🏦 Bosquet Investments Acquires ETI Stake

Today’s Menu ☕️

🏦 Bosquet Investments acquires 21.22% stake in Ecobank Parent ETI from Nedbank
🌍 African Union Backs Campaign to Correct Map Distortions and Reclaim Africa’s True Size
💰 Gates Foundation Pledges $2.5 Billion to Transform Women’s Health R&D
💵 CREDICORP Partners with NYSC on YouthCred Loan Initiative for Young Nigerians
📱Elon Musk Blasts Apple Over Alleged App Store Ranking Bias

If you haven't subscribed, join over 7,000 people curious about Innovation, New Products, New Technologies in Africa.

🏦 BANKING

Bosquet Investments acquires 21.22% stake in Ecobank Parent ETI from Nedbank

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), parent company of the pan-African Ecobank Group, announced that Nedbank Group has agreed to divest its 21.22% stake in ETI to Bosquet Investments, owned by Alain Nkontchou. The deal, pending regulatory approval, reflects Nedbank’s decision to refocus on its core markets in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Bosquet Investments’ acquisition signals a stronger commitment to Ecobank’s future. Nkontchou, co-founder of Enko Capital, has long been associated with the bank, serving on its board and later as Chairman, where he helped drive profitability and resilience. Expressing enthusiasm, Nkontchou pledged support for Ecobank’s strategic objectives of growth, transformation, and returns.

Ecobank Group CEO Jeremy Awori welcomed Bosquet as a key shareholder, describing the investment as a strong vote of confidence in the bank’s strategy and performance. He also praised Nkontchou’s leadership and vision, noting his significant role in shaping Ecobank’s achievements....……continue reading

🎯 New to Product? Seasoned Leader? We’ve Got a Training for You.

Whether you're starting your product management journey or leading cross-functional teams, we’ve designed two powerful classroom trainings to meet your needs.

✅ New Product Development & Management Fundamentals (Aug 25–26): Perfect for new or aspiring product managers
✅ Product Leadership (Aug 28–29): Tailored for experienced PMs driving growth and innovation.

Both sessions will be packed with practical frameworks, real-world tools, and expert facilitation by Product Management veteran, Francis Ebuehi.

Register Now. Click the link or scan the QR code on the 🖼️

✍🏽 New Product Development and Management Fundamentals: https://bit.ly/TCNPD0825
✍🏽 Product Leadership: https://bit.ly/TCPL1025
📍Venue: Canton Concourse, Oniru, Lagos

8% Discount Available for organisations who send up to 4 people

🌍 GEOGRAPHY

African Union Backs Campaign to Correct Map Distortions and Reclaim Africa’s True Size

The African Union (AU) has endorsed the global Correct the Map campaign, calling for the retirement of the 16th-century Mercator projection in favor of more accurate representations like the Equal Earth projection. While the Mercator map was created for navigation, it grossly distorts sizes—making regions near the poles appear larger while shrinking Africa and South America. Critics argue this distortion perpetuates a false narrative of Africa’s insignificance despite being the world’s second-largest continent.

The initiative, led by Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa, seeks to correct this “longest misinformation campaign” and reshape education, identity, and global perceptions. Advocates stress that accurate maps will instill pride in young Africans and challenge stereotypes that diminish Africa’s role in global affairs.

Beyond cartography, the AU views this as a political and symbolic move, aligning with broader efforts to reclaim Africa’s place in the world and push back against colonial legacies.....…continue reading

💰 FUNDING

Gates Foundation Pledges $2.5 Billion to Transform Women’s Health R&D

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $2.5 billion through 2030 to accelerate research and development in women’s health—the largest such investment in its history. The funding will target more than 40 innovations across five underfunded areas: obstetric care and maternal immunization, maternal health and nutrition, gynecological and menstrual health, contraceptive innovation, and sexually transmitted infections.

Dr. Anita Zaidi, head of the Gender Equality Division, emphasized the need for women-centered innovation, noting that female-specific conditions like preeclampsia, endometriosis, and menopause remain neglected despite affecting millions. Bill Gates stressed the economic and social impact, citing research showing every $1 invested in women’s health yields $3 in economic growth.

The foundation is urging governments, philanthropists, and the private sector to co-invest and ensure equitable access. By aligning with its long-term goals to reduce maternal deaths and poverty, the initiative seeks to close gender health gaps and strengthen global economies......…continue reading

💵 CREDIT

CREDICORP Partners with NYSC on YouthCred Loan Initiative for Young Nigerians

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) have launched the YouthCred Loan Initiative to provide corps members with loans of up to ₦200,000. Backed by ₦9 billion in initial funding, the program fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to expand access to credit for young Nigerians and is part of a broader financial inclusion drive.

To ensure accountability, corps members must first complete a digital credit education course before accessing funds. Loans will initially be smaller, with higher amounts available to those who repay on time—promoting a culture of responsible borrowing. The facility can be used for small businesses, vocational training, work equipment, or relocation expenses.

NYSC DG Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu hailed the program as transformative, stressing its role in fostering entrepreneurship and independence. By combining financial literacy with affordable credit, YouthCred aims to reshape Nigeria’s credit culture and empower youth...…continue reading

 📱APPS

Elon Musk Blasts Apple Over Alleged App Store Ranking Bias

Elon Musk has launched a fresh dispute with Apple, accusing the tech giant of bias in App Store rankings. Musk, who owns X (formerly Twitter) and AI startup xAI, claims Apple boosts OpenAI’s ChatGPT while sidelining his platforms, including the Grok chatbot. He called it an “antitrust violation” and threatened legal action, questioning why X and Grok are excluded from Apple’s “Must Have” list despite their popularity.

Apple denied the allegations, stating that App Store rankings are based on algorithms, charts, and curated expert selections designed to be fair and unbiased. Analysts noted Musk provided no evidence, while Grok currently trails ChatGPT in app rankings.

The dispute comes amid Musk’s long-standing feud with OpenAI, raising questions about whether his challenge is about fairness or competitive rivalry. While no lawsuit has been filed, the clash underscores broader debates over algorithmic transparency, corporate influence, and fairness in digital marketplaces..........…continue reading

 OTHER STORIES

• How “Tokunbo Traders” Turn Used Goods into Business Growth……continue reading

• Renew Capital invests in Moroccan AI startup Hypeo Ai to revolutionize influencer marketing across MENA……continue reading

• Ezdehar Management acquires majority stake in Egypt’s Kemet…..continue reading

Do you know you can join and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel?