Heirs Holdings Portfolio Companies Rank Among Africa’s Top Fastest Growing Firms In Financial Times 2026 List

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Heirs Holdings Portfolio Companies Rank Among Africa’s Top Fastest Growing Firms In Financial Times 2026 List

Heirs Holdings has secured a major continental recognition after three of its portfolio companies were named among Africa’s fastest-growing businesses in the latest Financial Times ranking compiled in partnership with Statista.

The 2026 edition of the annual index highlights high-performance companies across Africa based on revenue expansion, innovation capacity, market penetration, and overall economic contribution. The ranking places Heirs Holdings’ subsidiaries among the continent’s most dynamic growth-driven enterprises.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that Heirs Life Assurance emerged as the strongest performer within the group, securing 7th position on the list with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 147.85 percent. Redtech Limited followed at 32nd position with a CAGR of 69.66 percent, while Heirs General Insurance ranked 41st with a CAGR of 60.02 percent.

The recognition underscores the accelerating expansion of the Heirs Holdings ecosystem, which continues to advance across financial services, technology, insurance, and digital payments, driven by a long-term investment strategy focused on innovation, inclusion, and sustainable value creation across Africa.

Group officials noted that the achievement further validates the Africapitalism philosophy championed by founder Tony Elumelu, which promotes private-sector-led development as a key engine of Africa’s economic transformation.

Across its subsidiaries, Heirs Holdings has continued to scale operations and introduce digital-first solutions. Its insurance businesses recently launched a multilingual GenAI-powered insurance assistant designed to improve customer engagement and accessibility, marking a shift toward technology-driven service delivery in the sector.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/bat-nigeria-appoints-ruth-owojaiye-as-director-of-corporate-and-regulatory-affairs-to-strengthen-governance-and-sustainability/

In the fintech space, Redtech has processed more than $27 billion in transactions and expanded its payment infrastructure across multiple West African markets, including five UEMOA countries. The company has also deployed tens of thousands of merchant payment terminals and strengthened partnerships with major financial institutions to expand digital payment access.

Industry observers say the latest Financial Times recognition reinforces the growing global competitiveness of African-owned enterprises that are leveraging technology, scale, and integrated ecosystems to drive financial inclusion and cross-border economic activity.

Heirs Holdings continues to operate as a diversified pan-African investment group with interests spanning financial services, energy, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and technology, positioning itself as a major force in Africa’s evolving private sector landscape.

BAT Nigeria Appoints Ruth Owojaiye As Director Of Corporate And Regulatory Affairs To Strengthen Governance And Sustainability

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BAT Nigeria Appoints Ruth Owojaiye As Director Of Corporate And Regulatory Affairs To Strengthen Governance And Sustainability

British American Tobacco Nigeria has announced the appointment of Ruth Owojaiye as its new Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, reinforcing its strategic focus on regulatory engagement, corporate governance, and sustainable business operations.

The company disclosed that Owojaiye will oversee key portfolios including government relations, public policy, stakeholder engagement, sustainability initiatives, and corporate communications. Her appointment comes at a time when regulatory dynamics and ESG priorities are becoming increasingly critical within Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Brandspur Brand News gathered that the appointment reflects the organisation’s broader effort to consolidate its leadership position in regulatory affairs while strengthening its long-term licence to operate in a complex policy environment. Management noted that her role will be central to enhancing corporate reputation and driving responsible business practices aligned with global standards.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director Yarub Al-Bahrani emphasised that Owojaiye brings deep industry expertise and a strong track record in navigating regulatory frameworks, positioning her to lead the company’s engagement with policymakers and stakeholders effectively.

In her response, Owojaiye expressed readiness to foster collaboration across public and private sectors, with a focus on advancing balanced regulation, strengthening dialogue, and supporting policies that encourage sustainable economic growth and business innovation.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/ai-alignment-in-marketing-research-why-collaboration-now-defines-real-business-impact/

With over two decades of experience, she has built a career spanning taxation, legal advisory, public policy, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining BAT Nigeria, she held senior roles at Nigerian Breweries Plc, where she contributed to major corporate transactions and regulatory processes, including tax dispute resolutions and strategic mergers.

Her professional journey also includes consulting experience at KPMG Nigeria, where she advised multinational companies on market entry strategies and tax frameworks within Nigeria’s evolving business environment.

Academically, Owojaiye holds a law degree from University of Ilorin, a postgraduate law degree from University of Pretoria, and an MBA from Lagos Business School, where she graduated top of her class.

Industry observers note that her appointment underscores a growing trend among multinational firms operating in Nigeria to prioritise regulatory intelligence, stakeholder trust, and sustainability as key drivers of long-term competitiveness.

AI Alignment In Marketing Research: Why Collaboration Now Defines Real Business Impact

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AI Alignment In Marketing Research: Why Collaboration Now Defines Real Business Impact

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global marketing research landscape, but industry experts warn that technology alone is not enough to deliver meaningful results. Instead, the ability of teams to align on objectives, communicate effectively, and integrate insights into decision-making is emerging as the defining factor of success in the AI-driven era.

Across organisations, research and insights teams are increasingly adopting AI tools to accelerate data analysis, improve efficiency, and uncover deeper consumer intelligence. However, professionals within the industry argue that without clear alignment on business goals, even the most advanced AI systems risk producing outputs that lack strategic relevance.

Experts note that one of the most critical steps in modern research is identifying the actual business problem before deploying any AI solution. This involves defining priorities, understanding organisational objectives, and ensuring that research efforts are directly tied to measurable outcomes rather than exploratory exercises detached from business needs.

Brandspur Brand News reports that collaboration between internal teams and external research partners is becoming more structured, with organisations placing greater emphasis on early stakeholder involvement throughout the research lifecycle. By engaging decision-makers from the outset, companies are improving the likelihood that insights generated through AI tools will be actionable and aligned with broader corporate strategies.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/ai-driven-fraud-detection-systems-gain-momentum-as-market-research-industry-adopts-continuous-learning-models/

Industry practitioners also highlight the growing importance of iterative communication, where preliminary findings are shared early and refined collaboratively rather than delivered as final reports without context. This approach allows organisations to adapt quickly, align expectations, and avoid costly misinterpretations of data.

Beyond internal alignment, building strong professional networks—both within organisations and across the wider research ecosystem—is proving essential. These networks enable knowledge sharing, foster innovation, and ensure that insights teams remain connected to evolving best practices in AI-driven research.

As AI adoption accelerates, the consensus across the sector is clear: the real competitive advantage lies not just in deploying intelligent systems, but in ensuring that people, processes, and objectives are fully aligned. In this new environment, organisations that successfully bridge the gap between technology and collaboration are expected to lead the next phase of data-driven decision-making.

AI Driven Fraud Detection Systems Gain Momentum As Market Research Industry Adopts Continuous Learning Models

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AI Driven Fraud Detection Systems Gain Momentum As Market Research Industry Adopts Continuous Learning Models

The global market research industry is shifting toward adaptive fraud detection systems as rising levels of sophisticated survey fraud challenge traditional data quality controls. Experts say static verification methods are no longer sufficient in an environment where fraudulent actors continuously evolve tactics to bypass detection mechanisms.

Industry specialists highlight that fraud prevention is increasingly being treated as a dynamic, learning-based process rather than a one-time screening exercise. This transition is being driven by the growing complexity of fraudulent behaviour, including the use of automation tools, proxy networks, and behavioural manipulation techniques that can mimic legitimate respondents.

Brandspur Brand News reports that leading research firms are now deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning models capable of analysing behavioural patterns, device signals, and response data in real time. These systems are designed to continuously update detection logic by learning from previously identified fraud cases, improving accuracy over time.

Analysts note that while foundational controls such as duplicate checks, speed analysis, and manual review remain relevant, they are no longer sufficient on their own. Modern fraud schemes often operate within acceptable thresholds, making them harder to detect without multi-layered and adaptive systems.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/nigerias-modern-retail-sector-expands-to-18000-outlets-as-indigenous-supermarket-chains-gain-market-dominance/

The new approach focuses on integrating feedback loops into fraud detection frameworks, where outcomes from past projects are analysed to identify recurring patterns across variables such as traffic sources, geolocation, timestamps, and user behaviour. These insights are then used to refine detection models and prevent similar threats in future research exercises.

For agencies, the adoption of learning-based fraud detection systems is expected to reduce operational inefficiencies associated with data cleaning, respondent replacement, and dispute resolution. For brands, the impact is more strategic, as improved data integrity enhances the reliability of insights used for decision-making across product development, pricing, and customer segmentation.

Experts emphasise that the future of fraud prevention lies in combining strong front-end controls with continuous monitoring and adaptive intelligence. As fraudulent techniques become more sophisticated, the ability of systems to learn and evolve in real time is emerging as the defining factor in maintaining data quality and trust in market research outcomes.

Nigeria’s Modern Retail Sector Expands To 18,000 Outlets As Indigenous Supermarket Chains Gain Market Dominance

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Nigeria’s Modern Retail Sector Expands To 18,000 Outlets As Indigenous Supermarket Chains Gain Market Dominance

Nigeria’s organised retail market is experiencing accelerated growth, with the number of modern trade outlets estimated to have reached between 15,000 and 18,000 nationwide. The expansion is being fuelled by rapid urbanisation and the aggressive scale-up strategies of indigenous supermarket operators, even as informal retail continues to dominate overall consumer trade.

Industry insights indicate that local retail chains including Bokku Mart, Addide Supermarket, and Market Square have significantly increased their footprints, each operating dozens of outlets across key urban centres. Their expansion is reshaping access to structured retail and improving product availability for Nigeria’s growing urban population.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the competitive landscape is increasingly shifting in favour of domestic players, with innovative pricing models and location-specific strategies enabling them to outperform several established and foreign-owned brands in the fast-moving consumer goods segment.

One of the notable growth stories is Globus Supermarket, which has adopted a targeted expansion approach focused on underserved, lower-income communities in Lagos. This strategy has driven its growth to over a dozen outlets, positioning it ahead of older competitors such as Roban Stores and Ebano Supermarket in certain markets.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/axa-mansard-partners-lagos-dsva-to-launch-campaign-against-domestic-and-sexual-violence-in-lagos-communities/

In the value retail segment, Adiwale Adeyemi-led Bokku Mart has gained traction with a hard-discount model that offers products at significantly reduced prices compared to traditional retail outlets. The approach mirrors global discount retail strategies and is attracting price-sensitive consumers amid ongoing economic pressures.

Other key players shaping the sector include Justrite Superstore and Foodco, the latter leveraging franchising to drive expansion. Meanwhile, multinational presence remains limited, with Shoprite having exited direct operations after divesting its Nigerian business, underscoring the growing strength of local competition.

Despite this, international affiliations persist through franchise arrangements such as SPAR, which continues to operate in Nigeria through local partners, maintaining a presence in key urban locations.

At the top of the market, Market Square has emerged as a leading operator with the largest network of outlets nationwide, spanning major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Enugu. The brand’s rapid scale highlights the increasing sophistication and operational capacity of Nigerian-owned retail enterprises.

Analysts note that with sustained investment, strategic expansion, and competitive pricing, Nigeria’s modern retail segment is poised to capture a larger share of consumer spending, gradually narrowing the dominance of informal trade while redefining the country’s retail ecosystem.

AXA Mansard Partners Lagos DSVA To Launch Campaign Against Domestic And Sexual Violence In Lagos Communities

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AXA Mansard Partners Lagos DSVA To Launch Campaign Against Domestic And Sexual Violence In Lagos Communities

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has partnered with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to roll out a large-scale awareness campaign aimed at preventing domestic and sexual violence, particularly against children, across communities in Lagos State.

The initiative, unveiled under the 2026 AXA Week for Good themed “Being A Child Shouldn’t Be A Risk,” focuses on strengthening public awareness, encouraging timely reporting of abuse cases, and promoting child protection practices at the grassroots level.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the campaign will deploy trained employee volunteers from AXA Mansard to conduct door-to-door sensitisation exercises in selected communities, while the Lagos DSVA provides technical expertise, training, and operational guidance to ensure effective outreach and impact.

The programme builds on a previous collaboration in 2025, which centred on school-based interventions designed to educate students and teachers on identifying and preventing abuse. This year’s expanded approach shifts attention to households, targeting parents, caregivers, and community leaders where most cases are reported to occur.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/voye-launches-remittance-app-to-formalise-diaspora-peer-to-peer-currency-exchange-between-uk-canada-nigeria-kenya/

Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, stated that data indicates a significant proportion of abuse cases involving children are perpetrated by individuals within familiar environments, reinforcing the need for community-level engagement and education.

She explained that the campaign will cover six communities, where residents will receive guidance on recognising early warning signs, understanding reporting channels, and adopting safe parenting practices. She added that the company remains committed to social advocacy as part of its responsibility to contribute to safer societies.

Executive Secretary of the Lagos DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised that domestic and sexual violence often thrives in silence, noting that sustained awareness and community participation are critical to breaking cycles of abuse.

She commended AXA Mansard for sustaining the partnership, stressing that effective child protection requires collaboration between government institutions, private organisations, and the public.

The campaign is part of AXA Mansard’s broader employee volunteering initiative, AXA Hearts in Action, which recorded significant participation in 2025, with thousands of volunteer hours dedicated to social impact programmes.

Voye Launches Remittance App To Formalise Diaspora Peer-To-Peer Currency Exchange Between UK, Canada, Nigeria, Kenya

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Voye Launches Remittance App To Formalise Diaspora Peer-To-Peer Currency Exchange Between UK, Canada, Nigeria, Kenya

Voye has introduced a new digital remittance platform designed to bring structure, security, and transparency to informal peer-to-peer currency exchange systems widely used by diaspora communities.

The platform opens financial corridors connecting users in the United Kingdom and Canada to recipients in Nigeria and Kenya, combining traditional remittance services with a structured peer-to-peer exchange feature. The move targets a long-standing gap in the global remittance ecosystem, where a significant volume of transactions occurs outside formal financial systems.

Brandspur Banking News Desk gathered that while official figures estimate remittance inflows to Nigeria at nearly $20 billion and Africa close to $100 billion annually, a substantial portion of cross-border money transfers still operates through informal networks built on trust within diaspora communities.

Voye’s platform allows users to create multi-currency wallets supporting currencies such as naira, Kenyan shilling, British pound, and Canadian dollar, enabling seamless transfers without hidden charges. Beyond direct remittances, the app introduces a P2P Community feature where verified users can exchange currencies directly with one another based on mutually agreed rates, eliminating intermediary costs.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/abc-transport-launches-historic-archive-centre-in-owerri-to-preserve-33-years-of-innovation-and-growth/

Speaking on the innovation, Co-founder and CEO, Akin Afolabi, explained that the platform does not aim to replace trust-based community systems but to strengthen them with safeguards, transparency, and regulatory visibility.

Similarly, Chief Technology Officer, Damilare Eniayewu, noted that the solution provides a secure framework for transactions that have historically taken place through informal channels such as social networks and word-of-mouth arrangements, often without recourse in cases of dispute.

The platform is powered by Cede, which provides backend capabilities including payments processing, risk management, and treasury services. Currently available on both iOS and Android, Voye has indicated plans to expand into additional markets and currency corridors as adoption grows.

Industry observers say the introduction of structured peer-to-peer exchange within a regulated digital environment could reshape how diaspora communities move money, offering a hybrid model that blends flexibility with financial system accountability.

ABC Transport Launches Historic Archive Centre In Owerri To Preserve 33 Years Of Innovation And Growth

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ABC Transport Launches Historic Archive Centre In Owerri To Preserve 33 Years Of Innovation And Growth

ABC Transport Plc has commissioned a Historic and Archive Centre at its corporate headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, marking a significant milestone in its 33-year journey of transforming Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector.

The unveiling, held alongside the birthday celebration of founder Frank Nneji, highlights the company’s commitment to preserving its legacy while positioning for future growth. Established in 1993, the company has evolved into a leading mobility brand known for innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-focused services across Nigeria and West Africa.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the newly inaugurated centre serves as a repository of the company’s history, featuring archival materials such as photographs, awards, documents, and memorabilia documenting its transformation over three decades. The facility captures key milestones, including the launch of its first transport routes, introduction of cargo and logistics services, expansion into regional markets, and adoption of modern ticketing and terminal systems.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/google-unveils-new-android-ai-features-to-enhance-security-productivity-and-user-experience-globally/

The archive also reflects landmark achievements such as the development of ultra-modern transport terminals, partnerships with public institutions, and the company’s listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. These milestones underscore ABC Transport’s role in redefining structured and technology-driven road transportation in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Group Managing Director/CEO, Jude Nneji, described the centre as a strategic initiative designed to preserve institutional memory and inspire future generations. He noted that the facility goes beyond documentation, serving as a platform to educate students, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders on the values of resilience, innovation, and long-term vision.

The commissioning attracted key stakeholders, including employees, partners, and industry associates, many of whom reflected on the company’s early beginnings and sustained impact on Nigeria’s transport ecosystem.

With the launch of the Historic and Archive Centre, ABC Transport reinforces its dual focus on legacy preservation and forward-looking innovation, as it continues to shape the future of mobility and logistics in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

Google Unveils New Android AI Features To Enhance Security Productivity And User Experience Globally

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Google Unveils New Android AI Features To Enhance Security Productivity And User Experience Globally

Google has introduced a wide range of advanced Android features powered by artificial intelligence, aimed at transforming how users interact with their devices while improving security, productivity and personalisation.

The updates, revealed during the company’s I/O developer showcase, highlight Google’s continued push to integrate its Gemini AI technology across the Android ecosystem. With more than three billion active devices worldwide, the enhancements are expected to impact millions of users, including those across Africa, by delivering smarter and more intuitive mobile experiences.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the new features include AI-driven task automation, allowing users to complete complex multi-step activities across apps without manual switching. The system can interpret user intent, handle background processes and streamline everyday digital tasks such as shopping, travel planning and information retrieval.

Google also introduced advanced voice typing capabilities designed to convert natural speech into refined text, alongside an integrated browsing assistant that helps users summarise content and gain insights directly within their mobile browser. Additional tools enable real-time image customisation, making it easier to transform visual content for both personal and professional use.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/tiktok-expands-out-of-home-advertising-with-vistar-media-partnership-to-boost-brand-reach-beyond-mobile/

On the connectivity front, the company is expanding file-sharing capabilities to improve compatibility across devices, including seamless transfers between Android and other operating systems. A new wireless migration feature will also simplify switching from iOS devices by enabling full data transfer without cables.

Security remains a major focus, with enhanced biometric protection designed to prevent unauthorised access in cases of device theft. The company also introduced digital wellbeing tools aimed at reducing excessive screen time, encouraging more mindful usage of mobile applications.

Further updates include improved autofill capabilities powered by AI, allowing faster completion of forms, as well as customisable widgets that enable users to personalise their device interface using simple commands.

Google said the innovations reflect its broader vision of making technology more helpful, secure and adaptive to individual needs, as artificial intelligence continues to play a central role in shaping the future of mobile computing.

TikTok Expands Out Of Home Advertising With Vistar Media Partnership To Boost Brand Reach Beyond Mobile

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TikTok Expands Out Of Home Advertising With Vistar Media Partnership To Boost Brand Reach Beyond Mobile

TikTok has entered into a strategic partnership with Vistar Media to significantly broaden its out-of-home advertising capabilities, enabling brands to extend campaigns beyond mobile screens into real-world environments.

The collaboration will allow advertisers to deploy TikTok-driven campaigns across an extensive network of more than one million digital out-of-home advertising locations, including high-visibility urban sites and premium public spaces. The move marks a major step in the platform’s effort to bridge digital engagement with physical audience reach.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the partnership is designed to transform how social media campaigns are executed outside the app, shifting from simple content replication to purpose-built advertising formats tailored for physical environments. This includes adapting creative assets, messaging and audience targeting strategies to suit large-format displays and public interaction.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/15/cway-strengthens-female-leadership-and-brand-growth-strategy-in-nigerias-food-and-beverage-sector/

The initiative builds on TikTok’s “Out of Phone” advertising programme, which was introduced to extend campaign visibility across channels such as billboards, cinemas, retail locations and transit environments. With Vistar Media’s infrastructure, the programme is expected to achieve greater scale and deeper market penetration.

Industry data indicates that Vistar Media’s network spans over a million digital screens globally, offering advertisers access to strategic locations in major cities and high-traffic areas. This expanded reach provides brands with new opportunities to reinforce digital campaigns through consistent offline visibility.

TikTok also highlighted the growing importance of integrating user-generated content into out-of-home campaigns, allowing brands to maintain authenticity while amplifying engagement across multiple touchpoints.

Analysts say the partnership reflects a broader trend in advertising, where brands are increasingly seeking unified strategies that connect online activity with offline experiences. By combining data-driven insights with physical media placements, TikTok aims to enhance campaign effectiveness and deliver stronger audience impact.

The company noted that the expanded advertising framework will continue to evolve, incorporating learnings from previous campaigns and leveraging technology to create more immersive and measurable brand experiences across both digital and physical channels.

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