up in Makola Market. When prices go up, women complain. Restaurants adjust their menus. Everyone feels it.

Now with Nigerian onions coming back, supply should stabilize. That does not automatically mean prices will crash tomorrow. Prices depend on fuel cost, transport, and how many trucks actually cross.

But at least there will be onions on the shelves. And that is what matters to the average Ghanaian cook.

NIGERIA, GHANA AND THE ECOWAS DREAM

Nigeria and Ghana are the two biggest economies in West Africa. We are both in ECOWAS. The whole idea of ECOWAS is that we should trade with each other easily.

In theory, a Nigerian truck should drive to Ghana without 20 different checkpoints and fees. In practice, we are not there yet.

Agricultural trade has been one of the most difficult areas. Partly because food is sensitive. Governments worry about food security. They worry about protecting local farmers. So sometimes they put up barriers.

But the truth is, we need each other. Nigeria has land and produces food. Ghana has ports and a strong consumer market. When we trade, both sides win.

This onion agreement is a small example of that. If we can solve onions, maybe we can solve rice, tomatoes, and cattle next.

THE BIGGER GOAL: NON-OIL EXPORTS

Nigeria has been talking for years about reducing dependence on oil. The government keeps saying we need to export more agriculture.

Onions are part of that plan.

When we export onions, dollars and cedis come into Nigeria. Farmers make more money. Government collects more taxes. Transport companies get work. It is a win all around.

But to really benefit, we need to fix some basic problems.

The roads from Kano to the border are bad. Fuel is expensive. Cold storage is almost non-existent. Many farmers still borrow money at high interest rates. And at the border, delays can kill perishable goods.

If we fix those things, Nigerian onions can compete anywhere in West Africa. Not just Ghana. We could be supplying Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast.

That is the opportunity in front of us.

THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE STILL THERE

Let us not celebrate too early. The border is open, but the challenges have not disappeared.

First is transportation. Moving onions from Kano to Accra is not cheap. Fuel prices are high. Truck owners are struggling.

Second is storage. Onions spoil fast. If a truck is delayed at the border for 3 days, the farmer loses money.

Third is policy uncertainty. Traders need to know that the rules will not change next month. Nobody wants to load 10 trucks only for the border to close again.

Fourth is financing. Most onion farmers do not have access to cheap loans. They rely on middlemen who take most of the profit.

Until we address these, exports will always be shaky. One small dispute and everything stops again.

WHAT NOPPMAN AND GOVERNMENT NEED TO DO NEXT

NOPPMAN now has a job to do. They need to keep talking to both governments so this does not happen again.

They also need to help farmers organize better. Cooperative societies can help farmers get better prices and better loans. They can also help with storage.

The government on its part needs to invest in roads and border infrastructure. One-stop border posts where customs, immigration and traders can settle everything in one place would help a lot.

And we need consistent policy. No sudden bans. No sudden taxes. Traders need to plan.

If we get that right, this onion trade can become a model for other agricultural products.

WHAT HAPPENS FROM HERE

For now, trucks are moving. Markets are preparing. Exporters are taking orders.

The next few weeks will tell us how smooth the process really is. Will trucks pass without delay? Will prices stabilize? Will farmers actually get paid on time?

NOPPMAN says they will monitor the situation closely. They have asked all members to follow the agreed procedures so there are no new problems.

For farmers, the advice is simple: take advantage of the open market, but do not put all your eggs in one basket. Sell locally and export.

For consumers in both countries, the hope is that food will be available and affordable.

FINAL THOUGHT

At the end of the day, this story is not just about onions. 

It is about people. The farmer in Sokoto who wakes up at 4am. The truck driver who spends nights on the road. The market woman in Accra who needs onions to feed her customers.

When trade works, those people eat. When trade stops, those people suffer.

The resumption of Nigerian onion exports to Ghana is a reminder that our economies are connected. What happens in Dawanau market affects what happens in Makola market.

We are neighbors. We should trade like neighbors.

For now, the onions are moving again. And that is good news for everyone.

By Solomon Emmanuel | ZpotHub News

Reporting from Abuja

JUMIA RAISES $50M AS NIGERIAN SHOPPERS PUSH SALES UP BY 36% IFC BACKS AFRICA'S E-COMMERCE GIANT AS NIGERIA BECOMES THE BIGGEST GROWTH ENGINE

Jumia has raised $50 million in fresh funding as its Nigeria business records a 36% increase in gross merchandise value.

LAGOS — If you have ordered anything online in Nigeria this year, chances are you helped Jumia record one of its best quarters yet.

The African e-commerce giant just announced that it raised 50 million dollars in fresh capital, and the reason is simple: business is picking up. And fast.

And which country is leading the charge?  

Nigeria.

Between April and June 2026, Jumia's sales in Nigeria jumped by 36 percent. Orders went up by 34 percent. That is thousands of people across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and even smaller towns clicking add to cart despite everything happening with fuel prices and the economy.

For a company that looked like it was struggling two years ago, this feels like a comeback story.

THE 50 MILLION DOLLAR DEAL: WHO PUT IN THE MONEY

Jumia announced the raise alongside its second quarter 2026 results.

Out of the 50 million dollars, 25 million dollars came from the IFC. That is the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group. When the World Bank's investment arm puts money in you, people pay attention. It means global institutions believe Africa's online shopping story still has legs.

The remaining 25 million dollars came from existing shareholders who doubled down, plus a few new investors who like what they are seeing.

According to the company, the money will go into three things.

First, strengthening logistics. That means faster delivery and better warehouses.  

Second, more working capital so sellers can stock more goods.  

Third, improving the marketplace. Better app, better experience.

In plain English: they want to make it easier and cheaper to buy and sell on Jumia.

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NIGERIA: THE STAR STUDENT IN CLASS

Let us talk numbers, because the numbers are big.

Jumia measures something called GMV. That is Gross Merchandise Value. It is just the total value of everything sold on the platform before Jumia takes its cut.

In Nigeria, GMV grew 36 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026.  

Orders grew 34 percent.

What does that mean on the ground?  

It means more people are trusting online shopping. It means that aunty in Surulere who used to say I do not buy things online is now ordering rice and blender. It means that small business owner in Onitsha is now selling Ankara to buyers in Abuja through Jumia.

Nigeria has always been Jumia's biggest market by population. But for a long time, growth was slow because of delivery problems, cash issues, and people preferring to go to Computer Village or Alaba.

Now things are changing. Internet is cheaper. Phones are everywhere. And Jumia has spent years fixing its delivery network.

One Jumia seller in Ikeja told me, Before, I was scared to sell online. Now I get 15 to 20 orders a week. Jumia handles delivery and I just focus on my products.

That is the story behind the 36 percent.

JUMIA'S OVERALL REPORT CARD LOOKS BETTER

Nigeria was not the only bright spot, but it was the brightest.

Across all countries, here is what Jumia posted for the second quarter of 2026.

Revenue reached 52 million dollars. That is up 14 percent from 45.6 million dollars last year.  

Total GMV rose 20 percent to 216.3 million dollars.  

Gross profit increased 28 percent to 30.7 million dollars.

But the most important number is this: losses are shrinking.

Jumia's adjusted EBITDA loss dropped 36 percent to 8.7 million dollars. Last year same time it was 13.6 million dollars.  

Operating losses fell 25 percent to 12.4 million dollars.

For years investors asked, when will Jumia stop burning cash?  

Now the answer is starting to look like, soon.

WHY THE 50 MILLION DOLLARS MATTERS RIGHT NOW

E-commerce in Africa is not easy. Ask anyone who has tried to deliver a phone to Maiduguri or handle returns in a city with bad roads.

But Jumia has survived while others left. And this 50 million dollars gives it breathing space to do three critical things.

One, get to profitability.  

Jumia is telling investors it wants to hit EBITDA breakeven in the fourth quarter of 2026 and be fully profitable in 2027. That is less than 18 months away. This new cash helps them get there without panicking.

Two, double down on winners.  

Remember when Jumia was in 14 countries? They have cut back. They left South Africa and Tunisia in 2024. They left Algeria in early 2026.

The strategy now is fewer countries, deeper investment. And Nigeria is top of that list.

Three, win back trust.  

The IFC putting 25 million dollars on the table is a big vote of confidence. It tells other investors, sellers, and brands that this company is not going anywhere. That matters when you are trying to convince Unilever or Samsung to sell through you.

THE LONG ROAD TO GET HERE

Let us be honest. Jumia's journey has been rough.

When it listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019, people called it Africa's Amazon. The hype was massive. Then reality hit.

Delivery costs were too high. Fraud was a problem. Many shoppers still preferred cash on delivery. And competing with Instagram vendors and WhatsApp sellers was harder than expected.

So Jumia did what struggling companies do. It cut costs.  

It fired people. It closed warehouses in weak markets. It stopped selling things that did not make money. It focused on phones, fashion, beauty, and groceries. Things people actually buy online.

It was painful. But it worked.

Now in 2026, the company looks leaner. More focused. And Nigeria is proving that the model can work at scale.

BUT IT IS NOT ALL SMOOTH SAILING

Before we start celebrating, there are still problems.

Jumia admitted in its report that supply disruptions hit sales of expensive items like phones and electronics. That means if you wanted a new iPhone on Jumia last quarter, it might have been out of stock.

Fuel prices are also a headache. When diesel goes up, delivery costs go up. And Jumia pays for a lot of that delivery.

In Ivory Coast, weaker cocoa prices meant people had less money to spend. So sales slowed there.

And across Africa, the usual problems are still there. Currency fluctuations, inflation, and people who simply do not have extra cash to shop online.

An e-commerce CEO in Lagos told me last week, Growth is good, but the average Nigerian is still counting every naira. If Jumia wants to keep growing 36 percent, they have to keep prices low.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU, THE NIGERIAN BUYER AND SELLER

Here is why you should care even if you do not own Jumia shares.

For buyers:  

More money means Jumia can invest in faster delivery. Expect 24 hour delivery in more cities. Expect more Jumia Express warehouses closer to you. Expect more sales and discounts because they can afford to compete.

For sellers:  

Jumia says it will put some of this 50 million dollars into working capital for sellers. That could mean loans to stock inventory. It also means more international brands joining the platform, so you will have more competition but also more customers.

Jumia reported that international sellers on its platform grew significantly this quarter. So if you make shoes in Aba, you might soon be selling to someone in Kenya through Jumia.

For the economy:  

A 36 percent jump in online sales is not just about Jumia. It is about digital jobs. Delivery riders. Warehouse staff. Customer service agents. Payment companies. It is a whole ecosystem growing.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Jumia gave guidance for the rest of 2026.

Full year GMV growth is expected between 27 percent and 32 percent.  

Full year EBITDA loss is expected between 25 million dollars and 30 million dollars.

Translation: they expect to keep growing, and keep losing less money.

The big milestone to watch is the fourth quarter of 2026. That is when Jumia says it wants to break even. If Nigeria keeps growing at 36 percent, that target looks realistic.

Analysts say the next six months will be critical. Holiday season is coming. Black Friday is coming. If Jumia can handle that rush without delivery delays, it will prove the business is truly turning around.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: IS AFRICAN E-COMMERCE FINALLY GROWING UP

For years people said Africans do not shop online.

Jumia's Nigeria numbers are proof that is changing.

Yes, we still love our markets. Yes, we still bargain. But we also love convenience. And when delivery works and prices are right, we click.

Other players are watching. Konga is still there. Temu and Shein are trying to enter. And thousands of Instagram vendors are eating from the same pot.

But with 50 million dollars in the bank and Nigeria growing this fast, Jumia just bought itself time and firepower to fight.

FINAL THOUGHT

The story of Jumia in Nigeria is the story of Nigeria itself. Challenging. Chaotic. But full of opportunity.

Two years ago people were writing obituaries for Jumia. Today they are raising 50 million dollars and growing 36 percent in their biggest market.

NAIRA HOLDS STEADY AGAINST DOLLAR DESPITE PARALLEL MARKET PRESSURE

The Nigerian naira remained relatively stable against the US dollar this week, even as pressure continues to build in the foreign exchange market.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria and market trackers show the local currency closed at ₦1,366.73 per dollar on the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, NFEM, on Thursday. This was a marginal decline of just ₦0.02 from the previous day.

‎

On the parallel market, also known as the black market, the naira traded at around ₦1,418 per dollar on Thursday. That represents a ₦3 drop from ₦1,415 recorded on Wednesday. The gap between the official and street rates now stands at roughly ₦52 per dollar.

CBN INTERVENTION KEEPING THINGS CALM

Analysts say the relative calm is largely due to consistent dollar sales by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Reuters reported that Nigeria’s naira is expected to hold steady, buoyed by central bank dollar sales. One trader quoted by Reuters said: "I expect the naira to be stable, particularly given the Central Bank of Nigeria's presence in the market to ease demand pressure."

Business Day also noted that the combination of stronger foreign exchange turnover, healthy external reserves and improved liquidity has enabled the naira to withstand the pressure from a strengthening US dollar.

Nigeria’s external reserves stood at $51.92 billion as of July 29, 2026.

WE NO SEE BIG JUMP LIKE BEFORE - MARKET REACTION

While the official rate looks stable, ordinary Nigerians are still feeling the pinch at the street level.

A BDC operator in Lagos Island told Zpothub News, "Demand is still there but CBN dey intervene small. That’s why you no see the dollar jump to 1500 like last year. But ₦1,420 is still not cheap for importers."

A foodstuff trader at Mile 12 Market also told Zpothub News, "The dollar is stable on paper, but rice and oil prices have not come down. If dollar was really stable, my customers for don feel am for market."

A civil servant in Abuja who spoke with Zpothub News added, "At least my salary no dey lose value every week again. Last year, by Friday dollar don go up. Now it’s moving by ₦2, ₦3. That one is better."

WHAT’S CAUSING THE PRESSURE

Despite the stability, experts warn that challenges remain. The naira recorded three consecutive days of losses last week at the official window.

Analysts point to falling oil revenues and capital outflows as key factors weighing on the currency. Market watchers expect the pressure to persist amid global economic uncertainties and domestic fiscal pressures.

Another report noted that FX inflows reached $970 million in one week, which helped bolster the naira’s resilience.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR NIGERIANS

For now, the naira’s stability is good news for businesses that rely on official FX windows. Importers, airlines, and manufacturers can plan better without fearing a sudden spike.

But for the average Nigerian buying fuel, food, or paying school fees in dollars, the parallel market rate of ₦1,410 to ₦1,425 is what matters most.

We gathered reactions from social media and market conversations across Lagos and Abuja, and the general sentiment is cautious relief.

OUTLOOK

For next week, Reuters noted a mixed outlook for African currencies. Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana are expected to be broadly stable.

With CBN still active in the market, most analysts believe the naira will continue to hold within the ₦1,360 to ₦1,370 band officially. But unless dollar supply improves, the street rate may remain above ₦1,400.

As one Lagos trader Name withheld told Zpothub News, "Stable is good. But we want affordable. Make dollar come down to 1000, then we go celebrate."

By Solomon Emmanuel| ZpotHub News 

MTN NIGERIA: HOW THE BIG YELLOW GIANT IS QUIETLY BUILDING NIGERIA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY

Designed by: ZpotHub News 

If you have a phone in Nigeria, chances are you’re using MTN. 

Maybe for calls. Maybe for data. Maybe for MoMo. Maybe for everything.

But MTN is no longer just "the network." 

In 2026, MTN Nigeria has become one of the biggest businesses in the country. Bigger than some banks. Bigger than some government agencies. 

And the reason we’re talking about them today is simple: they are paying taxes, building infrastructure, creating jobs, and dragging Nigeria into the digital age whether we like it or not.

Let’s gist about it properly.

From "Hello, MTN" to "We run the economy"

Remember 2001? 

MTN came into Nigeria and the first thing they did was sell SIM cards for 20,000 naira. People queued for days. That was the first time many Nigerians made a phone call without running to NITEL.

Fast forward 25 years. 

Today MTN has over 80 million subscribers. They have fiber cables under the ground. They have towers on mountains. They have data centers. They have MoMo agents on every street.

Telecom in Nigeria is no longer about "call me." 

It’s about business. It’s about school. It’s about hospital. It’s about government. It’s about money.

And MTN is right at the center of it.

Why MTN matters to Nigeria’s economy right now

Nigeria in 2026 is talking a lot about digital transformation. Government is saying "we want a digital economy." CBN is pushing cashless. Schools are doing online classes. Even market women are collecting transfer.

Who is powering all that? The telecoms. 

And MTN is the biggest.

There are 3 ways MTN is touching the economy every single day.

Number one: Taxes. 

Big companies pay big taxes. And those taxes go to build roads, pay teachers, fund hospitals. MTN is one of the highest taxpayers in Nigeria year after year. When government sits down to plan budget, MTN’s contribution is part of that calculation.

Number two: Jobs. 

Direct jobs. Indirect jobs. From the engineer climbing a mast in Kano, to the girl selling airtime in Onitsha market, to the software developer building apps that run on MTN data. Millions of livelihoods are connected to that yellow brand.

Number three: Digital services. 

This is the big one. Without network, there is no fintech. Without network, there is no Jumia. Without network, there is no online school. MTN built the road. Other businesses are driving on it.

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That’s why when people say "private sector is driving Nigeria’s growth," MTN is the example they point to.

How telecom stopped being "just calls"

Let’s be honest. 15 years ago, if you had MTN, you used it to call your girlfriend and gist.

Today? 

A student in Ilorin uses MTN data to attend class on Zoom. 

A tailor in Aba uses WhatsApp to show customers new designs. 

A dispatch rider uses Google Maps to find your house. 

A POS agent uses MTN network to send your money.

A doctor in a village does telemedicine with a patient in Lagos.

The phone is now an office. A classroom. A bank. A shop.

And none of that works without network.

MTN invested billions to make sure that network exists. Towers. Fiber. 4G. 5G in some places. 

They didn’t have to. But they did. Because they saw where Nigeria was going.

The tax man’s favorite company

Let’s talk money. 

Government needs revenue. Oil is not doing what it used to do. So government is looking at companies.

MTN pays Company Income Tax. Pays VAT. Pays levies. Pays spectrum fees. 

Every quarter, billions of naira leave MTN’s account and enter government account.

Why does this matter to you? 

Because that money is supposed to build your road. Pay your lecturer. Buy drugs for the hospital.

When MTN does well, government has more money to spend. When MTN struggles, everybody feels it.

That’s the connection people don’t talk about enough.

Jobs, jobs, and more jobs

MTN directly employs thousands of Nigerians. Engineers, marketers, customer care people, IT guys.

But the real number is indirect jobs.

Think about it:

The guy who sells MTN recharge cards. 

The woman who runs a phone accessory shop. 

The youth who does "data subscription" for people. 

The content creator who makes skits using MTN data. 

The delivery guy who uses Google Maps.

All of them exist because the network exists.

MTN also supports small businesses through programs and training. They give grants. They run accelerators. They say "bring your tech idea, we’ll help you."

In an economy where jobs are scarce, that matters.

Digital transformation: the real MTN story

Government keeps saying "digital economy." But digital economy needs 3 things: power, network, and people who know how to use it.

MTN is handling the network part.

In the last 5 years they have:

Expanded 4G to more cities and towns

Started rolling out 5G in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt

Laid thousands of kilometers of fiber optic cable

Built data centers to keep Nigerian data in Nigeria

Why? Because data demand is crazy.

In 2010, you used 100MB in a month. 

In 2026, you use 100MB before 10am watching TikTok.

Businesses are also moving online. The woman selling clothes on Instagram needs fast internet. The startup doing fintech needs reliable network. The school doing CBT exams needs stable connection.

MTN is trying to provide that backbone.

And yes, sometimes network is slow. Sometimes there’s no signal. We know. But compared to 10 years ago, the difference is massive.

MoMo and financial inclusion: bringing banking to the streets

This is where MTN stopped being just telecom and became finance.

Millions of Nigerians don’t have a bank branch in their village. But they have an MTN agent.

With MoMo, you can:

Send money

Pay bills

Buy airtime

Pay school fees

Even collect loans

For many people, that’s their first experience with "banking."

This is huge for financial inclusion. 

CBN has been pushing for it for years. But telecoms made it happen because they already had the agents and the reach.

A farmer in Sokoto can now receive payment on his phone. A trader in Makurdi can pay supplier without carrying cash.

That’s economic activity that wasn’t happening before.

And it all runs on MTN’s network and license.

Infrastructure: the boring thing that makes everything work

Nobody claps for infrastructure. Until it’s not there.

MTN has spent billions on infrastructure. 

Masts in rural areas where only 200 people live. 

Fiber in the ground so data can move faster. 

Generators and solar to keep sites running when NEPA fails. 

Security to protect equipment from vandals.

It’s expensive. It’s stressful. 

But without it, there is no "digital Nigeria."

The 5G rollout is the newest example. Is it everywhere? No. But Lagos, Abuja, PH people are already testing it. Faster internet. Better video calls. More opportunities for tech companies.

That’s the future MTN is betting on.

The challenges MTN is facing

I won’t sugarcoat it. It’s not easy being MTN in Nigeria.

Challenge one: Power. 

Running a telecom site needs 24-hour power. Diesel is expensive. Solar helps, but it’s also expensive. That cost is part of why data is not 50 naira.

Challenge two: Forex. 

A lot of equipment is imported. Dollar goes up, cost goes up. And MTN can’t just increase prices anyhow because NCC regulates them.

Challenge three: Multiple taxation. 

Federal, state, local government. Everybody wants a levy. Sometimes it feels like they’re being taxed to death.

Challenge four: Vandalism and insecurity. 

People cut fiber cables. People steal diesel. In some areas, staff can’t even access sites.

Challenge five: Regulation. 

NCC is trying to balance consumer protection and business survival. Sometimes policies help. Sometimes they make things harder.

Despite all this, MTN keeps investing. Because they believe Nigeria will get better.

What Nigerians are saying

Go to Twitter and you’ll see two groups.

Group one: "MTN data finishes too fast. MTN is stealing our money."

Group two: "Thank God for MTN. My business runs on it."

Both are true. 

People complain because they use the service every day. When it fails, it hurts. When it works, nobody notices.

But ask a business owner if they can survive one week without MTN. The answer is no.

That’s influence.

The bigger picture: Nigeria’s digital future

Nigeria has 220 million people. Half of them are under 30. 

All of them will need internet. All of them will need digital services.

The government can’t build that alone. Private companies have to do it.

MTN is one of the companies leading that charge.

If MTN expands, tech startups expand. 

If MTN builds fiber, schools can do online learning. 

If MTN improves mobile money, more people join the financial system.

That’s why economists watch MTN’s earnings report like they watch oil price.

It’s a signal of where the economy is going.

What’s next for MTN

They’re not stopping.

Expect more 5G. Expect more investment in fiber. Expect more MoMo services. Expect more partnerships with banks and startups.

They’re also talking about AI, cloud services, and smart city solutions. 

The goal is simple: be the company that powers Nigeria’s digital life.

Will it be perfect? No. 

Will there be complaints? Yes. 

But will Nigeria’s economy move forward because of them? Also yes.

Final thoughts

MTN started as a phone company. 

Today it’s an economic force.

It pays taxes that fund government. 

It creates jobs that feed families. 

It builds infrastructure that enables innovation. 

It provides services that connect Nigerians to opportunity.

Is it perfect? No company is. 

Are there issues with service and pricing? Yes. 

But can you imagine Nigeria in 2026 without MTN? Neither can I.

As Nigeria pushes for digital transformation, companies like MTN will determine whether we succeed or not.

The yellow brand is no longer just selling airtime. 

It’s helping build a country.

By Solomon Emmanuel| ZpotHub News 

AMAZON SHARES JUMP AS STRONG CLOUD GROWTH BOOSTS INVESTOR CONFIDENCE

SEATTLE — Amazon just had one of its best days on the stock market this year. 

And the reason is not Prime Day. It is not Black Friday. It is not even shopping.

It is the cloud.

Amazon Web Services, or AWS, just posted its fastest growth in more than four years. And that single number was enough to make investors breathe a sigh of relief and send Amazon shares flying up in early trading.

For months people have been asking one question about big tech: You are spending hundreds of billions of dollars on artificial intelligence and data centers. But when will we actually see the money come back?

Amazon's latest earnings report just gave part of the answer.

THE EARNINGS THAT CALMED EVERYONE DOWN

Over the last two years, every big tech company has been in a race. Microsoft, Google, Meta, Apple, and Amazon have all poured money into AI. New data centers. New chips. New AI models. The bill runs into the hundreds of billions.

That kind of spending makes investors nervous. Because spending is easy. Making profit from it is hard.

Amazon's Q2 2026 results helped ease that worry.

The headline number everyone was watching was AWS. Amazon's cloud business grew faster than anyone expected. In fact, it was the fastest growth AWS has seen in over four years.

Wall Street was expecting decent numbers. What they got was better than decent. And that changed the mood instantly.

Within minutes of the report, Amazon stock jumped sharply. The rally did not just lift Amazon. It lifted the whole tech sector. Because if Amazon can make AI spending work, maybe Microsoft can too. Maybe Google can too.

WHY AWS MATTERS SO MUCH

If you do not work in tech, AWS might sound boring. But it is the engine that keeps half the internet running.

AWS is the world's biggest cloud computing platform. Millions of customers use it. Startups in Yaba. Banks in London. Governments in Washington. Universities in Lagos. Netflix. Airbnb. Even rivals use it.

What does AWS actually do?  

It rents computers. But not physical computers you can touch. It rents computing power over the internet.

Instead of a company buying 1000 servers and building a data center, they just log into AWS. They store their data there. They run their website there. They build their apps there. They even build AI tools there.

It is cheaper. It is faster. And you only pay for what you use.

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That is why AWS is Amazon's biggest profit machine. Retail gets all the attention because we all shop on Amazon. But AWS is where the real money is made.

And right now, that profit machine is growing faster again.

AI IS THE BIG REASON

So why is AWS growing so fast all of a sudden?  

Two words: Artificial Intelligence.

Every company right now wants to use AI. But building AI is expensive. You need massive computing power. You need storage for huge amounts of data. You need special chips.

Most companies do not want to build all that themselves. So they go to AWS.

Amazon has been stuffing AI tools directly into AWS. Want to build a chatbot for your customers? There is an AWS tool for that. Want to analyze millions of customer records to spot trends? AWS can do that. Want to improve cybersecurity or write code faster? AWS has AI for that too.

In other words, Amazon is selling shovels in the AI gold rush.

And companies are buying. Lots of them.

A startup founder in San Francisco put it this way last week:  

"We could not afford to build our own AI servers. So we just built everything on AWS. We launched in 3 months instead of 2 years."

Multiply that story by millions of businesses around the world. That is why AWS is growing again.

IT IS NOT JUST THE CLOUD

To be fair, it was not only AWS that had a good quarter.

Amazon's online store also grew. People are still shopping, even with inflation.  

Advertising did well. Every time you see a sponsored product on Amazon, that is ad money going straight to Amazon.  

Subscription services like Prime also added more members.

But let us be clear. AWS is the star. It brings in less total revenue than retail, but it brings in most of the profit. When AWS does well, Amazon does well.

That is why investors reacted the way they did.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE REST OF TECH

Amazon is not the only company betting big on AI and cloud. 

Microsoft has Azure. Google has Google Cloud. Meta is building AI models. Apple is pushing AI into iPhones.

All of them are spending billions. And all of them will report earnings in the next few weeks.

Amazon going first and posting strong numbers sets the tone. It tells investors, hey, this AI spending might actually make sense.

Analysts are already saying Amazon's report could push Microsoft and Google shares up too. Because if demand for cloud is strong at Amazon, it is probably strong everywhere.

That is how this works. One big earnings report can change sentiment for the entire industry.

THE COMPETITION IS NOT SLEEPING

Before we get too excited, there is a catch. The cloud business is a fight.

Microsoft Azure is right behind AWS. They have been growing fast too, especially because of their partnership with OpenAI.  

Google Cloud is also pushing hard. They are cheaper in some areas and very strong on AI tools for developers.

So Amazon cannot relax. If they get slow or get too expensive, customers will jump ship.

Also, running a cloud business is not cheap. Building data centers costs billions. The special chips needed for AI, like Nvidia GPUs, cost a fortune and are hard to get. Electricity bills alone can run into millions per month.

Amazon has to keep growing revenue faster than those costs. That is the balancing act.

So far, they are managing it. But one bad quarter and the story changes.

WHY THIS MATTERS OUTSIDE AMERICA

Here is where it gets interesting for us in Nigeria and across Africa.

When AWS grows, it means more companies around the world are moving to the cloud. And that creates opportunities here.

Think about it.  

A fintech startup in Lagos can now use AWS to launch a payment app without buying a single server.  

A developer in Abuja can use AWS AI tools to build software for a client in the UK.  

A small business can use cloud software to manage inventory instead of Excel.

Five years ago, that was hard. You needed money for hardware. You needed an IT team. Now you just need internet and a credit card.

Amazon has data centers in South Africa and is expanding across the continent. As cloud gets cheaper and faster, more Nigerian businesses will use it.

That means more jobs for developers, more startups, and more digital products built in Africa and sold to the world.

The flip side is cost. Cloud services are paid in dollars. If the naira keeps fluctuating, that can get expensive. But overall, the trend is clear. Cloud and AI are becoming the basic tools for doing business, just like electricity.

THE BIG QUESTION: WILL AI PROFITS LAST

Amazon's earnings answered one question: Is anyone making money from AI yet?  

Answer: Yes.

But it raises another question: Can it last?

Building AI is expensive. Every new AI model needs more computing power than the last one. Data centers are getting bigger. Energy use is going up. And competition means prices could fall.

Amazon and others will have to keep innovating to stay ahead. That means new AI tools, better chips, and smarter ways to cut costs.

Investors will be watching closely. One strong quarter is good. Four strong quarters in a row is what proves this is a real trend and not just hype.

WHY IT MATTERS

Amazon's latest results are about more than one company.

They show that the big bet on AI and cloud is starting to pay off.

For businesses, it is a signal. Investing in digital tools is no longer optional. If you want to compete, you need to use cloud software and AI. The companies that do will move faster and serve customers better.

For investors, it is reassurance. All that money spent on AI was not wasted. People are actually using these tools and paying for them.

For governments and schools, it is a reminder. The future of work will run on cloud and AI. Training people in these skills will matter more than ever.

And for countries like Nigeria, it is an opportunity. We do not need to build everything from scratch. We can use AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to build African solutions for African problems. Fintech. Agritech. Healthtech. Education.

The tools are there. The question is who will use them best.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Amazon says it will keep investing. More data centers. More AI features in AWS. Better logistics for retail. Faster delivery.

The company is also watching costs carefully. They know investors will not tolerate endless spending without profit.

The next few quarters will be key. Holiday shopping is coming. That will boost retail. And more companies will launch AI products, which will boost AWS.

If Amazon can keep AWS growing at this pace while controlling costs, 2027 could be the year they hit new profit records.

For now, the market is happy. The stock is up. Investors are relieved. And the AI story has one more piece of proof that it is real.

FINAL THOUGHT

Two years ago, people wondered if AI was just hype.  

Today, Amazon just showed that AI and cloud are paying the bills.

The internet runs on AWS. Businesses run on AWS. And now AI runs on AWS too.

Amazon spent billions to get here. And for the first time in a while, the numbers show it was worth it.

For shoppers, nothing changes. You will still get your package in two days.  

For businesses, everything changes. The tools to build the next big thing are now cheaper and easier to access than ever before.

That is the real story behind Amazon's big day.

By Solomon Emmanuel| ZpotHub News

CBN MONETARY POLICY DECISION: BUSINESSES AWAIT INTEREST RATE DIRECTION AS ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REMAINS UNCERTAIN

By Solomon Emmanuel

Nigerian businesses, investors, and financial experts are closely watching the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting as expectations grow over the direction of interest rates and the country’s economic future.

The decision of the apex bank is expected to provide important signals about inflation management, borrowing costs, investment confidence, and the overall direction of Nigeria’s monetary policy.

CBN MOVES TO STRENGTHEN BANKING SECTOR AS CUSTOMERS AND BUSINESSES WATCH NEW DEVELOPMENTS

The CBN has maintained a cautious approach in recent months, balancing the need to control inflation with efforts to support economic growth. The bank has indicated that future decisions will be guided by economic data rather than market expectations.

CBN FACES PRESSURE TO BALANCE INFLATION AND GROWTH

The Central Bank of Nigeria plays a major role in managing the economy through monetary policy decisions.

One of its key tools is the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which influences lending rates, savings returns, and financial market activities.

When interest rates remain high, borrowing becomes more expensive for businesses and consumers. However, higher rates can also help control inflation by reducing excessive money supply and spending.

The CBN has maintained a careful approach because reducing rates too quickly could create new inflation pressures, while keeping rates high for too long could slow business expansion.

BUSINESSES SEEK LOWER COST OF BORROWING

Many Nigerian businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are hoping for policies that will make access to credit easier.

Business owners have continued to express concerns about the high cost of loans, saying expensive financing makes it difficult to expand operations, purchase equipment, and create more jobs.

Lower borrowing costs could encourage companies to invest more, increase production, and contribute to economic growth.

However, financial experts say any interest rate reduction must be carefully managed to avoid worsening inflation challenges.

INVESTORS MONITOR CBN SIGNALS

The CBN’s monetary policy decisions also influence investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial markets.

Investors closely monitor interest-rate decisions because they affect government securities, banking activities, stock market performance, and foreign investment decisions.

A stable monetary policy environment can help businesses plan for the future and encourage long-term investment.

Market participants are also watching how the CBN manages issues such as currency stability, inflation expectations, and economic growth.

INFLATION REMAINS A MAJOR CONCERN

Inflation continues to be one of the biggest factors influencing Nigeria’s monetary policy direction.

The CBN has repeatedly stated that controlling inflation remains a major priority as rising prices affect households, businesses, and economic planning.

For businesses, inflation increases the cost of raw materials, transportation, wages, and daily operations.

Experts believe that a combination of effective monetary policies and government economic reforms will be necessary to create a more stable business environment.

WHAT THE MPC DECISION MEANS FOR NIGERIANS

The outcome of the MPC meeting could have effects across different parts of the economy.

For businesses, it could determine whether borrowing becomes more affordable or remains expensive.

For consumers, interest-rate decisions may affect loans, savings, and purchasing power.

For investors, the decision could provide clues about the direction of Nigeria’s economy and financial markets.

PRIVATE SECTOR EXPECTATIONS

Business groups have continued to encourage the CBN to consider policies that support production and economic expansion.

While acknowledging the importance of inflation control, many private sector operators believe monetary policies should also encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and job creation.

They argue that a stronger business environment requires affordable financing, stable economic conditions, and predictable policies.

CONCLUSION

The CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee decision remains a major focus for Nigeria’s business community as companies and investors await clearer signals about the economy.

While inflation control remains a priority, businesses are hoping for policies that will reduce financial pressure and support economic growth.

The direction of monetary policy in the coming months will play an important role in shaping Nigeria’s business environment, investment climate, and economic recovery.

NIGERIAN BUSINESSES SEEK RELIEF AS OPERATING COSTS AND INFLATION CHALLENGES CONTINUE TO PRESSURE ENTREPRENEURS

By Solomon Emmanuel

Nigerian businesses are facing increasing pressure as rising operating costs, inflation, and economic uncertainties continue to challenge entrepreneurs across different sectors. From small shops and manufacturers to service providers and technology startups, business owners are seeking stronger support and policies that can help them survive, expand, and create more jobs.

The growing cost of running businesses has become a major concern as entrepreneurs deal with higher expenses for transportation, electricity, raw materials, and other essential needs. Many business owners say the current economic environment requires practical solutions that will reduce pressure and improve business confidence.

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As Nigeria continues efforts toward economic recovery, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain at the centre of discussions because of their role in employment creation and national development.

ENTREPRENEURS FACE RISING BUSINESS EXPENSES

Across Nigeria, many entrepreneurs have continued to experience increased costs in their daily operations.

Business owners in sectors such as retail, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, and technology have reported challenges linked to higher prices of goods and services.

For many small businesses, managing expenses has become more difficult as they try to maintain affordable prices for customers while also covering their operational costs.

Some entrepreneurs have responded by adjusting prices, reducing expenses, or changing their business strategies to remain competitive.

However, many business owners believe that long-term solutions are needed to create a more stable environment for businesses to grow.

INFLATION REMAINS A MAJOR CONCERN

Inflation continues to be one of the biggest challenges affecting Nigerian businesses and consumers.

As prices increase, many households have reduced spending, which has affected sales for some businesses.

Entrepreneurs say lower consumer purchasing power makes it harder to increase revenue, especially for small businesses that depend on daily customer transactions.

Economic experts have continued to emphasise the importance of measures that can support price stability and improve economic conditions.

They believe that controlling inflation will help businesses plan better and encourage more investment.

SMEs SEEK BETTER ACCESS TO FINANCING

Access to affordable financing remains another major issue for many Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Small business owners often struggle to secure loans because of high interest rates, strict requirements, and limited access to financial support.

Many entrepreneurs need funding to purchase equipment, expand operations, hire workers, and improve productivity.

Business groups have continued to call for more accessible financing programmes that can support small and growing businesses.

Experts believe that stronger financial support for SMEs could contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth.

POWER AND INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES AFFECT BUSINESSES

Unstable electricity supply remains a major concern for many businesses across Nigeria.

Many entrepreneurs rely on alternative power sources, which increases operating expenses and reduces profitability.

Manufacturers and small business owners say the cost of energy affects production, pricing, and their ability to compete.

Business leaders have continued to call for improved infrastructure, reliable power supply, and policies that reduce the cost of doing business.

They argue that addressing infrastructure challenges would allow businesses to invest more and expand their operations.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Despite economic challenges, many Nigerian businesses are using technology to adapt and find new opportunities.

Digital payment systems, online marketing, e-commerce platforms, and social media have become important tools for entrepreneurs.

Small businesses are increasingly using digital platforms to reach more customers, promote products, and improve efficiency.

Technology experts believe that digital adoption can help Nigerian businesses overcome some challenges by reducing costs and creating new markets.

The growth of digital entrepreneurship has also created opportunities for young Nigerians interested in building innovative businesses.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT REMAINS IMPORTANT

Entrepreneurs and business organisations have continued to encourage the government to introduce policies that will support business growth.

Their recommendations include improved infrastructure, easier access to funding, lower business costs, and a more predictable economic environment.

Government officials have repeatedly identified SMEs as important contributors to economic development and employment.

However, many business owners say more practical implementation of support programmes is needed to create meaningful impact.

FUTURE OF NIGERIAN BUSINESSES

Despite current difficulties, many entrepreneurs remain optimistic about the future of Nigerian businesses.

Business owners believe that with improved economic policies, better infrastructure, and stronger access to resources, Nigerian companies can continue to grow.

SMEs are expected to remain a major part of Nigeria’s economic development because of their ability to create jobs and support local communities.

CONCLUSION

Nigerian businesses continue to face challenges from inflation, rising operating costs, financing difficulties, and infrastructure problems.

While entrepreneurs are adapting through innovation and digital solutions, many are calling for stronger support to help businesses survive and expand.

Creating a more favourable business environment will be important for Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation, and long-term development.