(Brands & Consumers)
The FIFA Men’s World Cup is expected to become the biggest betting event ever, with more than $50 billion (£37.4 billion) projected to be wagered globally during the tournament. According to a forecast by financial services firm Macquarie, punters are expected to place bets worth approximately $500 million on each match throughout the competition. The…
MTN Group is in the final stages of separating its fintech businesses in Nigeria and Uganda as part of a broader restructuring strategy that will allow strategic investors, including Mastercard, to acquire minority stakes in its financial technology operations. Speaking during the company’s Capital Markets Day, MTN Group CEO, Ralph Mupita, explained that the process…
For years, Siri was one of the most recognisable features of Apple’s ecosystem. Introduced long before artificial intelligence became the defining technology race of the decade, the digital assistant helped users set reminders, answer basic questions, and control their devices with voice commands. But as AI-powered assistants such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini evolved into…
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group and Africa’s second-richest individual, has reportedly taken delivery of a new Bombardier Global 8000 private jet valued at approximately $81 million. According to information shared on Rabiu’s Instagram page, the acquisition agreement was finalized on December 4, 2025, at BUA’s Dubai office following weeks of negotiations. The purchase…
Uber is preparing to introduce self-driving taxis in London through a partnership with British autonomous driving company Wayve, marking a significant step toward commercial driverless transport in the United Kingdom. The ride-hailing platform has begun asking London customers whether they would be interested in using autonomous minicabs, ahead of a planned rollout that could begin…
The United States has added several major Chinese companies, including BYD and Alibaba Group, to a list of firms that the US government alleges have ties to China’s military establishment. The designation, issued by the United States Department of Defense under its Section 1260H list, is intended to alert American businesses and investors to potential…
A former pilot with Air Canada has been charged with multiple fraud-related offences after allegedly flying commercial aircraft for 17 years without the license required to serve as a captain. According to authorities, 59-year-old Geoffrey Wall of Ontario is accused of using forged credentials while operating flights for the airline between 2009 and 2026. Police…
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has highlighted the growing importance of digital payment solutions for businesses, positioning FCMB Collect as a tool designed to help enterprises improve collections, reduce payment delays, and gain better visibility into their finances. The digital platform enables businesses to receive payments through multiple channels while simplifying the management of invoices,…
Artificial intelligence company Anthropic has warned that AI technology is advancing at a pace that could soon allow systems to improve themselves without direct human involvement, raising concerns about safety, oversight, and long-term control. In a recent blog post authored by Marina Favaro, head of The Anthropic Institute, and Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark, the company…
From the rooftop terrace of a hotel overlooking Benidorm’s skyline, the signs of Spain’s tourism success are impossible to miss. Towering hotels, crowded beaches, and bustling streets tell the story of a country whose tourism industry has not only recovered from the pandemic but is thriving like never before. For Fede Fuster, president of Benidorm’s…
For decades, the title of “world’s richest person” has been reserved for individuals whose fortunes seemed almost impossible to comprehend. Yet even by those standards, the wealth Elon Musk is projected to accumulate could redefine the meaning of extraordinary riches. Analysts have suggested that the entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX could become the…
YouTube has announced another round of price increases for its Premium subscription services across several regions, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. The latest adjustment marks the first increase in the United States since 2023 and will see some subscribers paying up to $4 more per month depending on their…
Sony has provided a new update on the highly anticipated PlayStation 6, revealing that key details regarding the console’s launch date and pricing are yet to be determined. Speaking during the company’s latest earnings call, Sony President and Chief Executive Officer, Hiroki Totoki, said the company is still evaluating market conditions before making decisions on…
The United States economy added 172,000 jobs in May, driven largely by increased hiring in the hospitality industry as businesses prepare for the influx of visitors expected during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the strongest employment gains were recorded in leisure and hospitality, local…
US stock markets ended the week sharply lower on Friday as investors pulled back from technology stocks amid growing concerns about elevated interest rates and the sustainability of recent market gains. The technology-focused Nasdaq recorded its steepest single-day decline since April 2025, falling more than 4 percent. The broader S&P 500 dropped 2.6 percent, while…
For nearly two decades, Naomi Gleit has had a front-row seat to one of the most remarkable transformations in modern business history. When she joined Facebook in 2006, she was employee number 29. Today, she holds a distinction few can claim: she is Meta’s longest-serving employee apart from founder Mark Zuckerberg himself. From a small…
A senior executive at artificial intelligence company Anthropic has urged governments and policymakers to develop mechanisms that can slow the pace of AI development when necessary, warning that the technology is rapidly becoming more autonomous. Speaking during an interview with BBC Newsnight, Jack Clark said the AI industry currently has strong incentives to accelerate innovation…
The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, inviting secondary school teachers across Nigeria to submit entries between June 3 and August 7, 2026. Now in its 12th year, the initiative is designed to recognise and reward exceptional teachers whose…
Meta Platforms has revised its controversial employee monitoring programme after facing criticism from workers over plans to track computer activity for artificial intelligence training purposes. According to an internal memo reported by Reuters, the company will now allow employees to temporarily pause data collection for up to 30 minutes at a time. Staff will also…
SpaceX has unveiled a proposed share price ahead of its highly anticipated stock market debut, setting the stage for what could become the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history. According to regulatory filings, the aerospace company is proposing a share price of $135, a valuation that would place the company at approximately $1.75 trillion….
Ride-hailing and delivery platform Bolt has reminded customers to follow the guidelines governing its Bolt Send service, stressing the importance of responsible usage to ensure safe and efficient package deliveries. The company said the advisory comes as more Nigerians increasingly rely on on-demand delivery services for both personal and business-related shipments. According to Bolt, the…
For decades, quantum computing has been portrayed as the next great frontier in technology – a field capable of solving problems that would take today’s most powerful supercomputers centuries to crack. Yet despite billions of dollars in investment and years of research, the technology has remained stubbornly out of reach, hampered by one critical challenge:…
Chinese regulators have launched a fresh crackdown on so-called “ghost kitchens” as authorities intensify efforts to clean up the country’s highly competitive food delivery industry. The move targets businesses that operate exclusively through delivery apps without maintaining a genuine physical restaurant presence. Many of these operations reportedly outsource food preparation to third-party vendors, enabling them…
Technology executive and digital transformation specialist Sunny Joseph Imohimi has been honoured with the ICT Innovator of the Year Award at the 2026 edition of the Africa Beacon of ICT Awards. The award was presented during a ceremony held in Lagos on May 30, bringing together key players from Africa’s technology sector, including industry leaders,…
Basketball icon Stephen Curry has signed a new endorsement agreement with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning, marking a significant move for both the athlete and the brand as they seek to expand their global presence. The partnership comes after Curry’s 12-year relationship with Under Armour ended last year, leaving the four-time NBA champion free to pursue…
Authorities in Tokyo have begun enforcing on-the-spot penalties for littering in the popular district of Shibuya as part of efforts to address growing waste management concerns linked to rising tourist numbers. Under the new regulations, individuals caught discarding rubbish in public areas within Shibuya Ward will face an immediate fine of 2,000 yen (about $13)….
African payments technology company Flutterwave has unveiled a comprehensive employee support initiative that includes promotions, financial relief measures, and compensation adjustments aimed at supporting its workforce across global markets. The company announced that more than 100 employees, representing about a quarter of its workforce, have been promoted as part of its commitment to recognising performance…
Chipmaking giant Nvidia has introduced a new artificial intelligence-focused processor for personal computers, signaling a major expansion of its presence in the consumer technology market. The newly announced RTX Spark chip was unveiled by Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang during his keynote address ahead of the annual Computex 2026 technology exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan….
For many people across the Caribbean, hot pepper sauce is more than a condiment. It is a culinary tradition, a cultural symbol, and a staple found on nearly every dining table. Whether paired with rice and peas, curries, grilled meats, or stews, the fiery sauce occupies a place in Caribbean cuisine much like ketchup does…
Dangote Industries Limited has once again been recognised as Africa’s Most Admired African Brand, extending its dominance in the category to eight consecutive years. The recognition was announced during the 16th edition of the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The annual survey, regarded as one of the continent’s…
CNN has filed a lawsuit against AI search company Perplexity AI, accusing the firm of unlawfully using and distributing its news content without authorization. The case, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, marks CNN’s first legal challenge related to artificial intelligence and is believed to be the…
Ferrari has never been a company that shies away from taking risks. Over the decades, the iconic Italian marque has built its reputation on engineering excellence, speed, exclusivity, and a deep emotional connection with enthusiasts who view its cars as rolling works of art. But its latest creation, the all-electric Luce, may be the most…
For many Americans, tipping has become second nature. Whether dining at a restaurant, ordering coffee, or picking up a takeaway meal, customers are increasingly confronted with prompts to leave a gratuity. What was once considered a reward for exceptional service has evolved into something many consumers now view as an expectation. As digital payment systems…
Universal Music Group has turned down a $64.3 billion takeover proposal from investment firm Pershing Square Capital Management, describing the offer as significantly below the company’s true value. The entertainment giant, home to global stars such as Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar, said the proposal did not serve the interests of its shareholders,…
For the first time, German automaker BMW will deploy humanoid robots in a European manufacturing plant, marking a significant step toward the future of automotive production. The company plans to introduce two humanoid robots, named Aeon, at its Leipzig factory this summer. Developed by Hexagon Robotics, the robots are currently undergoing testing and are expected…
Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced the appointment of Nkechi Runsewe as its new Human Resources Director, effective August 1, 2026. Runsewe succeeds Grace Omo-Lamai, who is set to retire on July 28, 2026, after nearly ten years of service with the company. According to the brewer, Runsewe joins the organisation from HEINEKEN, where she most…
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced legal action against Chrome Holding, the company that succeeded genetic testing firm 23andMe, over allegations linked to a major data breach that compromised the personal information of millions of users. The lawsuit follows an investigation by the California Department of Justice, which concluded that 23andMe failed to adequately…
For years, Stephanie Intrevado has been an enthusiastic collector of Sour Puss, the brightly coloured fruit-flavoured liqueur that has become a staple among generations of Canadian university students. From passionfruit and coconut to watermelon and raspberry varieties, the Quebec resident has spent years tracking down rare bottles and branded merchandise. Having first tasted the drink…
The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has expressed concern over the rising cost of clearing cargo at Nigerian seaports, revealing that importers now spend as much as ₦14 million to ₦15 million to clear a 20-foot container at Apapa Port in Lagos. According to the association, the same container can be cleared in neighbouring Benin…
A Google engineer has been charged in the United States over allegations that he used confidential company information to make more than $1.2 million from bets placed on cryptocurrency-based prediction platform Polymarket. US prosecutors identified the suspect as Michele Spagnuolo, an Italian citizen residing in Switzerland, who was arrested on Wednesday and later appeared before…
Global carmakers are facing mounting pressure as Chinese automotive brands rapidly gain ground in electric vehicles, battery technology, software integration, and manufacturing efficiency. At the Auto China 2026 exhibition in Beijing and Hefei, the scale of China’s advancement became difficult to ignore. Factory floors showcased extraordinary levels of automation, while software development cycles appeared significantly…
Canada has signed a major energy agreement with Germany that will pave the way for long-term exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe beginning in the early 2030s. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Vancouver by Canada’s Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, who described the development as a significant breakthrough for both countries. Under…
Luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari has seen its shares tumble after unveiling its first fully electric vehicle, the $640,000 (£474,320) Luce. Following the launch, Ferrari’s shares dropped more than 8% on the Milan stock market and over 5% in New York as investors and car enthusiasts reacted to the company’s bold shift into the electric…
Rising global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure has pushed semiconductor giants SK Hynix and Micron Technology past the $1 trillion (£740 billion) market valuation milestone. Shares of SK Hynix surged by 10% on Wednesday, extending a remarkable rally that has seen the company’s stock price more than triple since the start of the year. The…
For millions of Nigerians already battling rising living costs, the sudden increase in cooking gas prices has become yet another painful reminder of the country’s worsening economic realities. Across homes, markets and gas stations, frustration is growing as the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, climbs sharply beyond the reach…
The chief executive of Next has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a “dramatic” decline in entry-level job opportunities across the UK, warning that young people are bearing the brunt of a weakening labour market. Simon Wolfson, widely known as Lord Wolfson, said the retail giant has seen a sharp rise in the…
Luxury sports car maker Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the $640,000 (£474,320) “Luce.” The new model marks a major shift for the iconic Italian brand, becoming Ferrari’s first-ever five-seater and featuring a design created in collaboration with LoveFrom, the agency founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive. Unlike Ferrari’s traditional supercars,…
Leading fintech company OPay has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of its flagship scholarship initiative, now rebranded as OPay Scholars, as part of its ₦1.2 billion, 10-year commitment to supporting education in Nigeria. As part of the expanded programme, OPay has introduced an Innovation Challenge in partnership with Google and OPay Futures, aimed…
Sony has officially confirmed that a new PlayStation State of Play presentation will take place on June 2, 2026, giving fans another major showcase of upcoming PlayStation 5 titles. The upcoming broadcast will feature an extended look at the highly anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine from Insomniac Games, one of the most awaited exclusive titles currently in…
A new wave of international acquisitions by Indian companies is reshaping the country’s corporate landscape, signalling a growing shift in how some of India’s biggest businesses view the future. From pharmaceuticals and technology to automobiles and insurance, Indian firms are increasingly spending billions to buy foreign companies – not merely as symbols of global ambition,…
