💸 Nigeria’s Remittance Trends and Outlook

Good morning 😊

Google has launched the biggest overhaul of Gmail since 2004, introducing an AI-powered experience built on its Gemini 3 model. Announced on January 8, 2026, the update repositions Gmail from a passive inbox into a proactive personal assistant. The headline feature is the optional AI Inbox, which intelligently organizes emails into Suggested To-Dos, VIP Conversations, and Topics to Catch Up On, dynamically prioritizing urgent messages regardless of when they arrive.

Gmail Search also gains AI Overviews, allowing users to query their inbox with natural language questions and receive concise, cited answers. While advanced search is reserved for paid subscribers, Google is making several productivity tools free for all users, including Help Me Write, personalized suggested replies, and automatic thread summaries.

Google emphasized privacy, noting that personal emails are not used to train core AI models and that all features are opt-in. The rollout begins in the US, with global expansion planned later in 2026.

Let’s dive in for more information.👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

💸 Nigeria’s Remittance Trends and Outlook
📧 Google Launches AI-Powered Gmail Inbox to Simplify Email Management
💵 Acumen Raises $250m for Clean Energy in Africa
💰 DEG Commits $50m to DPI’s Africa-Focused Fund
✈️ Ethiopian Airlines Partners Nucore to Boost Digital Operations
📶 Econet Engages ZSE on Delisting, Eyes VFEX Listing
🌐 Gabon Deploys High-Speed Satellite Internet on Passenger Trains

💸 CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS

Nigeria’s Remittance Trends and Outlook (2020–2025)

Nigeria remains Africa’s largest remittance destination, with diaspora inflows proving resilient despite global and domestic economic shocks between 2020 and 2025. After falling to about $17.2 billion in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remittances rebounded to $19.5 billion in 2021 and climbed to over $20 billion in 2022. Although inflows dipped slightly in 2023, they recovered strongly in 2024, with projections placing remittances at nearly $24 billion by 2025.

Key drivers of this growth include Nigeria’s expanding diaspora population, especially following the “Japa” emigration wave, supportive Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policies such as exchange rate unification and incentives for formal transfers, and rapid fintech innovation...........….continue reading

💵FUNDING

Acumen Raises $250m for Clean Energy in Africa

Impact investment firm Acumen has secured $250 million in blended capital through its Hardest-to-Reach (H2R) Initiative to expand clean energy access across sub-Saharan Africa. The funding aims to serve nearly 70 million people, including 50 million first-time energy users in remote and underserved communities.

The initiative combines two vehicles—Catalyze, a patient capital facility, and H2R Amplify, a dedicated debt fund—to overcome financing barriers and support distributed renewable energy solutions in 17 countries. Acumen says the milestone moves the initiative from strategy to execution, strengthening efforts to tackle energy poverty in some of Africa’s hardest-to-reach regions..........….continue reading

📧 MESSAGING

Google Launches AI-Powered Gmail Inbox to Simplify Email Management

In what is being hailed as the most significant transformation of email since its inception in 2004, Google has officially launched a major AI-powered overhaul of Gmail. Built on the company’s latest Gemini 3 model, the update introduces a radical new “AI Inbox” view designed to transition the service from a passive list of messages into a proactive personal assistant..

The centrepiece of the launch is the AI Inbox, a new optional view that appears alongside the traditional inbox. Rather than simply listing emails by the time they were received, the AI Inbox uses advanced reasoning to organize your day into three intelligent sections......….continue reading

💰INVESTMENTS

DEG Commits $50m to DPI’s Africa-Focused Fund

German development finance institution DEG has committed $50 million to African Development Partners IV (ADP IV), the latest private equity fund launched by Development Partners International (DPI). The investment reinforces DEG’s long-standing support for sustainable economic growth and private sector development across Africa.

Managed by DPI, ADP IV will focus on growth-oriented African companies in key sectors including healthcare, education, FMCG, retail, financial services, and transport and logistics. DPI, which has invested over $2.8 billion in 35 African businesses since 2008, says the fund will prioritize long-term value creation, job generation, and responsible business practices across the continent..................….continue reading

✈️TRANSPORTATION

Ethiopian Airlines Partners Nucore to Boost Digital Operations

Ethiopian Airlines has entered a strategic partnership with Nucore Technologies to advance its digital transformation, with a focus on modernizing its B2B operations. The collaboration centers on upgrading the airline’s Agency Portal, which serves travel agencies, corporate clients, and aggregators worldwide.

Through Nucore’s technology, the portal will offer enhanced reporting and analytics, automated booking and payment workflows, NDC-enabled content distribution, flexible payment options, and an improved booking experience for fares and ancillary services. Ethiopian Airlines says the upgrade will strengthen global connectivity for its partners and support data-driven decision-making.................….continue reading

 📶TELECOMS

Econet Engages ZSE on Delisting, Eyes VFEX Listing

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has begun formal discussions with the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) on plans to voluntarily delist from the local bourse. The company is also engaging regulators on a potential listing of its infrastructure unit, Econet Infrastructure Company (InfraCo), on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX).

According to the company, a shareholder circular detailing the proposed ZSE delisting and the planned VFEX listing will be issued once regulatory consultations are completed. Econet has advised shareholders to exercise caution when trading its securities in the interim.

The move follows earlier announcements in December 2025, with Econet citing persistent undervaluation on the ZSE as a key driver.................…continue reading

🌐INTERNET

Gabon Deploys High-Speed Satellite Internet on Passenger Trains

Gabon has introduced high-speed satellite internet on its passenger trains, marking a significant step toward modernizing rail transport and improving connectivity along remote routes. The service is powered by Eutelsat’s OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and delivered through a partnership with Airtel Gabon, following successful pilot trials.

The initiative is part of a national digital transformation drive led by Gabon’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with rail operator SETRAG. It will provide reliable onboard broadband for work, communication, and entertainment across corridors where terrestrial networks are limited.................…continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Separate Space for Personal Health Conversations………continue reading

• Adiwale Partners acquires minority stake in Guinea’s leading private clinic………continue reading

• African Startups Raise $3.2bn in 2025 as Funding Rebounds………continue reading

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