Business
$300m trade, investment deals signed at AfriCaribbean forum- Afreximbank
The Fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) concluded with over 300 million dollars in investment and trade deals signed.
A statement issued by Vincent Musumba, Afreximbank’s Communications and Events Manager, on Friday said eight deals and memoranda were announced, spanning infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, and trade finance
Musumba said that the(ACTIF2025) was co-hosted by Afreximbank and the Government of Grenada.
Musumba said the two-day event brought together no fewer than 2,100 delegates from 80 countries, including 11 Heads of State and Government, representatives of governments, private sector leaders, and development partners.
He said Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Grenada’s Prime Minister, in his closing statement, reiterated the region’s resolve to institutionalise its collaboration with Africa:
“We have to be very deliberate about creating institutions that will, in fact, recreate the type of trade, investment, banking, and financial relationships that we want to build for ourselves.
“The reality is, what was created before was meant to entrap us.”
Mitchell also called for unrestricted people-to-people movement between the regions
“We are not here to prevent our people from moving. I see no valid reason for maintaining the visa systems. Biometrics allows us to move past that.”
Also, Dr George Elombi, Executive Vice-President, Afreximbank, and incoming President, was quoted as saying: “The next phase is not about justifying our vision, it should be about conviction.
“Believing further in who we are, where we want to be, and acting decisively.
“Finance is the lifeline of trade. Once we integrate the payment systems and get them to see the Caribbean as the unique opportunity it is, the rest will follow.”
Musumba said that ACTIF2025 ended with a robust communiqué affirming both regions’ commitment to deeper collaboration.
He said the official ACTIF2025 Communiqué welcomed the endorsement of the Global Africa Commission, by Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and other Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States(OECS).
Musumba said the OECS also called for the formal adoption of the Global Africa Commission at the upcoming AU-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa in September.
He said the commission was expected to accelerate trade, culture, and investment frameworks across the diaspora and continent.
Musumba said participants also committed to the establishment of a Free Trade Arrangement, elimination of visa restrictions, support for air and maritime links, and expansion of digital, sports, and creative economy partnerships.
He said the communiqué recognised ACTIF2025 as a pivotal moment in building “resilient cross-regional value chains” and affirmed the continuation of the ACTIF platform with the announcement of ACTIF2026.
Musumba said Afreximbank’s President Prof. Benedict Oramah, who is completing his term this year, was celebrated at the event for his vision and leadership.
He said the forum paid tribute to his contributions and reaffirmed his legacy as a foundational force in building Global Africa.
Musumba said a symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held at Camerhogne Park in St. George’s, Grenada in his honour for his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to Africa-Caribbean relations.
He said the Flamboyant tree, native to Madagascar and widely rooted across the Caribbean and Africa, was chosen for its vibrant red blooms and symbolic resonance of vitality, peace, and growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Business
Pumpkin Property Introduces Nigeria’s First Starlink-Powered Housing Initiative
Pumpkin Property, a fast-growing real estate development firm committed to creating modern, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions across Nigeria, has announced a groundbreaking initiative that integrates high-speed satellite internet into its housing projects, redefining modern living standards in the country.
Under this initiative, homebuyers in selected Pumpkin Property estates will receive Starlink hardware, professional installation, and three months of complimentary high-speed internet subscription upon purchasing a home.
The initiative will initially be available in Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate located within Millennium City, Kaduna, as well as Pumpkin Homes located in Karsana, Abuja.
Pumpkin Property focuses on developing well-planned residential communities supported by essential infrastructure—including road networks, drainage systems, street lighting, and modern utilities—while embracing innovative technology that enhances residents’ quality of life.
To support the rollout of this initiative, Pumpkin Property has entered into a collaboration agreement with Konga Online Nigeria Limited for the supply, installation, and technical support of Starlink hardware and related connectivity products across Pumpkin housing projects and real estate developments in Nigeria.
In addition, Pumpkin Property has partnered with TD Africa, an authorized distributor of Starlink solutions in Africa. Through this partnership, Pumpkin Property will have direct access to the latest Starlink hardware, including Starlink kits and accessories, ensuring reliable deployment within its estates.
Starlink, the satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, delivers high-speed broadband connectivity through a network of low-Earth orbit satellites. The technology expands access to reliable internet in regions where traditional fibre or terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. As Elon Musk explained:
“Starlink is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to places where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable.”
Speaking on the initiative, the CEO of Pumpkin Holdings Limited, Mr Oladeji Bamidele, emphasized the growing importance of digital infrastructure in modern housing developments.
“Connectivity has become as essential as electricity and water in modern communities. By integrating Starlink technology into our housing developments, we are ensuring that our homeowners enjoy reliable high-speed internet from the moment they move in. This initiative reflects our commitment to building future-ready communities across Nigeria.”
By integrating satellite connectivity into its housing projects, Pumpkin Property is positioning itself at the forefront of technology-enabled real estate development in Nigeria, setting a new benchmark for smart living communities.
Prospective homeowners and investors interested in the Starlink-powered homes at Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate in Millennium City, Kaduna, and Pumpkin Homes in Karsana, Abuja, are encouraged to contact Pumpkin Property for further information on availability and purchase options.
Business
Safety First: Transcorp Hilton Abuja Stages Fire Drill
Transcorp Hilton Abuja has conducted its first-quarter unannounced fire drill simulation as part of efforts to strengthen safety measures and emergency preparedness within the facility.
The exercise, which took place on 19th February 2026, was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service. The simulation forms part of the hotel’s structured safety programme aimed at ensuring a high level of emergency readiness and effective coordination with relevant authorities.
Management of the hotel said the initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of guests and team members.
“We successfully carried out our Q1 unannounced fire drill simulation with the support of the Nigeria Fire Service. This exercise forms part of our structured safety programme, designed to ensure a high level of emergency preparedness and effective coordination with relevant authorities,” the management stated.
The drill comes shortly after the hotel hosted its Valentine’s Day weekend promotion across its rooms and restaurants. The celebration, characterised by romance, entertainment and vibrant experiences, was warmly received by guests.
As preparations begin for the Holy Month of Ramadan, the management reassured guests of a safe, serene and memorable stay.
“We appreciate the understanding of our guests and apologise for any inconvenience the exercise may have caused,” the management added.
Business
NIA trains underwriters on NIIRA 2025, container insurance
The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has commenced a two-day training workshop for underwriters on the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.
According to a statement from NIA, the training is focused on Sections 75 and 76, as well as the Compulsory Container Insurance scheme.
The workshop, which began on Thursday, is scheduled to end on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 40 underwriters involved in container insurance, were participating in the training held at the Insurers House, Victoria Island, Lagos.
At the opening of the workshop, Director-General of the NIA, Mrs Bola Odukale, said that insurance remained a critical pillar of national development and economic stability.
Odukale noted that a well-regulated and legally backed insurance industry, was essential for economic growth, investor confidence and the protection of the public.
She urged participants to engage actively in the sessions, adding that the training would strengthen professional capacity and improve effective implementation of compulsory insurance provisions for the overall benefit of the economy.
NAN reports that facilitators at the workshop include: Mrs Margaret Ogbonnah, Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Mr Soji Oni, Controller 1, Technical, NIA, Mr Owolabi Longe, Chief Executive Officer of Ironlink Communications, among others.
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