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Category: Business

  • Kenya, South Korea sign maritime pact to boost seafarer employment

    Kenya, South Korea sign maritime pact to boost seafarer employment

    MOMBASA, Kenya (NPA) — Kenya and the Republic of Korea have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ Certificates of Competency, a move expected to expand employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers and strengthen bilateral cooperation in maritime training and shipping.

    The agreement was signed in Mombasa on the sidelines of the 11th Our Ocean Conference and establishes a framework for the mutual recognition of maritime education, training and certification standards in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

    Under the arrangement, qualified Kenyan seafarers will be eligible to serve aboard Korean-flagged vessels, while Korean seafarers will be permitted to work on Kenyan-registered ships.

    The agreement was signed on behalf of Kenya by the Director-General of the Kenya Maritime Authority, CPA Omae Nyarandi, and witnessed by the Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Aden Millah.

    On the Korean side, the agreement was signed by Kim Hye-jung, Director-General of the Shipping and Logistics Bureau, and witnessed by Deputy Minister Jeongho Seo.

    Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the country’s ambition to become a leading maritime nation in Africa.

    “This agreement marks a new chapter in Kenya-Korea maritime relations. It demonstrates international confidence in the quality of Kenya’s maritime training institutions and certification systems.

    “More importantly, it opens doors for Kenyan seafarers to access opportunities in one of the world’s most advanced maritime economies, creating jobs, building skills and enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry,” Joho said.

    He noted that the partnership aligns with the government’s broader strategy of leveraging the Blue Economy to drive economic growth, youth employment and international trade.

    Millah described the MoU as a major breakthrough in Kenya’s efforts to build a globally recognised maritime workforce.

    “The mutual recognition of certificates means that Kenyan seafarers will have greater access to international labour markets while benefiting from enhanced professional mobility.

    “It also strengthens cooperation in maritime education, training, certification and knowledge exchange between our two countries,” he said.

    According to him, the agreement will support government efforts to increase the number of Kenyan seafarers serving aboard international vessels, boost remittance inflows and create sustainable career opportunities for young professionals.

    Also speaking, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Betsy Njagi, said the partnership reflects Kenya’s growing status as a regional maritime hub.

    “The Blue Economy thrives on partnerships, innovation and human capital development.

    “This agreement enhances our capacity to develop internationally competitive maritime professionals while strengthening Kenya’s position within the global ocean economy. It is a significant investment in our people and our future,” she said.

    The MoU commits both countries to recognising each other’s maritime education, training and certification systems while maintaining compliance with standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

    It also provides for information sharing, cooperation in training and assessment programmes, and verification mechanisms to ensure the authenticity and validity of seafarers’ certificates.

    Industry stakeholders have welcomed the agreement, noting that South Korea remains one of the world’s leading maritime nations, with a highly developed shipping, shipbuilding and logistics sector.

    Observers say the pact is expected to create new opportunities for Kenyan seafarers in international labour markets, strengthen maritime training standards and support Kenya’s ambition to become a leading maritime hub in the Western Indian Ocean region.

    The signing comes as Kenya continues to implement reforms aimed at improving maritime governance, expanding seafarer training opportunities and attracting greater maritime trade and investment.

    Analysts believe the agreement will accelerate skills development, facilitate technology transfer and deepen Kenya’s integration into global shipping networks, further strengthening the growth of the country’s Blue Economy.

  • Nigeria launches digital switch-over, marks milestone in broadcasting transformation

    Nigeria launches digital switch-over, marks milestone in broadcasting transformation

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, has announced the official launch of Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO), describing it as the fulfilment of a longstanding national aspiration to transition broadcasting from analogue to digital.

    Speaking earlier today, Tijani said the DSO represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda and underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to investing in foundational infrastructure that will drive growth and prosperity for decades to come.

    “The Digital Switch Over is not just about television. By leveraging NigComSat’s satellite infrastructure, Nigerians will enjoy clearer access to information, richer educational and cultural content, improved quality of service, and greater inclusion — ensuring that no one is left behind simply because of where they live,” Tijani stated.

    He explained that the DSO is one of the first visible benefits of a larger national digital infrastructure strategy. Under this administration, Nigeria is embarking on the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of open‑access fibre through Project BRIDGE, connecting communities, businesses, institutions, and public services nationwide. In addition, President Tinubu has approved investments in two new satellites to further strengthen Nigeria’s communications and digital service capacity.

    Together, these initiatives will create a transformative digital backbone capable of reaching every Nigerian, regardless of geography. As the infrastructure expands, it will unlock unprecedented opportunities for broadcasters, content creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators to reach audiences across West Africa and beyond.

    “Infrastructure does not merely move signals; it amplifies culture, ideas, and influence,” Tijani emphasised, noting that the DSO marks Nigeria’s decisive step toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future.

  • NNPC, TotalEnergies extend methane reduction partnership, deploy advanced emissions technology

    NNPC, TotalEnergies extend methane reduction partnership, deploy advanced emissions technology

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — NNPC Limited and TotalEnergies have renewed their partnership to accelerate methane emissions reduction across Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector through the continued deployment of advanced emissions-monitoring technology.

    The two companies signed an agreement extending the use of the Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications (AUSEA) technology for an additional 24 months.

    The agreement was signed at the NNPC Towers in Abuja by NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udy Ntia, and TotalEnergies Country Chair and Managing Director, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer.

    The renewed partnership builds on an earlier agreement signed in 2023 for the adoption of the AUSEA technology, which is designed to detect, measure, and reduce methane and carbon emissions across oil and gas operations.

    According to NNPC, the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to meet gas flare reduction obligations and advance its decarbonisation objectives under the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC), the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0, and its commitment to achieving near-zero methane emissions by 2030.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ntia expressed satisfaction with the results recorded during the first phase of the project and called for wider deployment of the technology across additional assets.

    “Today’s signing represents a practical step in NNPC Limited’s journey to build a credible, transparent, and action-oriented decarbonisation programme,” he said.

    “Through the AUSEA initiative, we are strengthening our ability to detect, quantify, and prioritise methane abatement opportunities using advanced measurement technology.”

    He also advocated stronger progress reporting mechanisms to support regulatory compliance and stressed the importance of exploring opportunities for technology transfer.

    On his part, TotalEnergies Senior Vice President for Africa, Mr. Mike Sangster, described the partnership as a reflection of the strong cooperation between both companies.

    Sangster noted that TotalEnergies was the first oil-producing company in Nigeria to eliminate routine gas flaring across all its assets, adding that the AUSEA technology played a significant role in achieving that milestone.

    He said the company remains committed to its target of achieving near-zero methane emissions by 2030.

    The AUSEA system is a drone-based technology developed by TotalEnergies in collaboration with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Reims.

    The technology enables operators to identify previously undetected emission sources, improve emissions reporting processes, assess flare combustion efficiency, and generate data needed to implement corrective operational measures.

    Industry experts say methane reduction has become a major priority for the global energy sector because methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

    The renewed partnership underscores growing efforts by energy companies operating in Nigeria to align with global environmental standards, reduce carbon footprints, and support the transition to more sustainable energy production.

    NNPC said the collaboration with TotalEnergies will strengthen transparency, improve environmental performance, and contribute to Nigeria’s broader climate and energy transition goals.

  • Air Peace launches flights to Douala, Libreville, Bamako, Conakry

    Air Peace launches flights to Douala, Libreville, Bamako, Conakry

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Air Peace has announced the launch of scheduled flight services from Lagos to Douala (Cameroon), Libreville (Gabon), Bamako (Mali), and Conakry (Guinea), effective August 1, 2026.

    The new routes form part of the airline’s expansion strategy aimed at strengthening connectivity across West and Central Africa while supporting trade, tourism, investment, and regional integration.

    Under the new schedule, Air Peace will operate the Lagos–Douala–Libreville route four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

    The Lagos–Bamako–Conakry service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

    The airline said the additional destinations will further strengthen Lagos’ position as a major aviation hub linking West and Central Africa with its extensive domestic and international network.

    Passengers travelling from Douala, Libreville, Bamako, and Conakry will have access to onward connections to several Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Owerri, Kano, Asaba, Ibadan, Yola, Maiduguri, and Gombe.

    According to a report by The Travel Port, the new services will also provide easier access to Air Peace’s international destinations, including London Gatwick in the United Kingdom and Caribbean destinations such as Antigua and Barbados.

    Commenting on the development, Air Peace management said the expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable air transportation across Africa.

    “The launch of these new regional services underscores our commitment to connecting Africa through safe, reliable, and affordable air transportation. By expanding our footprint across West and Central Africa, we are facilitating commerce, tourism, investment, and regional integration,” the airline said.

    Air Peace noted that the routes align with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which seek to improve connectivity and reduce travel barriers across the continent.

    Bookings for the new services are now available through the airline’s website, mobile application, contact centre, and accredited travel agencies.

    The carrier said it remains committed to expanding access to air travel while strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation gateway in Africa.

  • Google unveils Android 17 with new productivity, gaming and security features

    Google unveils Android 17 with new productivity, gaming and security features

    GOOGLEPLEX, California (NPA) — Google has announced the release of Android 17, describing it as a major update packed with new features designed to enhance productivity, entertainment, and security. The rollout begins today for Pixel devices, with other eligible Android phones set to receive the update throughout 2026.

    According to Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform, “Android 17 is here, bringing a suite of features designed to enhance your productivity, entertainment, security and safety.” He added that select advanced devices will gain Gemini Intelligence later this summer, offering proactive assistance to help users manage daily tasks.

    Among the standout features is Bubbles multitasking, which allows any app to be converted into a floating window for quick access. On large‑screen devices, bubbles dock in a dedicated bar, enabling seamless switching and resizing.

    Another highlight is Screen Reactions, a tool that lets users record themselves with the selfie camera while capturing their phone screen, making it easier to share reactions over apps, sites, and trending videos without complex setups.

    For gamers, Android 17 introduces Foldable Gaming Mode, offering a split layout with gameplay on top and a dynamic gamepad below. The update also improves memory cleanup to reduce frame drops and stutters during high‑definition gaming.

    Security has been strengthened with features such as temporary location sharing, selective contact access, and an enhanced “Mark as Lost” option in Find Hub, which locks missing phones with biometrics. Updates to Live Threat Detection and Advanced Protection Mode further guard against suspicious apps and sophisticated threats.

    Additional improvements include expanded parental controls, a dedicated assistant volume control, more customisation for dark mode, and app memory limits to boost performance and battery life. Pixel devices also receive exclusive updates through the June Pixel Drop, including real‑time screen reactions, Gemini Omni creative tools, and expanded safety features like Car Crash Detection and Loss of Pulse Detection.

    With Android 17, Google positions its platform as more powerful, secure, and creative, aiming to meet the demands of an AI‑driven mobile era.

  • 1Password acquires Israeli cyber startup Apono in landmark $250M–$300M deal

    1Password acquires Israeli cyber startup Apono in landmark $250M–$300M deal

    TEL AVIV, Isreal (NPA) Canadian cybersecurity giant 1Password has acquired Israeli startup Apono in a deal valued between $250 million and $300 million, marking its first acquisition in Israel and a significant expansion beyond password management into access governance.

    Apono, founded in 2022 by Rom Carmel and Ofir Stein, operates an AI‑powered platform that manages permissions and access to cloud infrastructure. The company eliminates standing permissions by providing dynamic, real‑time access based on business needs and context. Its technology is designed to address the growing challenge of securing both human and non‑human digital identities in the AI era.

    All 80 of Apono’s employees, including 50 based in Israel, will join 1Password, which also plans to expand its local operations with new hires. Carmel, who previously held R&D leadership roles in the Prime Minister’s Office cyber division, and Stein, a former Air Force Ofek unit officer and early developer at Logz.io, bring decades of DevOps and cybersecurity experience to the acquisition.

    Apono has raised $54 million since inception, with investors including Meron Capital, USVP, 33N Ventures, New Era Capital, and others. In December 2025, the company announced its Series B round, led by USVP and 33N Ventures. Board member Ziv Conen of New Era Capital described Apono’s vision as “securing access for AI agents,” highlighting its role in the next frontier of cybersecurity.

    The platform serves Fortune 500 companies and enterprises across the United States, Europe, and Israel, with customers such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Jasper, and Bloomreach. It supports access management across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Kubernetes, Snowflake, and Databricks, and integrates with more than 200 enterprise applications including Slack, Jira, PagerDuty, and GitHub.

    1Password, valued at approximately $6.8 billion, reported annual recurring revenue of more than $400 million at the end of 2025. The acquisition of Apono strengthens its position in identity and access security, expanding its reach into governance and compliance — areas where Israeli firms like CyberArk and Wiz are already major players.

    The deal comes as organizations worldwide adopt artificial intelligence and face a surge in non‑human digital identities. Apono’s system grants access on a just‑in‑time basis and revokes it immediately after tasks are completed, reducing the need for permanent accounts and simplifying deployment.

    By acquiring Apono, 1Password positions itself at the forefront of identity security in the AI era, combining its global scale with Israeli innovation to tackle one of cybersecurity’s most pressing challenges.

  • Afreximbank secures positive investment grade rating from S&P Global

    Afreximbank secures positive investment grade rating from S&P Global

    CAIRO, Egypt (NPA) — African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been assigned a ‘BBB+’ long-term issuer credit rating and an ‘A-2’ short-term issuer credit rating by S&P Global Ratings, with a Stable Outlook. The move reinforces the Bank’s strong financial standing and its critical role in driving trade, industrialisation, and economic development across Africa and the wider Global Africa community.

    According to S&P, the rating reflects Afreximbank’s growing strategic importance, robust enterprise risk profile, and expanding role as a countercyclical institution supporting African economies through periods of global and regional uncertainty. The agency highlighted the Bank’s strong policy relevance and shareholder support, underscoring its role in advancing intra-African trade, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area, and developing transformative platforms that strengthen regional integration and resilience.

    Between 2015 and 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets expanded from $7.1 billion to $42.3 billion, while shareholders’ equity grew from $1.3 billion to $8.4 billion, reflecting significant capital injections and lending growth.

    Commenting on the rating, Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board Dr. George Elombi described it as “a strong endorsement of Afreximbank’s financial strength, stability, and international credibility, and a clear affirmation of its strategic importance to — and impact across — Global Africa.” He added that Africa’s economic transformation requires “deliberate, bold, courageous and decisive action by the continent itself, working with its diaspora.”

    S&P also noted Afreximbank’s track record in responding to external shocks, including the global financial crisis, commodity price downturn, COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and most recently the Middle East crisis. The Bank has announced a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme (GCRP) to shield African and Caribbean economies from regional shocks.

    Afreximbank continues to strengthen systems supporting African trade and investment, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, the Africa Trade Gateway, and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund. The Stable Outlook reflects S&P’s view of Afreximbank’s strengthened role as a countercyclical lender, ongoing shareholder support, and consecutive capital increases.

    The Bank remains focused on delivering its mandate to transform the structure of African trade by supporting industrialisation, expanding intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains, and increasing Africa’s participation in global trade.

  • LPG retailers urge producers to prioritise local market as cooking gas prices rise

    LPG retailers urge producers to prioritise local market as cooking gas prices rise

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria (LPGAR) has called on local LPG producers to prioritise supplies to the domestic market amid a sharp rise in cooking gas prices across the country.

    The association said inadequate local supply, coupled with rising logistics and energy costs, has contributed significantly to the recent surge in prices, placing additional pressure on Nigerian households.

    Speaking with journalists, the Public Relations Officer of LPGAR’s Nyanya Branch, Mr. Promise Ajujumbu, attributed the development to a combination of global market pressures and domestic supply constraints.

    Cooking gas is currently selling for as much as ₦2,000 per kilogramme among roadside retailers, while major marketers are dispensing the product at about ₦1,600 per kilogramme.

    The latest increase has triggered concerns among consumers, many of whom have called on the Federal Government to intervene and ease the burden on households already grappling with rising living costs.

    Ajujumbu alleged that some local LPG producers may be prioritising exports over domestic supply due to more attractive returns in international markets.

    “The global energy crisis has played a role in the increase in LPG prices, but local factors are also contributing to the problem,” he said.

    “There are concerns that some local producers may be prioritising exports because of better returns, and this is affecting product availability in the domestic market.”

    According to him, the supply shortfall has significantly increased procurement costs for retailers, with LPG prices rising from about ₦900,000 per metric tonne before the current scarcity to approximately ₦1.7 million per tonne.

    “The local market should be adequately supplied before exports are considered,” Ajujumbu said, adding that higher diesel prices have also increased transportation and distribution costs across the supply chain.

    However, the Federal Government has dismissed claims that locally produced LPG is being exported at the expense of domestic consumers.

    Reacting to the concerns, Mr. Louis Ibah, spokesperson to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said no producer was currently exporting LPG designated for the Nigerian market.

    He noted that the government’s ban on LPG exports remains in force and is being enforced by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    According to Ibah, marketers have intensified efforts to boost product availability and are importing additional LPG volumes to meet growing domestic demand.

    He also disclosed that the new Seplat Gas facility is expected to commence LPG supply to the domestic market in July, a development industry stakeholders believe could significantly improve availability and help stabilise prices.

    The development comes amid renewed concerns over energy affordability, as millions of Nigerians increasingly rely on cooking gas as a cleaner alternative to firewood, charcoal, and kerosene.

  • JUST IN: TCN announces planned power outage in parts of Abuja, Niger State

    JUST IN: TCN announces planned power outage in parts of Abuja, Niger State

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a planned power outage that will affect electricity supply to parts of the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities in Niger State.

    In a notice issued on Saturday, TCN said the temporary disruption is necessary to facilitate scheduled maintenance work at its Katampe 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation in Abuja.

    According to the company, the maintenance exercise will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

    During the four-hour maintenance window, TCN engineers will carry out critical works on the 150MVA 330/132/33kV transformer and its associated switchgear equipment at the substation.

    As a result of the exercise, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the affected transformer for onward distribution to customers.

    The planned outage is expected to affect electricity consumers in Kubwa, Suleja, Bwari, and surrounding communities.

    TCN explained that the maintenance forms part of efforts to improve the reliability, efficiency, and stability of power transmission infrastructure serving the affected areas.

    The company appealed to residents and businesses that may be impacted by the temporary interruption to bear with the inconvenience.

    “TCN apologises for any inconvenience this maintenance exercise may cause customers supplied through the affected transformer,” the company stated.

    The transmission firm assured the public that normal electricity supply would be restored immediately after the completion of the scheduled maintenance works.

    The latest exercise is part of TCN’s ongoing network maintenance programme aimed at strengthening the national grid and enhancing power delivery across the country.

  • DEMOCRACY DAY: Mbah urges Nigerians to embrace unity, justice, good governance

    DEMOCRACY DAY: Mbah urges Nigerians to embrace unity, justice, good governance

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has called on Nigerians to recommit themselves to the values of unity, justice, and good governance as the nation marks Democracy Day.

    In his Democracy Day message on Friday, the governor said the survival and growth of democracy depend not only on institutions but also on the commitment, participation, and resilience of the people.

    According to Mbah, democracy thrives when citizens remain actively engaged in the pursuit of a better society and accountable governance.

    “As we celebrate Democracy Day, I join Nigerians across the country in reflecting on our shared journey and recommitting ourselves to the values of unity, justice, and good governance,” he said.

    The governor noted that Nigeria’s democratic progress has been sustained by the courage, sacrifices, and aspirations of citizens who continue to believe in the promise of a better future.

    “Democracy is sustained not only by institutions, but by the people whose courage, participation, and belief in a better future keep its ideals alive,” he stated.

    Mbah also paid tribute to the people of Enugu State, commending what he described as their resilience, enterprise, and unwavering commitment to development.

    He said the contributions of Ndi Enugu continue to drive economic growth and social progress both within the state and across the country.

    The governor urged citizens to remain united in the collective task of nation-building and creating opportunities for future generations.

    “Together, let us continue building a stronger Nigeria and a more prosperous Enugu for generations to come,” he said.

    The Democracy Day message comes as the Mbah administration continues to pursue ambitious economic and infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Enugu State into a major investment destination.

    One of the flagship projects is the proposed 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant, expected to provide stable and affordable electricity to homes and businesses across the state by late 2027.

    According to the state government, the project will utilise Enugu’s low-sulfur, high-calorific coal reserves to generate cleaner energy while addressing long-standing electricity challenges.

    The administration believes a reliable power supply is critical to its broader economic vision of expanding Enugu’s economy from approximately $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

    Industry analysts have also projected that the project could position Enugu as one of Nigeria’s leading power-independent states, improve industrial productivity, reduce energy costs, and attract significant local and foreign investments.