BlackBerry 5G smartphone To Debut H1 2021

Esan Bolaji
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BlackBerry 5G smartphone To Debut H1 2021

New BlackBerry 5G smartphone will be publicly available in the first half of 2021

OnwardMobility’s CEO Peter Franklin announces agreements with BlackBerry and FIH Mobile Limited, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, to deliver a new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a physical keyboard, in the first half of 2021 in North America and Europe. Working closely with OnwardMobility, BlackBerry and FIH Mobile will ensure world-class design and manufacturing of these devices.

5G BlackBerry Smartphones To Debut H1 2021

OnwardMobility today announced agreements with and FIH Mobile Limited (HKG: 2038), a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, to deliver a new BlackBerry 5G smartphone Android with a physical keyboard, in the first half of 2021 in North America and Europe.

Under the terms of the agreement, BlackBerry grants OnwardMobility the right to develop, engineer, and bring to market a BlackBerry 5G mobile device. Working closely with OnwardMobility, BlackBerry and FIH Mobile will ensure world-class design and manufacturing of these devices.

With the increasing number of employees working remotely with critical data and applications, coupled with the constant threat of cyberattacks, there is an absolute need for a secure, feature-rich 5G-ready phone that enhances productivity.

Employees are demanding better workplace technology experiences, and organizations are facing increasingly complex challenges in selecting, deploying, securing and managing devices to meet expectations and maximize employee productivity.

“Enterprise professionals are eager for secure 5G devices that enable productivity, without sacrificing the user experience,” said Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility. “BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy, and data. This is an incredible opportunity for OnwardMobility to bring next-generation 5G devices to market with the backing of BlackBerry and FIH Mobile.”

“Companies are rapidly investing in transformative technologies to improve productivity, but often don’t place enough emphasis on security, particularly in their use of mobile devices,” said analyst Jack Gold, President and Principal Analyst of J. Gold Associates, LLC.

“With 5G quickly coming to market, and the acceleration it will cause in upgrading mobile devices and deploying productivity-enhancing apps, deploying proven and highly secure products like the BlackBerry 5G devices in enterprises, government, and regulated industries like finance or legal, is mission-critical.”

“BlackBerry is thrilled OnwardMobility will deliver a BlackBerry 5G smartphone device with physical keyboard leveraging our high standards of trust and security synonymous with our brand. We are excited that customers will experience the enterprise and government level security and mobile productivity the new BlackBerry 5G smartphone will offer,” said John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry.

OnwardMobility will conduct product planning and market development for BlackBerry smartphones in North America and FIH Mobile will design and manufacture the BlackBerry devices under strict guidelines to ensure component, device and supply chain integrity.

“As an exclusive supplier to OnwardMobility, we’re committed to delivering new BlackBerry 5G devices to market, utilizing our deep expertise in design, manufacturing, component supply and logistics management,” said Dr. Wen-Yi Kuo, Executive Director, FIH Mobile.

Coca-Cola™ Nigeria launches first new campaign since lockdown: “Open Like Never Before”

Esan Bolaji
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1
Coca-Cola™ Nigeria launches first new campaign since lockdown: “Open Like Never Before”

Coca-Cola™ Nigeria launches first new campaign since lockdown: “Open Like Never Before”
www.brandspurng.com

Nigerian Stocks Soars as Bullish Streak Continues on Customs Street

Esan Bolaji
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0
Nigerian Stocks Soars as Bullish Streak Continues on Customs Street

Transactions on Customs street today (Wednesday) closed on a positive note as the All-Share-Index appreciated by 0.14% to sustain the previous positive sentiment to two consecutive trading days. The uptrend was supported by value appreciation on some bellwether stocks like JAPAULOIL, GUARANTY, ZENITHBANK and 10 others.

Consequently, the market breadth closed at par, recording 13 gainers as against 13 losers.

In summary, the All-Share Index (ASI) increased by 34.83 absolute points, representing a growth of 0.14% to close at 25,171.32 points. Similarly, the overall Market Capitalization size gained N18.20 billion, representing an increase of 0.14% to close at N13.13 trillion.

The market upturn was paired with weak trading activity, as total volumes and values traded on the local bourse dipped by -33.58% and -37.56% respectively, to a total of 180.10 million shares valued at N1.54 billion, in 3,108 deals.

STUDPRESS emerged as the top gainer while CAP emerged as the top loser.

The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in large and medium capitalized stocks, amongst which are; JAPAULOIL (+5.00%), GUARANTY (+1.20%), UCAP (+0.94%), ZENITHBANK (+0.90%), UBA (+0.75%) and FIDELITYBK (+0.56%).

MARKET STATISTICS

CAP N13,130,941,199,485.62 One Day (ASI CHG) +0.14%
Index 25,171.32 One Week (ASI CHG) +0.12%
Volume 180,010,447 One Month (ASI CHG) +3.72%
Value N1,536,323,055.52 Six Months (ASI CHG) -8.63%
Deals 3,108 52 Weeks (ASI CHG) -7.17%
Gainers 13 Losers 13
Unchanged 60 Total 94
YTD -6.22%

Source: NSE, GTI Research

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The Naira at the official window today (Tuesday) closed at 381.00/$1, unchanged against the previous day’s position.

The Investors and Exporters (I&E) FX window opened at N386.03, traded high at N386.00, and eventually closed at N385.98, representing a 0.05% depreciation against the previous day’s closing position. A total of $20.27 million was transacted through the I&E window today.

MONEY MARKET

Overnight(O/N) rate today (Tuesday) closed at 16.00%, representing a 1.50% depreciation against the previous day’s closing position, while Open Buy-Back (OBB) rate closed at 15.25%, representing a 1.15% depreciation against the previous day’s position.

FIXED INCOME
Securities Close P. Close Change
Bond 335.61 335.78 -0.17 bps
T.Bills 146.43 148.39 -1.96 bps
Note: BPS=> Basis Points

Source: FMDQ, GTI Research

NASD OTC MARKET

The NASD OTC market today (Wednesday) closed on a negative note as the Unlisted Securities Index (USI) closed at 709.43, representing a 0.15% depreciation against the previous day’s closing position. Similarly, Market Capitalization shed N780 million, to close at N521.12 billion, representing a 0.15% depreciation against the previous day’s closing position. Consequently, the aggregate volume increased by 42.45% while the aggregated value decreased by 14.51%, as investors traded a total of 761,395 shares, worth N61.04 million in 8 deal.

Sector Performance

Sector % Change
NSE30 0.18
BANKING 0.81
CONSUMER GOODS 0.19
INDUSTRIAL -0.04
INSURANCE 0.41
LOTUS ISLAMIC -0.01
OIL/GAS 0.00

 

Top 7 Gainers

Company Pclose Open Close Change % Change
STUDPRESS 1.80 1.80 1.98 0.18 10.00
INTBREW 2.80 2.80 3.00 0.20 7.14
JAIZBANK 0.56 0.56 0.59 0.03 5.36
MBENEFIT 0.20 0.20 0.21 0.01 5.00
JAPAULOIL 0.20 0.20 0.21 0.01 5.00
AIICO 0.91 0.91 0.93 0.02 2.20
WEMABANK 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.01 2.00

 

Top 7 Losers

Company Pclose Open Close Change % Change
CAP 17.00 17.00 15.30 -1.70 -10.00
ROYALEX 0.31 0.31 0.28 -0.03 -9.68
PZ 4.25 4.25 3.85 -0.40 -9.41
UPL 1.22 1.22 1.13 -0.09 -7.38
GLAXOSMITH 5.20 5.20 4.85 -0.35 -6.73
CHAMS 0.21 0.21 0.20 -0.01 -4.76
NAHCO 2.20 2.20 2.11 -0.09 -4.09

 

Top 7 Traders By Volume

Company Volume Value(₦) Current Price
ZENITHBANK                            35,942,914                      605,179,633 16.90
ACCESS                            29,078,795                      187,392,948 6.40
TRANSCORP                            16,488,807                        10,136,531 0.61
UBA                            12,489,776                        83,194,989 6.70
FBNH                            10,532,256                        52,607,033 5.00
GUARANTY                              8,028,667                      201,252,314 25.20
LASACO                              7,765,057                          2,354,139 0.30

 

Top 7 Traders By Value

Company Volume Value(₦) Current Price
ZENITHBANK                            35,942,914                 605,179,633.45 16.90
GUARANTY                              8,028,667                 201,252,313.90 25.20
ACCESS                            29,078,795                 187,392,947.95 6.40
CAP                              5,746,067                   89,937,770.60 15.30
UBA                            12,489,776                   83,194,989.00 6.70
NESTLE                                   54,783                   61,694,250.60 1175.00
FBNH                            10,532,256                   52,607,032.95 5.00

 

GTI Research

Ikeja Electric Launches WhatsApp Chatbot to Optimise Service delivery, Complaints Resolution

Esan Bolaji
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0
Ikeja Electric Launches WhatsApp Chatbot to Optimise Service delivery, Complaints Resolution

Ikeja Electric, Nigeria’s largest power distribution company has unveiled a WhatsApp messaging solution, which offers real-time customers complaints resolution and 24-hour customer support service.

The IE WhatsApp Chatbot works like regular WhatsApp platform and enables seamless two-way communication between the customer and the DisCo through the chat interface.

Ikeja Electric, while explaining the functionality, noted that through the dedicated WhatsApp Chatbot number 09088951626, customers can get their account details, check and pay bills, confirm payments, report faults, make complaints and request for the prepaid meter.

Ikeja Electric Launches WhatsApp Chatbot to Optimise Service delivery, Complaints Resolution
www.brandspurng.com

In addition, customers can check supply availability, report case of energy theft or vandalism, request for new connection and get answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), among other services. Customers can also speak with Customer Care Representative via the IE WhatsApp Chatbot if required.

Speaking on the initiative, Head of Corporate Communications for Ikeja Electric, Felix Ofulue, explained that DisCo decision to deploy the service is part of its major push to deliver an optimum quality customer experience through technology.

Ikeja Electric Launches WhatsApp Chatbot to Optimise Service delivery, Complaints Resolution
www.brandspurng.com

According to him, this commitment continues to elicit a passion for service excellence and new thinking on how to empower lives and businesses across the IE network.

“IE as a business is following through with our digital transformation initiative to deliver optimal quality customer service using technology. WhatsApp, on the other hand, is a platform that has millions of users and huge adoption for customer resolution. Our goal is to ensure that our customers are able to reach us on WhatsApp as an easy medium of communication and to ensure we meet our target of delivering excellent service”.

He pointed out that IE has over 800,000 customers within Lagos metropolis and as a business that understands consumer’s behaviour, motivations and needs, it has become imperative to introduce the WhatsApp channel to augment other existing customer touchpoints.

In his words: “Our vision is to be the provider of choice wherever energy is consumed, so we are focusing on a huge adoption of technology to achieve this. This is also in line with our mantra of ‘customer first, technology now’. At the same time, we realise that a lot of our customers use WhatsApp as a preferred means of communication, so it is an obvious choice to provide it as a channel for customers to reach us seamlessly and communicate with us whenever they choose.

The WhatsApp Chatbot, which will augment its existing customer touchpoints, is available to receive multiple queries and promptly respond with relevant information to various customers at the same time. However, customers cannot call the number since it is only reachable through WhatsApp chat.

Ofulue said the introduction of the service will further optimize the Call Centre resources and also enhance the customer experience as the solution is capable of personalizing conversations, this will, in turn, add to the value and quality of interaction.

The WhatsApp Chatbot is a product of a strategic relationship between IE and Infobip, a leading global cloud solutions provider. It is provisioned on a scalable digital cloud contact centre solution that enables businesses to deliver Omni-channel support for customers through a single interface for agents. Messaging services such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Live Chat, SMS and in-house Chabot can all be managed through the platform named Conversations.

Ikeja Electric Launches WhatsApp Chatbot to Optimise Service delivery, Complaints Resolution
www.brandspurng.com

FC4S Lagos Partners FMDQ, FSD Africa, CBI to Engage LASG on Capacity Building Roundtable for Sustainable Finance

Esan Bolaji
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0
FC4S Lagos Partners FMDQ, FSD Africa, CBI to Engage LASG on Capacity Building Roundtable for Sustainable Finance

…Signs Declaration with LASG

Following the successful launch of the Financial Centre for Sustainability (“FC4S”) Lagos, an initiative set on inspiring a greener Nigeria through sustainability principles, in collaboration with market stakeholders, a Declaration was co-signed by the Executive Governor, Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Chairman, FC4S Lagos, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko.

This Declaration, a crucial step towards operationalising FC4S Lagos, conveys the commitment of the Lagos State Government and FC4S Lagos, as well as other key stakeholders, to advance green and sustainable finance in the Nigerian financial markets, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.

To further support the entrenchment of sustainable finance in the Nigerian financial markets, FC4S Lagos, in partnership with the implementing partners of the Nigeria Green Bond Market Development Programme (“NGBMDP”) – FMDQ Group (“FMDQ”), Climate Bonds Initiative (“CBI”) the UK, and Financial Sector Deepening (“FSD”) Africa – organised a Capacity Building Roundtable Webinar (“Roundtable”) for the Executive Council of Lagos State Government, themed “The Role of Sustainable Finance Instruments in Driving Economic Development” on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

The closed Roundtable, which brought together members of the Lagos State Executive Council, including Commissioners, Special Advisers and Permanent Secretaries of Lagos State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, was delivered as part of the advocacy efforts of FC4S Lagos in driving the entrenchment of Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”) in institutions at the subnational and sovereign level in Nigeria.

The Roundtable highlighted sustainable finance opportunities and dimensioned how the State Government can leverage the debt capital markets to finance its huge infrastructure projects. Lagos State, which has continued to experience exponential growth in population due to rural-urban migration amongst other factors, remains limited by landmass and therefore, continues to seek innovative ways to address sustainable development and infrastructure growth in the State.

This has become more pertinent as the State seeks to flatten the curve of the global COVID-19 pandemic for which it is unsurprisingly the epicentre of the nation.

Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko, Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ Group and Chairman, FC4S Lagos, during his opening address, stated: “finance plays a pivotal role in attaining the United Nations 2030 SDGs, especially through the creation of alternative sources of investment, mitigation of risks and the transversal effects of ethical investments”.

He further stated that “through the issuance of sustainable finance instruments, the Lagos State Government would be able to fund projects that attract the right pools of foreign investors, as it strives towards the actualisation of the “THEMES” Agenda which cuts across six (6) strategic development focus areas namely; Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Entertainment and Tourism as well as Security and Governance, making Lagos a 21st Century Economy”.

He reiterated that “FC4S Lagos, in collaboration with the implementing partners of the NGBMDP; FMDQ, FSD Africa and CBI UK, will continue to support the Lagos State Government to expand its capital pool by leveraging on private sector investments through the wide array of available sustainable finance instruments within the debt capital markets”.

Speaking about the success of the roundtable, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated, “having deliberated about the plethora of social challenges targeted by the government’s THEMES Agenda, it was also a delight to discuss the benefits of innovative sustainable finance instruments.

Indeed, the interest, readiness, and commitment of our partners are a testament to the beginning of a meaningful and sustainable collaboration towards ending our social challenges. As a government, we look forward to continued collaboration with FC4S Lagos, FMDQ, CBI UK, FSD Africa and other international and domestic private sector stakeholders, in ensuring that these development opportunities are realised for the sustainable development of Lagos State”.

Supporting the Executive Governor’s view, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, averred that “one major point of interest is that sustainable financing instruments do not just look at the traditional areas requiring financings – such as road and rail infrastructure, rather, they include funding options for ‘the biggest businesses for humanity’, which are education and healthcare”.

Whilst speaking on the benefits of promoting green bond issuances in the State, Mr. Victor Nkiri, Senior Financial Markets Specialist, FSD Africa, stated that “the NGBMDP is designed with an incentivising objective to neutralise costs related to external reviews, establishing a ‘level-playing field’ for green bond issuers”.

The programme catalyses investments in renewable solutions, presenting a novel method for African nations to address their SDG targets. He further reiterated that “green bonds are a long-term solution to a present problem and far-reaching future risk that needs to be addressed immediately”. According to Ms. Justine Leigh-Bell, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Director, Market Development, CBI UK, “it is clear that investors globally have a huge appetite for sustainability-linked bonds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for diversification of investment portfolios to recognise climatic risks amongst others”. She further stated, “CBI is pleased to have worked with its local partners, such as FMDQ, FC4S, Lagos and FSD Africa to deliver this capacity building roundtable and is looking forward to future collaborations that will not only grant Lagos State access to the vast investible pools of foreign/local funds looking for green and sustainable projects to address climate and social challenges but will showcase the State as a trailblazer in sustainability in Nigeria and West Africa”.

Mrs. Solape Hammond, Special Adviser, Office of Sustainable Development Goals & Investment, Lagos State, in her remarks, assured that “ Lagos State Government will leave no segment of the society behind in the effort to achieve the sustainable development of the State. As such, the State Government is open to initiatives and partnerships that will support the implementation of the seventeen (17) United Nations SDGs in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole”.

With its admission in May 2019, Lagos became the 23rd Member of the International Network of Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S Network), joining other international financial centres such as New York, London, Geneva, Shanghai, with a mission “To position Nigeria as a leading market in sustainability principles through investments, innovation, partnerships and capacity development”.

FC4S Lagos is structured as an Incorporated Trustee with the aspiration to be independently run and self-funded, with FMDQ currently serving as the Secretariat, coordinating the activities of the financial centre and liaising with the international network towards meeting the overarching objective of promoting green and sustainable finance in Nigeria.

EAT’N’GO’S UNBEATABLE AUGUST DEALS WILL HELP YOU BOND WITH FRIENDS THIS MONTH!

Esan Bolaji
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0
EAT’N’GO’S UNBEATABLE AUGUST DEALS WILL HELP YOU BOND WITH FRIENDS THIS MONTH!

Having fun, sharing laughs and bonding with loved ones will be perfect with a yummy cup of ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, delicious mouthwatering pizza from Domino’s Pizza and a frozen swirly surprise from Pinkberry frozen yogurt!  Luckily, this can be you, all thanks to the amazing deals and discounts from these 3 brands this August!

Simply bond over your favourite treats from Cold Stone Creamery and Pinkberry frozen yoghurt when you order via the Jumia app and your cheesy hot pizzas from the Dominos online platforms, with all products delivered safely to your doorstep for free!  Sounds great right? Now let’s get into these fantastic deals!

EAT’N’GO’S UNBEATABLE AUGUST DEALS WILL HELP YOU BOND WITH FRIENDS THIS MONTH!

Domino’s pizza just dropped their NEW hot, meaty and cheesy Peppe meatball pizza and we can’t think of a better way to bond & realx with family and friends than with their amazing Peppe Meat Ball Deal that gives you 30% OFF plus a free drink starting from N2,500! There’s more! With their Delivery specials you and the gang can enjoy any Magarita, BBQ Chicken, BBQ Beef, Meatpie, Chickenpie, OR Chicken Supreme + FREE COKE DELIVERED to you from N2000! Isn’t that special?!!

The sweetest part of all this is you can get all these deals delivered to you in 25 mins with ZERO CONTACT or you can pick up curb side in ALL branches.

Cold Stone Creamery is not left out! This month they are bringing all the sweet sensations to our taste buds with amazing new yummy flavours; Sweet & Spicy Chili Chocolate and Fairy Bubble Gum creations. Take advantage of their ‘Strawberry Madness Buy One Get One Free Offer’, With just N2000 you and your bestie can bond over two ‘Gotta have it’ cups of sweet creamy strawberry ice cream. If you are feeling adventurous then go for the Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Deal; get 2 Like it cups of Chili Chocolate and any other flavour for just N1600. Now that’s amazing!

Pinkberry frozen Yoghurt is also bringing the best treats to the table with its new and exciting Banana Caramel flavor! This new flavour promises to bring excitement to your taste buds. Get 10% off with the delicious ‘Banana Caramel Split Offer’ and enjoy a combination of fruity bananas and caramel goodness.

Also, don’t miss your chance to enjoy an extra cup for FREE with your favourite people this month with their amazing Two for Tuesday Deal & Two for Thursday Deal!! Have fun and get all your delicious Pinkberry Treats with FREE Delivery, or Dine-in at any Pinkberry store in Lagos.  

So spread the news! Get all your faves to hop on these special August deals from the best brands and let the good times roll! This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the deals in store for you this month.

Don’t miss out on all you can get, follow them for more exciting offers this month!! @Dominosng @Coldstonecreamery_Nigeria and @pinkberryNigeria on Instagram.

And yes, one last thing – we are super excited to announce that dine in as Eat’N’Go re-opens from August 14th at 50% capacity!  

#StaySafe, we can’t wait to see you.

Nespresso invests in the DRC’s Coffee revival

Esan Bolaji
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0
Nespresso invests in the DRC’s Coffee revival

Nespresso today announced a long-term commitment to revive the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) coffee industry, under its unique Reviving Origins program, with the launch of the first organic coffee of the range, KAHAWA YA CONGO, in the U.S.

Established in 2019, the Reviving Origins program aims to restore coffee production in regions where it is under threat, bringing back to life some of the rarest fine coffees for all coffee connoisseurs to discover.

Nespresso invests in the Democratic Republic of Congo's coffee revival
Launch of Reviving Origins KAHAWA YA CONGO in the U.S. | www.brandspurng.com

In 1980, coffee, ranked among the world’s finest, was the second most important export for the Democratic Republic of Congo, but declined in the early 2000’s due to years of conflict and economic instability that had a devastating impact on the industry. Volumes have since dropped by 10 times.

KAHAWA YA CONGO comes from rain-rich volcanic soils along the shore of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo). This area has the potential to be among the world’s great coffee regions but has faced extremely challenging conditions recently.

As part of its Reviving Origins program, Nespresso, together with the global non-profit TechnoServe, the U.S. Agency for International Development and coffee trader Virunga Coffee/Olam International, has started to implement its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program in the Kivu provinces in 2019.

Nespresso is providing training and technical support to improve coffee quality and productivity, in addition to establishing sustainable farming practices, and increasing farmer income. Nespresso’s ambition is to increase the number of Congolese farmers participating in the program from 450 today to over 5000 by 2024.

Guillaume Le Cunff, CEO of Nespresso said: “We are very proud to welcome Congo into our Reviving Origins program and we are committed to providing long term support that will help Congolese coffee farmers, and their communities, to rebuild their coffee industry and their local economies”.

“The coffee farmers we are working with have overcome incredible challenges over the years, and are determined to improve their coffee and in so doing, improve their lives,” said William Warshauer, president and CEO of TechnoServe. “Through better agronomic and processing techniques, and the engagement of a reliable buyer like Nespresso, these farmers are already increasing their incomes and starting to build a better future for their families.”

Reviving coffee while enabling access to clean water and health support

Decades of conflict have led to many farmers fleeing their homes and abandoning their crops. But coffee agriculture is not the only challenge. Today, 58% of households in the Democratic Republic of Congo lack access to clean water systems, and 15% of children do not reach their 5th birthday, with preventable and treatable diseases such as water-borne illnesses, acute respiratory infections and malaria among the leading causes.

To support the revival of DRC’s coffee farming communities and in partnership with the Eastern Congo Initiative, Nespresso is investing CHF 1 million to bring affordable healthcare and access to clean water to communities across South Kivu, contributing to eliminating cholera, a major health issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

23 water access pointsand six health clinics will be established (one primary and five mobile) which will deliver 13,000 health consultations per year to local communities. This will significantly improve coffee farming communities’ welfare and is part of Nespresso’s holistic approach to reviving the coffee industry in challenging areas.

“Everyone has the right to basic healthcare and clean, safe water, but for many
communities in the Kivu region – blighted by years of conflict, instability and economic hardship – these services remain inaccessible or unaffordable. Through the establishment of much-needed water points and health clinics, the Reviving Origins program will positively impact thousands of people and transform lives,” Guillaume Le Cunff added.

“Through years of fighting and insecurity, Congolese families kept tending to their coffee fields, even after the market disappeared,” said ECI field operations manager Valéry Namuto.

“They kept toiling because they had hope in a brighter future for their families. This new partnership with Nespresso will help secure a meaningful livelihood for skilled Congolese farmers and bring world-class basic services like clean drinking water and affordable healthcare to their communities.”

Nespresso formally launched the Reviving Origins program in 2019 to revive coffee agriculture and local coffee economies in regions affected by adversities such as conflict, economic hardship and environmental disasters, following several years of experience in reviving forgotten coffee, starting in South Sudan in 2011.

It is an integral part of the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program, the company’s unique sustainable sourcing model in coffee producing countries, which involves more than 110,000 farmers across the world. Overall, Nespresso is investing a total of CHF 10 million in the Reviving Origins program over a period of five years (2019-2023).

The “KAHAWA ya CONGO” coffee

The rain-rich volcanic soils along the Kivu lakeshores of Eastern Congo provide an ideal environment for growing specialty Arabica coffee. The first organic coffee in the Reviving Origins range, KAHAWA ya CONGO is a smooth, seasonal coffee with a mild, fruity note, and alluring sweet cereal and nutty aromas.

It is now available exclusively in the US for a limited period for Vertuo. Nespresso aims to make this new rare and exquisite coffee available globally, as a seasonal edition, in 2021. The long-term objective of the Reviving Origins program is to establish these under-threat coffees as permanent blends, available all year round for consumers.

Nespresso first discovered the potential of reviving a forgotten coffee when it ventured to South Sudan in 2011. The limited edition SULUJA ti SOUTH SUDAN became the country’s second export after oil in 2015 and 2016, and helped to diversify the economic base of the world’s youngest nation.

In 2016, Nespresso launched the limited editions AURORA de la PAZ, its first coffee from the Caquetá, Colombia, conflict region, and CAFECITO de CUBA the first Cuban coffee to come to the United States in more than fifty years (exclusive for the US).

In 2019, Nespresso officially launched its Reviving Origins program alongside new single-origin coffees from Eastern Zimbabwe – TAMUKA mu ZIMBABWE – and Caquetá and El Rosario, (Colombia) – ESPERANZA de COLOMBIA – followed by Puerto Rico – CAFECITO de PUERTO RICO.

In 2020, Nespresso introduced AMAHA awe UGANDA from the Rwenzori Mountains regions of Uganda, and now KAHAWA ya CONGO from the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (exclusive for the US in 2020).

Insider Dealings: Vitafoam’s Non-Executive Director Buys 47,493 shares

Esan Bolaji
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0
Insider Dealings: Vitafoam’s Non-Executive Director Buys 47,493 shares

A Non-Executive Director of  Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, a Household Durables Company in Consumer Goods sector based in Ikeja, Lagos, Dr B.O Makanjuola purchased 47493 units of the company at the Nigerian Stock Exchange on August 12, 13, and 17, 2020.

A notice signed Mr Olalekan Sanni, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser on August 18, 2020, confirmed that the stocks were purchased at N5.38 per share which translated to N255,512.34.

Insider Dealings: Vitafoam’s Non-Executive Director Buys 47,493 shares

Purchase Breakdown (Prices and volumes)

  • 1,000 and 34,169 shares- N5.30 per unit
  • 2,000 units and 761 shares – N5.39 per unit
  • 9,250 shares and 313 shares – N5.45 per unit

In all, Dr Makanjuola purchased total shares of 47,493 at an aggregate price of N5.38k.

Insider Dealings: Vitafoam’s Non-Executive Director Buys 47,493 shares

Recent Financials

Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Household Durables Company in Consumer Goods sector announced 7.6% Revenue decline in Q2 2020 Result. The company’s revenue declined by -7.6% to N12bn from N13bn in the previous quarter.

Profit before tax grew by 112.7% to N2.4bn while the Profit after tax grew by 128.9% to N1.7bn. Net Assets grew by 18.9% to N7bn from N6bn.

Standard Alliance Insurance records 88.41% PAT decline in 2018

Esan Bolaji
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0
Standard Alliance Insurance records 88.41% PAT decline in 2018

Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services company in the Financial Services sector announced 25.7% Gross Premium Decline in Q4’18 Result.

Financial Highlights

  • Gross Premium declined by -25.7% to N3.8bn from N5.1bn in the previous quarter.
  • Profit before tax declined by 88% to N32.2m.
  • Profit after tax declined by 91% to N24.8m.
  • Net Assets grew by 2% from N5.2bn to N5.3bn.

Standard Alliance Insurance recorded a 26% decline in 88.41% decline in pretax profit at N32.206 million from N277.766 million in full-year 2017.

The major investors in the company include Gemrock Management Company Limited 20.09%, Standard Alliance Investments Limited 19.81% and FCMB Plc 5.42%.

At a global level, consumer sentiment keeps rebounding slowly

Esan Bolaji
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At a global level, consumer sentiment keeps rebounding slowly

At 41.4, the Global Consumer Confidence Index is up by half a point over last month (40.9). August is the second consecutive month showing a gain in consumer sentiment at the global level, supporting the notion that it is bottomed-out in June and is now rebounding. However, the index remains 7.2 points below its pre-pandemic level of January and nearly five and a half points lower than its historic average spanning over 10 years.

The Global Consumer Confidence Index is the average of each of the 24 world markets’ National Indices. It is based on a monthly survey of more than 17,500 adults under the age of 75 conducted on Ipsos’ Global Advisor online platform.

This month, seven countries have shown a growth of 1.5 points or more in their National Index, including China (+3.2), Poland (+2.4), Turkey (+2.4), Brazil (+2.4), Russia (+1.9), Italy (+1.6), and Sweden (+1.5). Israel (-2.0), and South Africa (-1.6) are the only two countries to show a significant drop in their National Index between July and August. In contrast, back in June, 12 countries were showing a significant drop in their National Index vs. the month prior.

At a global level, consumer sentiment keeps rebounding slowly

Furthermore, at 52.2 globally, the Expectations Index, reflective of consumers’ outlook on their local economy, financial situation, and employment, is up by 0.7 points over last month. It is up significantly from last month in 11 of 24 countries and down significantly in four. Globally, August confirms the chain of the direction of the Expectations Index observed in July when it recorded its first positive growth since January.

National Index Trends

Compared to January, every single country’s National Index is down except for China’s (+3.2). Six countries see their National Index down by more than 10 points (Isreal, Mexico, the U.S., India, South African, and Brazil) and 10 other countries by 5 to 10 points.

  • While 11 of the 24 countries surveyed had a National Index higher than 50 back in January, this is now the case of only three countries: China (72.9), Saudi Arabia (58.3), and Sweden (51.3).
  • At the other end of the spectrum, seven countries now have a National Index below 35, as compared to just one (Turkey) in January: South Africa (28.9), Turkey (32.7), Japan (33.1), Spain (33.6), Russia (33.8), Mexico (33.8), and Hungary (34.6).

Expectations, Jobs, and Investment Index Trends

At a global level, the Expectations Index (+0.7), the Jobs Index (+0.5) and the Investment Index (+0.6) all show small growth over the last month.

  • The Jobs Index, indicative of confidence in job security and the employment outlook (47.2 globally), is showing significant gains in nine countries this month (compared to six last month and none in June); it is down by more than 1.5 points in only four countries (compared to five last month and 14 in June).
  • The Investment Index, indicative of the investment climate (35.0 globally) is up significantly in six countries: Turkey (+3.0), Brazil, (+2.6), China (+2.3), Russia (+1.5), Poland (+1.5), and Germany (+1.5); it is significantly down only in Hungary (-2.4). Last month, there were three countries with significant drops and 15 back in June.
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