BrandArena

Rite Foods marks International Day of Families, calls for stronger support for children and households

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Sat, 16 May 2026 11:16:10 +0000

Rite Foods Limited has joined the global community in marking this year’s International Day of Families, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening families as the foundation of a stronger society.

With the 2026 theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” the company highlighted the everyday challenges faced by many households and the need to create greater opportunities that enable children and communities to thrive.

Speaking on the significance of the day, the Managing Director of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, said supporting families remains central to sustainable national development.

“Families are at the heart of every society. When access to nutrition, education, healthcare, and opportunity becomes unequal, children are often the most affected. At Rite Foods, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and dream bigger, regardless of background,” he said.

He added that the company remains committed to producing quality products that meet the needs of Nigerian families while staying attuned to everyday realities.

Rite Foods’ product range includes Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Fearless Energy Drinks, Sosa Fruit Drink, Bigi Premium Table Water, Rite Spicy, Bigi Beef, and Bigi Flex Sausages, which are consumed daily by millions across the country.

Beyond its food and beverage offerings, the company said its broader vision focuses on creating social impact through people-centred initiatives, responsible business practices and community support.

Also speaking, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, emphasised the importance of shared responsibility in tackling inequality and improving child wellbeing.

“Real progress happens when businesses, communities, and policymakers work together. At Rite Foods, we understand that supporting families goes beyond the products we make. It is about contributing to an environment where people feel supported, included, and empowered to succeed,” he said.

As the world observes the International Day of Families, Rite Foods reiterated its belief that empowered families are key to stronger communities and a more hopeful future for all.

Grey named headline sponsor for Moonshot 2026 in Lagos

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:08:22 +0000

TechCabal has announced Grey, the US-based cross-border payments company, as the headline sponsor for Moonshot 2026, which returns to the National Theatre in Lagos, Nigeria, on 28 and 29 October 2026.

The partnership marks a major milestone for Moonshot as Grey takes the conference’s top sponsorship position for the first time ahead of its fourth edition. The Y Combinator-backed fintech currently serves nearly three million users across 70 countries.

Grey’s sponsorship comes amid the company’s continued expansion in the global payments space, following regulatory approval in Canada, the introduction of Canadian dollar payouts, and a deeper push into business-to-business payments.

The company has emerged as one of the leading African-founded players in the rapidly growing cross-border payments sector, with transfers available to more than 170 destinations in over 30 currencies. Grey also offers virtual cards accepted by 150 million merchants worldwide.

Its recent expansion into South Asia and Latin America, including local payout services in Malaysia, Bangladesh and Uruguay, reflects the international growth ambitions increasingly associated with African technology companies. The launch of Grey Business in February 2026 further positions the fintech to serve founders, operators and small businesses operating across multiple markets.

As Moonshot prepares for an edition focused on Africa’s role in the global technology economy, organisers say Grey’s African roots and international scale make the partnership a strong strategic fit.

“Cross-border payments are one of the few categories where Africa is building global infrastructure, not just consuming it. Moonshot is where that conversation is happening, and Grey wants to be part of shaping what gets built next. We have spent the last four years building for people and businesses that operate across borders, and a meaningful share of them are based on this continent. Showing up at Moonshot as headline sponsor is the right way to acknowledge that,” said Idorenyin Obong, CEO and co-founder of Grey.

Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Big Cabal Media, described Grey as one of the continent’s most significant fintech success stories.

“Grey has built one of the most consequential companies in African fintech, a global payments business with nearly three million users that started in Lagos," he said. “Having them as the headline sponsor of Moonshot 2026 is a natural fit, and we are excited about the conversations their team will be leading on stage and in our halls this October.”

Moonshot 2026 will feature a keynote session by Grey CEO Idorenyin Obong on the future of borderless payments, alongside a private executive roundtable for investors and business leaders. The company will also host an immersive exhibition showcasing both its consumer platform and Grey Business solutions.

Grey currently operates with Money Service Business licences from FINTRAC in Canada and FinCEN in the United States, with a strategic focus on emerging markets. Its services allow individuals and businesses to manage multi-currency accounts, exchange currencies, send and receive payments internationally, and access virtual payment cards.aging.

Spotify adopts Apple streaming technology to boost video podcast experience

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:59:08 +0000

Spotify has announced plans to adopt Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology as part of efforts to improve video podcast delivery and simplify cross-platform distribution for creators.

The move will allow Spotify-hosted creators to distribute and monetise video podcasts on Apple Podcasts without changing their existing production workflows or hosting arrangements.

The development marks a significant step towards greater interoperability between major podcast platforms as competition in video podcasting continues to intensify.

Apple recently introduced support for HLS video streaming on Apple Podcasts to improve playback quality and adaptive streaming performance. By adopting the same technology, Spotify is positioning itself to better support creators publishing content across multiple platforms and ecosystems.

Spotify said the integration would provide users with smoother and more reliable video playback regardless of internet conditions. HLS technology automatically adjusts video quality in real time based on network speed, helping to reduce buffering and playback interruptions for users on both Wi-Fi and mobile data connections.

The company said the HLS upgrades are expected to roll out later this year.

Alongside the streaming improvements, Spotify also announced expanded monetisation opportunities for video podcast creators.

The company revealed that creators using hosting platforms including Libsyn, Podigee, Audioboom, Audiomeans and Podspace can now publish video podcasts directly to Spotify while accessing monetisation tools through the Spotify Partner Program.

The integration follows earlier announcements made by the company in 2026 and is now live.

Spotify also disclosed plans to introduce additional creator revenue features, including direct sales capabilities and new partner integrations aimed at expanding earning opportunities for podcasters.

The announcement reflects Spotify’s wider push into video podcasting, a strategy the company has steadily expanded since introducing video podcast support in 2020.

Video content has increasingly become a major growth driver for the global podcast industry as platforms compete for audience engagement beyond traditional audio-only formats.

Earlier this year, Spotify lowered eligibility requirements for video monetisation, making it easier for creators to generate revenue from video podcast content.

The company said that by November 2025, nearly 500,000 podcast shows and more than 390 million users had streamed video podcast content on Spotify.

PenCom clears PFAs to invest in Dangote Refinery IPO under special regulatory approval

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:48:40 +0000

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has granted Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) a special regulatory dispensation to invest pension fund assets in the proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE.

In a circular issued on Thursday, PenCom said the decision followed a careful evaluation of the refinery’s strategic importance, economic impact, growth potential and expected benefits to both the pension industry and the wider Nigerian economy.

The Commission explained that the approval provides a one-off regulatory forbearance from Section 6.2.7.1 (iii) of the Revised Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets, specifically waiving the usual requirements relating to existence, profitability and dividend payment history for the purpose of the IPO.

PenCom noted that the decision was also influenced by the track record and reputation of Dangote Industries Limited, the majority shareholder in the refinery project.

According to the Commission, PFAs taking part in the IPO must still comply with their internal investment policies, risk management frameworks and fiduciary obligations to contributors and retirees.

The Commission stressed that the regulatory forbearance is exceptional, strictly case-specific, and applies only to the IPO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE. It added that the approval should not be interpreted as a precedent for future IPOs or similar investment transactions.

NIMC launches WhatsApp and live chat support for NIN services in Nigeria

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:45:51 +0000

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new WhatsApp and live chat support channels aimed at providing Nigerians with faster and more accessible assistance for National Identification Number (NIN) services.

The Commission announced that users can now access real-time support through the live chat feature on its official website and via WhatsApp on +234 701 566 6971. The initiative is expected to help citizens resolve NIN-related issues without visiting physical enrolment centres.

According to NIMC, the digital support channels are designed to provide prompt responses, verified information and guidance on common concerns, including enrolment status, data modification requests, verification challenges and other NIN-related enquiries.

For many Nigerians, accessing NIN support has often involved long queues, repeated visits to enrolment centres and extended waiting periods for simple requests. The introduction of the digital support tools marks another step in the Commission’s efforts to modernise identity services and improve public access.

The importance of the National Identification Number has increased significantly in recent years as it became mandatory for SIM registration, banking services, government programmes and identity verification across both public and private sectors.

As a result, the NIN has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most important digital identity infrastructures, linking millions of citizens to financial institutions, telecommunications providers and government systems.

NIMC said the rollout of the new support channels aligns with its broader digital transformation strategy under Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

First Bank appoints Julius Omodayo-Owotuga as Executive Director

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:38:30 +0000

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has appointed Dr Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga as an Executive Director, effective 13 May 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening the bank’s leadership across finance, governance, risk management and institutional transformation.

The appointment was disclosed to Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public by First HoldCo Plc, the parent company of the bank.

Dr Omodayo-Owotuga, widely known as Dr JB, brings 24 years of experience across banking and financial services, infrastructure finance, power, oil and gas, as well as audit and consulting. The bank said his appointment reflects its commitment to strong corporate governance, disciplined execution, financial resilience and long-term growth.

Before his appointment, he served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of First HoldCo Plc between 2021 and 2026.

He most recently held the position of Deputy Chief Executive of Geregu Power Plc, Nigeria’s first listed power generation company. During his time there, he played a key role in institutional transformation, governance strengthening, operational optimisation, capital market positioning and major financing initiatives, including the company’s landmark listing on the Nigerian Exchange.

Prior to joining Geregu Power, Dr Omodayo-Owotuga served as Group Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management at Forte Oil Plc, now Ardova Plc. In that role, he led several strategic initiatives involving restructuring, capital raising, treasury optimisation, enterprise risk management and governance improvements aimed at enhancing shareholder value.

His career has also included positions at Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG Professional Services and MBC International Bank, now First Bank of Nigeria Limited, giving him extensive experience in institutional finance, treasury management, regulatory engagement, financial controls and corporate advisory services.

Dr Omodayo-Owotuga is a CFA Charter Holder, a KPMG-trained accountant and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, and the Institute of Credit Administration. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria and a Certified Management Accountant.

Academically, he holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He is an alumnus of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, IE Business School, Geneva Business School and the University of Lagos.

Apple and Google roll out end-to-end encrypted messaging between iPhone and Android users

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:24:54 +0000

Apple and Google have begun rolling out end-to-end encrypted messaging for conversations between iPhone and Android users, marking a major shift in cross-platform communication and mobile privacy.

For years, messaging between the two ecosystems has been plagued by poor media quality, broken group chats and a lack of security features when texts crossed between devices. That experience is now set to improve with the introduction of encrypted messaging via the latest software updates.

The feature is currently being introduced in beta through RCS (Rich Communication Services), a modern messaging standard designed to replace traditional SMS texting with a more advanced and secure system.

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures that only the sender and recipient can read a message. Once encrypted, messages are protected from interception by hackers, telecom operators, governments or even the platform providers themselves while in transit.

Apple’s iMessage has supported end-to-end encryption since 2011, while Google introduced encrypted chats within its messaging ecosystem in 2021. However, cross-platform conversations between iPhone and Android users remained unencrypted due to incompatible systems.

One of the key barriers to seamless communication was Apple’s long-standing reluctance to adopt RCS messaging. RCS, seen as the next generation of SMS, supports features such as typing indicators, read receipts, high-resolution media sharing, emoji reactions, longer messages and encryption capabilities.

While Android manufacturers and Google adopted the standard earlier, Apple held out until 2023, following growing regulatory pressure and user demand.

The divide also fuelled the well-known “green bubble versus blue bubble” distinction, particularly in the United States, where messages sent from Android devices appear in green bubbles rather than Apple’s blue iMessage interface. This often indicated reduced functionality and lower-quality media sharing, especially in group chats.

The introduction of encrypted RCS messaging is expected to significantly enhance both privacy and user experience. Users in protected conversations will see a lock icon indicating encryption, while photos, videos and group chats are expected to function more smoothly across platforms.

Although the rollout is currently limited to beta users, the development represents a significant milestone in mobile messaging and reflects growing pressure on major technology companies to improve interoperability and data protection standards.

While apps such as WhatsApp and Signal already offer cross-platform encrypted messaging, native texting remains the default communication method for millions of users globally, making this update a notable step forward in everyday digital communication.

Africa’s IT asset visibility gap raises financial control and governance risks, experts warn

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:20:48 +0000

Africa’s drive towards stronger financial discipline, cost optimisation and improved governance is being undermined by a growing blind spot in corporate IT management: the lack of accurate, real-time visibility of technology assets such as laptops, desktops and distributed computing equipment.

Across many organisations on the continent, IT assets are deployed across multiple cities, regions and sometimes countries, often without a consistent system to verify their status in real time. With increasingly distributed operations, uneven infrastructure and a more mobile workforce, maintaining accurate oversight of these assets has become significantly more complex.

At the same time, businesses are under pressure to maximise existing capital, delay unnecessary procurement and extract greater value from current assets. However, many still rely on static asset registers and manual tracking systems that fail to reflect operational reality.

The result is a widening gap between what is recorded on balance sheets and what actually exists in the business, including unverified equipment, missing devices and capital tied up in assets that are not delivering value.

“This is a silent but significant challenge,” said Valene Nagiah, Head of Asset Tracking and Management at V-Track. “Many organisations believe they have asset visibility, but in practice, they are operating on assumptions. In environments where teams are distributed and assets are constantly moving, those assumptions quickly break down.”

Across Southern, East and West Africa, organisations are increasingly managing complex asset environments without systems capable of providing continuous visibility. As digital transformation accelerates, the issue is shifting from an operational inconvenience to a serious financial and governance concern.

The lack of visibility is now being linked to tangible business risks, including unnecessary procurement spending, underutilised assets, audit exposure and heightened security vulnerabilities. In environments where assets frequently move between offices, remote sites and employees, visibility gaps can quickly translate into financial loss and operational inefficiency.

In response, organisations are gradually moving away from periodic audits and spreadsheet-based tracking towards continuous, data-driven asset management models.

V-Track, an asset intelligence platform operating across African markets, is supporting this shift by enabling real-time, verifiable control of IT asset environments.

The platform allows organisations to verify the existence, location and status of assets in real time, align IT asset data with financial reporting and audit requirements, identify and recover underutilised or unaccounted assets, strengthen governance, compliance and cybersecurity frameworks, and optimise capital allocation through improved utilisation insights.

“What is changing is the expectation of control,” added Valene Nagiah. “IT assets are no longer just operational tools they are financial assets that need to be actively managed. Organisations that can continuously verify and track these assets are able to reduce waste, improve accountability, and make better financial decisions.”

The challenge is particularly acute in African markets where organisations often operate across decentralised teams and multiple locations. Without continuous visibility, maintaining accurate records and ensuring accountability becomes increasingly difficult.

Combined with rising cybersecurity threats and tighter regulatory scrutiny, this is driving a stronger need for organisations to ensure every asset is accounted for, secured and delivering value throughout its lifecycle.

In this context, IT asset visibility is increasingly seen as a core pillar of financial and operational control. Organisations that address the gap are better positioned to reduce unnecessary costs, improve governance and strengthen overall business resilience.

“Organisations that cannot see their assets cannot control their costs,” said Nagiah. “Closing that visibility gap is no longer optional it is essential to operating effectively in today’s environment.”

V-Track says it supports organisations in closing this gap by providing continuous insight into asset environments and enabling closer alignment between finance and IT teams for improved accountability and control.

World Bank, Global Energy Alliance launch Africa energy initiative to drive jobs and economic growth

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:17:40 +0000

The World Bank Group and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet have announced a new partnership aimed at expanding the productive use of energy across Africa through a regional Centre of Excellence to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The initiative is designed to strengthen the economic impact of electrification by linking electricity access more closely with agriculture, small businesses and other income-generating activities capable of creating jobs and boosting local economies.

The partnership aligns with Mission 300, a joint initiative led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All and the Global Energy Alliance, to connect 300 million more people across Africa to electricity by 2030. Since July 2023, more than 45 million people have already gained access to electricity under the programme.

Despite notable progress in electricity access across Africa over the past decade, hundreds of millions of people on the continent still remain without power.

Speaking on the new initiative, Dana Rysankova, Lead Energy Specialist at the World Bank Group, said the Centre of Excellence would play a critical role in deepening the impact of electrification programmes across participating countries.

“This new Center of Excellence will be instrumental in helping countries unleash the full promise of Mission 300,” said Dana Rysankova, Lead Energy Specialist at the World Bank Group. “Greater promotion and adoption of productive uses of energy will complement household connections to lift people out of energy poverty, improve livelihoods, and create economic opportunities and jobs.”

The partners noted that while electricity access is expanding, many communities still use power mainly for basic activities such as lighting and phone charging, limiting broader economic benefits and weakening the long-term sustainability of energy investments.

They added that productive use of energy initiatives across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education and small enterprise have often remained fragmented and poorly integrated into national development plans.

Makena Ireri, Managing Director of Powering Opportunity at the Global Energy Alliance, said the focus must shift beyond simply providing electricity to ensuring it drives economic transformation.

“Expanding access to electricity is only the beginning. What matters is what that energy makes possible in people’s lives,” said Makena Ireri, Managing Director of Powering Opportunity, Global Energy Alliance. “When a farmer can process and store crops, or a small business can power equipment and grow, energy access becomes economic opportunity. This partnership will help strengthen the links between electrification, agriculture and enterprise so that energy access translates into more jobs, growing incomes and stronger local economies.”

According to the organisations, the Nairobi-based Centre of Excellence will support governments and development partners through technical assistance, knowledge sharing, coordination and market development initiatives aimed at scaling productive energy use across more than 20 African countries.

The programme will also support implementation through Mission 300 National Energy Compacts and Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units in participating countries.

The partnership will focus on four key areas, including embedded technical expertise within National Energy Compacts, development of practical tools and data for policymakers and investors, stronger coordination across funding and investment pipelines, and support for businesses through improved access to finance and market opportunities.

The initiative is expected to strengthen national programmes targeting smallholder farmers, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as underserved communities, while helping countries translate electrification projects into measurable economic outcomes.

Facebook celebrates African film industry in new ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:08:44 +0000

Facebook has launched the sixth edition of its pan-African campaign, Made by Africa, Loved by the World: Where Stories Spark Community, with this year’s spotlight firmly on African cinema ahead of Africa Day on 25 May.

The 2026 campaign features a five-part vodcast series highlighting internationally recognised actors and filmmakers from Nigeria and South Africa. The series is hosted by popular African podcasts I Said What I Said from Nigeria and Because We Said So from South Africa.

Speaking about the initiative, Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director for Africa, the Middle East and Turkey at Meta, said, "For six years, Made by Africa has spotlighted talent from across the continent making a mark globally. This year, film takes centre stage. From Nollywood to South African cinema, African stories are reaching audiences worldwide, and Facebook is at the heart of how people come together around cultural moments like these. This campaign backs the filmmakers driving that momentum.”

The campaign showcases the journeys and achievements of five leading African screen stars and creatives.

Among them is Nigerian actress Kehinde Bankole, a two-time Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards winner who has performed at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, voiced Disney’s Iwaju, and featured in productions on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

South African actress Linda Mtoba, known for her roles in Isibaya, The River and BET’s Queendom, also features in the series alongside fellow South African star Nomzamo Mbatha. Mbatha, a TIME100 Next honouree, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, has starred in Coming 2 America and Shaka iLembe while also serving as an executive producer and founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation.

Nigeria’s Osas Ighodaro, a two-time AMVCA Best Actress winner recognised for The Smart Money Woman and Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, is also part of the campaign. Completing the line-up is actor Tobi Bakre, one of Nollywood’s fast-rising stars, known for Brotherhood and Prime Video’s Gangs of Lagos.

Each vodcast episode explores the featured talents’ creative journeys, international impact and the ways they use Facebook to engage audiences and build communities around African storytelling.

“We're excited about this partnership and the chance to collaborate with Facebook in celebrating Africa Day with other brilliant African creatives. Being able to spotlight creators with global impact feels incredibly special to us, and we look forward to more partnerships and opportunities to champion African creativity,” said FK Abudu and Jola Ayeye of I Said What I Said.

Commenting on the collaboration, Because We Said So hosts Zama Marubelela and Landzy Gama added, "As young African content creators, we’re passionate about celebrating African excellence, identity, and culture through honest and relatable conversations. Having Nomzamo Mbatha and Linda Mtoba on Because We Said So made this collaboration with Meta even more special, as they both continue to represent Africa on a global stage while sharing authentic African stories with the world. We’re excited to amplify these voices and be part of a campaign that celebrates African talent, creativity, and storytelling on a global scale.”

As part of the campaign, Facebook is also expanding its #ShareYourAfrica community challenge, encouraging creators across lifestyle, fashion and dance to use Meta AI tools to celebrate African culture through Reels that showcase traditions, creativity and everyday moments shaping African identity.

Highlights from the vodcast series will be shared on the Meta Africa Facebook page, while full episodes will be available through the I Said What I Said and Because We Said So podcast platforms.

Meta’s advertising revenue set to hit $240bn in 2026 as AI drives rapid growth

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:05:26 +0000

Meta is expected to generate $240 billion in advertising revenue in 2026, marking a 22.3 per cent increase and outpacing growth across the global social media advertising market, according to new data from WARC Media.

The forecast highlights how the technology giant has reshaped its advertising business through AI-driven automation, strengthening its position with advertisers across Facebook and Instagram.

Advertising across Meta’s “family of apps” continues to underpin the company’s business model, while also funding its expanding investment in artificial intelligence technologies designed to improve ad targeting and campaign performance.

WARC Media’s latest Platform Insights report examines Meta’s evolving advertising strategy, user engagement trends and the effectiveness of campaigns across its platforms.

Alex Brownsell, Head of Content at WARC Media and co-author of the report, said: “Meta’s flywheel is spinning faster than ever. The company’s AI-driven automation is transforming how brands connect with audiences, driving rapid growth in advertising spend with Facebook and Instagram. This is enabling further record-breaking levels of investment in AI innovation.

“Yet investors appear concerned that the flywheel is at risk of spinning out of control, in light of plateauing user growth and mounting pressure to better monetise existing audiences. In this report, we explore the latest evidence-based insights to better understand Meta’s ad model and consider what might come next.”

According to WARC, Meta’s advertising business expanded by 22 per cent to $196 billion in 2025 and is projected to maintain similar momentum in 2026 before moderating to 12.1 per cent growth in 2027.

Before 2023, Meta’s annual advertising revenue growth had lagged behind the wider social media market, while its share of global social advertising spend had been declining. However, substantial post-pandemic investment in artificial intelligence has helped the company focus on improving monetisation efficiency rather than increasing advertising volume.

By deploying unified AI systems and automated campaign tools, Meta aims to improve advertiser conversions and generate higher revenues without negatively affecting user experience.

Facebook is projected to account for 60 per cent of Meta’s advertising revenue in 2026, with Instagram contributing the remaining 40 per cent. WARC said a unified AI structure has supported continued double-digit growth across both platforms.

Meta recently announced plans to increase annual capital expenditure on AI to between $125 billion and $145 billion, largely financed through advertising income. However, the company’s heavy dependence on advertising revenue, compared with rivals such as Alphabet and Amazon, has raised concerns among investors, contributing to a 10 per cent fall in its stock price.

The United States remains Meta’s largest advertising market, accounting for 42.2 per cent of Facebook ad spend and 40.5 per cent on Instagram. The United Kingdom follows with a 4 per cent share on both platforms, while Australia contributes 1.7 per cent on Facebook and 2.1 per cent on Instagram.

Despite Facebook’s dominance, marketers appear increasingly focused on Instagram. WARC’s annual Voice of the Marketer survey found that 55 per cent of global marketers intend to increase investment in Instagram this year, compared with 25 per cent for Facebook.

Meta also reported that more than 3.5 billion people worldwide use at least one of its apps every day, although restrictions in Russia and Iran contributed to the company’s first decline in daily active users during the first quarter of the year.

Audience demographics continue to vary across platforms. Facebook’s user profile broadly mirrors the overall internet population, while Instagram attracts a younger audience. Analysis by Ipsos found that Millennials and Generation X account for more than 70 per cent of affluent global users on both platforms.

WARC’s report also identified Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa as leading regions for engagement among high-net-worth users on Facebook and Instagram, though revenue per user remains significantly lower than in North America and Europe.

Short-form video content is also becoming increasingly central to Meta’s platforms. Reels now accounts for 45 per cent of engagement on Instagram and 29 per cent on Facebook, while time spent watching video content on Facebook rose 8 per cent quarter-on-quarter globally.

The company continues to invest heavily in large language models to strengthen its understanding of user interests and improve advertising targeting capabilities.

Promasidor Nigeria and Cowbell win three major industry awards

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:01:50 +0000

Promasidor Nigeria and its flagship dairy brand, Cowbell, have secured three major industry recognitions, further strengthening the company’s position in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.

At the Industry Awards, Promasidor Nigeria emerged as the “Outstanding Dairy Company of the Year”, while Cowbell received the “Dairy Brand of the Year” award. The company also earned a Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Advertisers Association of Nigeria Awards for Marketing Excellence in recognition of its community-focused initiatives.

The Industry Awards is widely regarded as a platform that celebrates excellence, innovation and outstanding contributions across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The latest recognitions underscore Promasidor Nigeria’s continued focus on product quality, consumer trust and social impact.

Speaking on the achievement, the Chief Executive Officer of Promasidor Nigeria, François Gillet, described the awards as a reflection of the company’s longstanding commitment to Nigerian consumers.

“These recognitions reflect the trust Nigerians continue to place in our brands and our dedicated commitment to delivering quality products that support everyday nutrition and wellbeing. We are also honoured to see our efforts towards community development and youth empowerment acknowledged,” he said.

Cowbell remains one of Nigeria’s leading dairy brands, recognised for its affordability, nutritional value and accessibility. Alongside other products in Promasidor Nigeria’s portfolio, including Loya Milk, Onga, Top Tea, Kremela, Twisco and Miksi, the company continues to provide food and beverage products to millions of consumers across the country.

Beyond its commercial operations, Promasidor Nigeria has maintained several programmes focused on education, nutrition and youth development. Through its Ikun Milk Day initiative, the company supports schoolchildren with fresh milk sourced from the Ikun Dairy Farm to improve nutrition and learning outcomes.

For almost a decade, the company has also supported secondary school students through its career guidance initiative, Harness Your Dream, targeted at junior secondary schools nationwide.

Promasidor’s commitment to education also extends to the Cowbellpedia TV Quiz Show, recently rebranded as Mega Minds, a broader STEM-focused platform covering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The initiative offers prizes worth more than ₦100 million, including cash rewards, laptops, learning tools and product gifts designed to encourage academic excellence among Nigerian students.

Grammy Awards to air on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu in major 2027 broadcast shake-up

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:00:09 +0000

The 2027 Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, 7 February 2027, with the ceremony set to air simultaneously on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu for the first time.

The announcement was confirmed during the Disney Upfront presentation in New York City, marking a significant new broadcasting era for the music industry’s biggest awards show.

The upcoming edition will also mark the first time the Grammy Awards will air on ABC since 1972, signalling a major shift for the Recording Academy and the annual event’s global television strategy.

The eligibility period for the 2027 Grammy Awards will run from 31 August 2025 to 28 August 2026, while nominations are scheduled to be announced on Monday, 16 November 2026, ahead of the live telecast.

“The Grammys are all about celebrating the music that moves the world, and this moment is built on exactly that,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Grammys. “This is an exciting time for us as an organization—a new home and a bold new chapter for the Grammy Awards. We’re just getting started and the best is yet to come.”

The Recording Academy also released the timeline for the 2027 Grammy Awards season.

Media company registration will take place between 25 June and 14 August 2026, while the online entry period is scheduled for 7 July to 21 August 2026.

First-round voting will run from 12 October to 22 October 2026, followed by the announcement of nominees on 16 November 2026.

Final-round voting is expected to take place between 10 December 2026 and 7 January 2027 before winners are revealed during the live ceremony in Los Angeles on 7 February 2027.

M-KOPA secures fifth straight Financial Times ranking among Africa’s fastest-growing companies

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:53:13 +0000

Pan-African fintech company M-KOPA has been named on the Financial Times’ list of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies for the fifth consecutive year, making it one of only five businesses to appear on the ranking every year since its launch.

The company, which operates across five African countries, said it is approaching the milestone of 10 million customers and is currently onboarding more than 10,000 new users daily. M-KOPA recorded revenue growth of more than 65 per cent year-on-year in 2024, building on a 42 per cent compound annual growth rate between 2020 and 2023. The company said its growth has remained profitable through 2025 and into 2026.

Originally launched in Kenya, M-KOPA has expanded into a multi-market fintech business across Africa. Nigeria has emerged as the company’s fastest market to reach one million customers, while Ghana recorded the quickest transition from proof of concept to scale.

The company attributes much of its expansion to its vertically integrated business model. From its Nairobi-based assembly facility, which manufactures more than two million smartphones annually, to the financial services embedded within its devices, M-KOPA manages the full customer value chain.

Its “More than a Phone” offering integrates digital financial services such as health insurance, digital loans, mobile data and device protection into smartphone ownership, enabling customers to access broader financial solutions beyond the initial device purchase.

M-KOPA said the impact of its services continues to grow across its markets. According to the company, 42 per cent of customers are first-time smartphone owners, while 67 per cent gain access to health insurance they would otherwise be unable to afford. Findings from its 2025 Impact Survey showed that 86 per cent of customers agreed or strongly agreed that M-KOPA’s products and services had improved their standard of living.

The company noted that Africa’s rapidly growing population presents a significant long-term opportunity, with more than one billion non-salaried and economically active adults projected across the continent by 2040.

Commenting on the latest ranking, Jesse Moore, CEO and Co-founder of M-KOPA, said: “Five consecutive years on this list reflects something more than growth; it reflects a fundamentally different approach to financing progress for every day earners. We exist to make financial services accessible to the microentrepreneurs driving Africa's economy. As a company committed to supporting Africa’s economic growth, the more we close that gap, the stronger we all become.”

Beyond individual customers, M-KOPA said its operations continue to support local economies and supply chains. In 2024, the company generated more than $230 million in regional procurement spending and contributed $45 million in taxes across its markets.

JA Africa, ExxonMobil Foundation launch STEM Africa 2.0 to boost AI, STEM skills among youth

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:41:54 +0000

JA Africa and the ExxonMobil Foundation have launched the 2026 ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping young Africans with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

The programme builds on an existing partnership that has already reached more than 10,000 young people across Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Nigeria. The 2026 edition, known as STEM Africa 2.0, introduces AI-focused learning pathways and seeks to equip an additional 4,000 students aged between 14 and 17 with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing digital economy.

The initiative comes at a critical time for Africa, where the youth population continues to expand while access to STEM and digital education remains limited. By combining practical learning, mentorship from industry experts and real-world problem-solving, the programme is designed to prepare young people for opportunities in sectors including energy, sustainability and digital innovation.

Participants will take part in a structured four-phase learning experience featuring STEM and AI quizzes, zonal competitions, national innovation camps and a final continental showcase at the Africa Energy Week Conference. The programme aims to move beyond classroom learning by enabling students to develop practical solutions to real-life challenges while strengthening confidence, collaboration and critical thinking skills.

“The future of Africa will be shaped by the ideas, ingenuity, and leadership of its young people,” said Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa. “Through STEM Africa 2.0, we are not only strengthening STEM competencies but also opening pathways into artificial intelligence and innovation. This is about ensuring that young people across the continent are prepared to lead, create, and solve problems that matter, both locally and globally.”

Alvin Abraham, President of the ExxonMobil Foundation, added: “We believe that investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to drive long-term economic growth and resilience. By supporting STEM Africa 2.0, we are helping to bridge the skills gap and enabling young people to engage with emerging technologies that will define the future of work.”

Organisers said the programme’s inclusion of AI literacy in secondary school STEM education reflects the growing importance of emerging technologies in the global workforce. The initiative also aims to strengthen links between education and employability by exposing participants to career opportunities in high-growth industries and building a pipeline of future innovators across the continent.

In addition to technical training, the programme places emphasis on inclusion, with a focus on participation from underserved communities and gender balance across all activities. A monitoring and evaluation framework will also track learning outcomes, behavioural changes and long-term progression into STEM-related careers and education pathways.

Young people, educators and partners interested in participating in the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Programme can access more information through the programme’s official platforms.

BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu rises to Africa’s third-richest billionaire as Dangote retains top spot

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Sat, 09 May 2026 15:26:00 +0000

Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder and chairman of BUA Group, has emerged as the third-richest person in Africa, while Aliko Dangote has retained his position as the continent’s richest man.

South African billionaire Johann Rupert ranked second, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index report, cited by WorldStage, showed that Dangote remains Africa’s wealthiest individual, ranking 67th globally with an estimated net worth of $34.9 billion. Rabiu ranked third in Africa and 152nd globally with a net worth of $18.5 billion, while Rupert ranked 144th globally with an estimated fortune of $18.9 billion.

According to the report, the bulk of Rabiu’s wealth comes from his holdings in BUA Cement, Nigeria’s second-largest cement producer. The company’s 2025 financial report showed that Rabiu owns about 98 per cent of the business directly and through three other companies.

He also controls a 93 per cent stake in BUA Foods, described in the report as Nigeria’s second-largest pasta producer, based on the company’s 2025 financial filings.

Other businesses within the BUA Group were not included in the valuation due to insufficient publicly available information.

The report further stated that liability estimates were factored into the calculations through an assessment of acquisition costs, insider transactions, taxes, market performance and charitable contributions.

Dangote’s fortune is largely tied to his industrial holdings under the Dangote Group umbrella.

His most valuable asset remains the Dangote Oil Refinery, Africa’s largest refinery, which commenced operations in early 2024. Dangote owns a 92.3 per cent stake in the refinery project, valued at an estimated construction cost of $20 billion.

He also owns a fertiliser plant capable of producing up to 2.8 million tonnes of urea annually. The facility’s valuation was based on a net present value assessment conducted by an independent analyst, assuming a 50 per cent utilisation rate.

Several companies within the Dangote Group are listed on the Nigerian Exchange. Dangote holds an 86 per cent stake in Dangote Cement, the country’s largest cement producer, alongside interests in Dangote Sugar Refinery, NASCON Allied Industries and United Bank for Africa.

The report also noted that no other Nigerian billionaire featured among the world’s top 500 richest individuals in the latest global ranking.

Nigeria launches mining technology hub to boost local mineral processing capacity

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Sat, 09 May 2026 15:20:00 +0000

Nigeria has launched a dedicated Mining Technology and Resource Innovation UniPod at Nasarawa State University as part of its expanding national University Innovation Pod programme aimed at strengthening local mineral processing and industrial innovation.

The specialised hub will focus on mining technology, mineral processing and industrial innovation. It forms part of a broader ₦30 billion national innovation infrastructure backed by the federal government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the United Nations Development Programme.

The initiative reflects Nigeria’s growing efforts to address longstanding weaknesses in its mining sector, where the country has historically exported raw minerals rather than developing the technology and industrial systems required for local processing and value addition.

Nigeria possesses commercially viable deposits of lithium, gold, limestone, bitumen, iron ore, columbite and rare earth-associated minerals. Despite this, the mining sector contributes less than one per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product due to challenges including underinvestment, illegal mining, weak beneficiation capacity and limited technological development.

The issue has become increasingly important as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, particularly for battery production, renewable energy infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.

Analysts note that countries able to control not only extraction, but also processing, refining, manufacturing and intellectual property, are positioned to capture significantly greater economic value from the global minerals market. Nigeria appears to be positioning the Mine-Tech UniPod as part of a broader long-term industrial strategy.

Initiative aligned with mining sector reforms

The project also aligns with ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which is pursuing policies focused on formalising artisanal mining, improving local mineral processing, attracting foreign investment and developing industrial value chains linked to critical minerals.

Rather than treating mining solely as a resource extraction activity, the government is increasingly framing the sector as a driver of technology, research and industrial growth.

By establishing innovation hubs within universities, policymakers aim to promote practical research, support technology start-ups, train skilled professionals and encourage the development of new mineral processing technologies.

Industry observers believe the initiative could help bridge the longstanding gap between academic research and industrial productivity in Nigeria.

If successfully implemented, the Mine-Tech UniPod could strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in areas such as lithium beneficiation, battery materials processing, mining automation, geological data systems and sustainable resource management.

United Capital meets SEC recapitalisation deadline ahead of schedule

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Sat, 09 May 2026 15:17:00 +0000

United Capital Group has completed the recapitalisation of its Securities and Exchange Commission-regulated subsidiaries, more than 14 months ahead of the 30 June 2027 compliance deadline set by the Commission.

The Pan-African investment banking and financial services group confirmed that it had satisfied the revised minimum capital requirements introduced under SEC Circular No. 26, issued pursuant to the Investments and Securities Act 2025.

Under the revised framework, minimum capital requirements for capital market operators were significantly increased. Fund and Portfolio Managers operating at full scope are now required to maintain a minimum capital base of ₦5 billion, up from ₦150 million, while Trustees must hold ₦2 billion, compared to the previous ₦300 million threshold. Issuing Houses providing underwriting services are also required to maintain ₦7 billion in capital, up from ₦200 million.

The new framework was introduced to strengthen market resilience, improve investor protection and align capital adequacy with the growing complexity of capital market activities.

United Capital disclosed that its four SEC-regulated subsidiaries — United Capital Investment Banking, United Capital Asset Management, United Capital Trustees and United Capital Securities — had each independently met or exceeded the new capital thresholds.

The development was confirmed during the Group’s Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on 24 April 2026, where the Board stated that all compliance milestones had been achieved without external capital raising.

The recapitalisation is considered significant within Nigeria’s financial sector, where many operators are still preparing to meet the 2027 deadline. The revised thresholds represent increases of between 10 and 33 times the 2015 minimum capital requirements for several categories of operators.

Chairman of the Board, Uche Ike, said: “The early completion of this recapitalisation reflects the strength of our governance and our clear focus on building a resilient institution. This capital base positions United Capital strongly for the opportunities ahead, not only have we met regulatory requirements, but we have also enhanced our capacity to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value to our shareholders and stakeholders.”

Group Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ashade, added: “Completing our full recapitalisation well ahead of the SEC deadline is not merely a regulatory milestone; it reflects the discipline with which we run this institution. We did not wait to be compelled; we acted with foresight. Regulatory compliance is a baseline, not an afterthought. We have met and exceeded the full scope of the SEC’s guidelines because it provides the right foundation for our long-term ambitions across our Group, our clients, and the broader market. United Capital is firmly positioned to operate at the highest standards demanded by the capital market and to pursue larger, more sophisticated opportunities within Nigeria and across the regions we operate.”

In compliance with regulatory requirements, the Group said it had submitted all audited documentation confirming full compliance with the revised capital framework to the SEC.

The strengthened capital base is expected to expand the operational capacity of the Group’s subsidiaries, enabling them to pursue larger mandates, broaden product offerings and manage larger investment portfolios. United Capital Asset Management’s achievement of the Tier 1 threshold of ₦10 billion also allows it to manage collective investment schemes and alternative investment funds with net asset values exceeding ₦250 billion.

The recapitalisation comes amid strong financial performance by the Group.

At the AGM, shareholders approved a final dividend of ₦0.70 per share, bringing the total dividend for the 2025 financial year to ₦1.00 per share, equivalent to ₦18 billion. The payout represents a 25 per cent increase on the ₦14.4 billion distributed in 2024.

United Capital also reported a 35 per cent increase in revenue to ₦58.55 billion and a 17 per cent rise in profit after tax to ₦28.15 billion. The Group said its assets under management exceeded ₦2 trillion, with all seven subsidiaries recording profitability during the financial year.

With its recapitalisation completed, United Capital said it plans to deepen its product offerings, expand its institutional and retail client base and accelerate its Pan-African growth strategy in 2026.

Tegbe did not promise to fix Nigeria’s power grid in three months, spokesperson clarifies

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Sat, 09 May 2026 15:08:00 +0000

The office of the Minister-designate, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has dismissed media reports claiming he promised to fix Nigeria’s power grid within three months, describing the reports as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Adeola A. Adelabu, the clarification followed remarks made by Tegbe during his Senate screening on 6 May 2026.

According to the statement, the Minister-designate made no commitment to resolving the country’s electricity challenges within a three-month period. Rather, he explained that timelines for reforms and improvements in the power sector were still being determined through diagnostics and consultations with stakeholders.

The statement noted that while Tegbe assured lawmakers that initial efforts to stabilise the national grid would begin within his first 100 days in office, he also stressed that broader structural reforms could take about a year to implement.

These reforms, he said, would focus on improving sector credibility, addressing gas supply constraints and expanding metering infrastructure.

“My promise to this chamber and to Nigeria is that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector,” Tegbe said.

He further pledged to stabilise the national grid, modernise infrastructure, strengthen commercial frameworks and enforce accountability across the electricity value chain.

On electricity tariff reforms, Tegbe said vulnerable households would be protected while ensuring sustainability, investor confidence and improved sector efficiency.

The statement also emphasised that the Minister-designate remains open to constructive engagement with the media and welcomes requests for clarification where necessary.

According to Adelabu, the media plays an important role in nation-building, particularly in promoting accurate public understanding of the reforms expected in Nigeria’s power sector.

The spokesperson added that Tegbe remains committed to disciplined execution, transparency and measurable progress in addressing the country’s long-standing electricity challenges.

Nigeria launches CAC ReVOps platform to ease company registration, business filings

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:59:00 +0000

Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has introduced a new direct payment system, ReVOps, into its online registration portal in a move aimed at simplifying company registration and corporate filing processes.

The new system allows users to make direct payments for key business services, including company registration, annual returns, document retrieval and corporate updates, without depending solely on legacy third-party payment structures.

The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader push to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen the country’s digital government infrastructure. For years, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, legal practitioners and corporate operators have faced delays and technical difficulties when trying to formalise businesses through the CAC portal.

As the primary gateway for business registration in Nigeria, the platform has frequently been affected by payment processing delays, slow transaction confirmations, technical glitches and challenges linked to third-party integrations.

By integrating direct payment rails through ReVOps, the CAC is seeking to address one of the most persistent challenges in digital public services, efficient and seamless payment processing.

The development is particularly significant in a country where formal business registration is essential for access to banking services, regulatory compliance, investor confidence, procurement opportunities and tax integration. Inefficient payment systems have often created bottlenecks that slow down wider economic formalisation.

The move also aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise public sector technology platforms, including systems for taxation, identity verification and business registration. While the country has introduced several digital reforms in recent years, implementation challenges and outdated infrastructure have often limited their effectiveness.

Although Remita has historically played a major role in government payment processing, concerns over flexibility, user experience, and the pace of innovation have highlighted the need for more adaptable alternatives.

With the introduction of ReVOps, the CAC appears to be pursuing tighter operational control, faster transaction verification and a smoother user experience aimed at reducing the number of users who abandon the registration process midway.

The rollout is expected to improve efficiency for businesses seeking to register and manage corporate filings while supporting Nigeria’s wider ambition to deepen formal economic participation through digital transformation.

BT Group named telecommunications partner for UEFA Euro 2028

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:57:00 +0000

BT Group has been confirmed as an official telecommunications partner for UEFA Euro 2028, strengthening the UK telecoms giant’s role in one of Europe’s biggest football tournaments.

The agreement will see the London-based company support the 24-team men’s championship, which is scheduled to take place across nine stadiums in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland from 9 June to 9 July 2028.

BT Group will activate the partnership through its BT, EE and Plusnet brands. EE is already linked to Wembley Stadium in London, which is set to host the tournament’s semi-finals and final.

Under the agreement, BT Group, which co-owns TNT Sports in the UK and Ireland, will provide connectivity services across all Euro 2028 venues, team base camps and the tournament’s International Broadcast Centre.

The company said it would be responsible for “delivering the critical infrastructure required to support operations, broadcast activity, and fan experiences throughout the competition.”

BT will also present UEFA’s national team flag carrier programme during the tournament, alongside receiving commercial rights covering brand visibility and fan engagement opportunities across the UK and Ireland.

Allison Kirkby, chief executive of BT Group, said: “UEFA Euro 2028 is a perfect example of what BT enables. It will be an event of national significance that will connect the UK and a global community of fans, leveraging the unique strength of BT’s networks and technologies to deliver brilliant experiences for fans, customers, and the country.”

The company said its ambition is to help make Euro 2028 “the most connected tournament yet”.

Guy Laurent-Epstein, UEFA’s director of marketing, added: “By combining BT’s world-class network and technical expertise with UEFA’s ambition for innovation, we share a clear commitment to enhancing the fan experience in stadia and for viewers worldwide, delivering seamless connectivity and memorable moments throughout the summer of 2028.”

The announcement comes amid increased commercial activity around Euro 2028. In March, UEFA extended its partnership with Beyond Hospitality, which will oversee hospitality experiences across all nine tournament venues in the UK and Ireland.

The tournament’s growing list of sponsors also includes major global brands such as Adidas, Atos, Carlsberg, Coca-Cola, Lidl and Visit Qatar.

Shell posts $6.9bn Q1 2026 earnings amid global energy market volatility

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:51:00 +0000

Shell has reported adjusted earnings of $6.9 billion for the first quarter of 2026, citing strong operational performance across its global portfolio despite heightened volatility in commodity markets.

The energy giant disclosed on Thursday that cash flow from operations, excluding working capital, stood at $17.2 billion during the quarter. However, the company recorded a working capital outflow of $11.2 billion in Q1 2026, which it attributed to unprecedented fluctuations in global commodity prices.

Shell said strong operational performance across its businesses helped drive higher contributions from trading and optimisation activities.

The company maintained its 2026 cash capital expenditure outlook at between $24 billion and $26 billion, including approximately $4 billion linked to the acquisition of ARC Resources. Its capital expenditure outlook for 2027 and 2028 remains unchanged at between $20 billion and $22 billion.

Shell also stated that the ARC Resources acquisition is expected to add 370,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, supporting a projected 4 per cent compound annual growth rate in production through to 2030 from 2025 levels.

The company reported a gearing level of 23 per cent, including leases, noting that the resilient balance sheet mainly reflected increased working capital in the current pricing environment.

As part of its shareholder returns strategy, Shell announced the commencement of a $3 billion share buyback programme over the next three months alongside a 5 per cent increase in its dividend to $0.3906 per share.

The company added that its second-quarter 2026 volume outlook reflects the anticipated impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Chief Executive Officer, Wael Sawan said, “Shell delivered strong results enabled by our relentless focus on operational performance in a quarter marked by unprecedented disruption in global energy markets.

“The safety of our people remains our priority as we work closely with governments and customers to address their energy needs.

“Last week we announced the acquisition of ARC Resources, accelerating our strategy by adding complementary, highquality, low-cost liquids and gas assets that we believe will deliver value for decades to come.

“Today, consistent with our value driven capital allocation philosophy, we are rebalancing our shareholder distributions, with a $3 billion share buyback programme for the next 3 months and a 5% increase in the dividend, in line with our existing 40-50% of CFFO distribution policy.”

WARC report highlights AI-driven shift in marketing measurement for 2026

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:39:00 +0000

WARC has released The Future of Measurement 2026, a new report examining the emerging trends reshaping media and creative measurement as marketers increasingly turn to artificial intelligence and outcome-based strategies to improve decision-making.

The report focuses on three major developments expected to define the marketing measurement landscape over the next 12 months: the growing shift towards outcomes measurement, the expanding role of AI in measurement processes, and the rise of creative intelligence.

Paul Stringer, Managing Editor Research and Insights at WARC, said marketing measurement is rapidly evolving beyond traditional reporting models.

“Marketing measurement is no longer just about understanding what happened, but enabling better decisions about what to do next. Traditional approaches – based on attribution, proxy metrics, and post-hoc reporting – are becoming less relevant. Rapid advances in AI are enabling a more dynamic, continuous optimisation of both media and creative. However, the foundational challenges of transparency, governance, and data quality need to be addressed.

“This report explores the key trends shaping this new era of marketing measurement highlighting the fundamental questions and decisions that marketers need to act on.”

According to the report, outcomes measurement is gathering momentum as media buying increasingly centres on measurable business results, driven by growing access to data, digital advertising platforms and increasing pressure to demonstrate return on investment.

WARC noted that digital platforms are embedding real-time outcome-based optimisation into advertising systems, while traditional media channels continue transitioning from audience-based measurement models to approaches that demonstrate impact through experiments and advanced modelling.

The report described this as a “two-speed measurement landscape” converging around the shared objective of incremental business growth.

Despite these advances, WARC warned that marketers continue to face challenges linked to fragmented measurement systems and concerns around transparency and trust, particularly within digital advertising ecosystems. The report advised brands to adopt independent validation methods and cross-platform measurement strategies combining multiple data sources.

Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role in automating data collection, cleaning and normalisation processes, significantly increasing the speed and frequency of testing and modelling for advertisers.

WARC stated that AI has the potential to transform marketing measurement from a reporting function into a “decision system” capable of supporting real-time planning and optimisation.

However, the report cautioned against overreliance on AI-driven systems without independent oversight.

“Without rigorous, independent validation, AI-driven measurement risks becoming a black box for budget allocation, producing outputs that may appear credible but are not transparent or reliably grounded in true causal signals,” the report stated.

The report also highlighted the emergence of creative intelligence, with brands increasingly using AI and machine learning tools to evaluate and optimise creative assets at scale.

According to WARC, marketers are now developing systems that can forecast the likely performance of creative assets before launch, optimise campaigns in real time, and assess the commercial impact of creative work more accurately.

The report noted, however, that challenges around data quality, resources and organisational integration remain barriers to adoption. It advised marketers to align creative and media functions more closely and invest in platforms that support end-to-end creative activation, optimisation and measurement.

WARC added that many organisations are expected to begin testing creative intelligence capabilities through social media channels, where performance and creative data are more accessible and easier to analyse.

The report forms part of WARC Strategy’s Evolution of Marketing series, which examines the future of the marketing industry through research, emerging trends and technological developments.

Meta expands AI age verification measures to improve teen safety across its platforms

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:33:00 +0000

Meta has unveiled new AI-powered age assurance measures aimed at strengthening online safety for teenagers across Instagram, Facebook and Messenger, as the technology company increases efforts to create more age-appropriate digital experiences for young users.

The announcement, made on 5 May 2026, forms part of Meta’s broader strategy to improve underage account detection, expand teen protections and provide parents with more tools to manage their children’s online activity.

Meta strengthens AI systems to identify underage users

Meta said users must be at least 13 years old to access its platforms and confirmed that it is investing further in artificial intelligence technologies to enforce the policy more effectively at scale.

Among the latest measures is the expansion of contextual AI systems that analyse posts, comments, biographies and captions for indicators linked to school environments or age-related milestones. According to the company, the technology is being rolled out across more areas within its apps to improve proactive enforcement.

The company is also introducing advanced visual analysis technology capable of interpreting broad age-related cues in photos and videos. Meta stressed that the system does not use facial recognition or identify individuals, but instead estimates general age ranges when combined with behavioural and text-based signals.

Accounts suspected of belonging to underage users may now face stricter age verification checks. Meta said accounts could be removed where age cannot be confirmed.

The company has also updated its reporting tools, allowing users to report suspected underage accounts more easily through in-app systems and its Help Centre. Human moderation teams are now being supported by AI review systems designed to improve consistency and speed in handling reports.

Meta added that it is strengthening safeguards against repeated attempts to bypass age restrictions through the creation of new accounts.

While many of the AI systems are already operational globally, the company said some advanced capabilities would continue to roll out gradually in additional markets.

Expanded Teen Account protections across Instagram, Facebook and Messenger

Meta said it is continuing to expand its Teen Account framework, which automatically places users under the age of 18 into age-appropriate experiences designed to reduce exposure to harmful or sensitive content.

The protections, already active for hundreds of millions of teenage users, include default content settings intended to limit inappropriate material and unwanted interactions.

Building on this, Meta said it is scaling technology that can proactively identify users who may actually be teenagers, even if they entered an adult date of birth during registration. Those accounts may then be automatically moved into protected settings.

Meta introduces more parental support tools

The technology company also announced new guidance and notifications aimed at helping parents understand how to verify their teenager’s age online and encourage conversations around digital safety and honest age disclosure.

The tools complement existing resources within Meta’s Family Center, which provides educational materials and parental controls to help families manage online experiences more effectively.

Meta said users attempting to alter their age information in ways that bypass protections would continue to face age verification checks through identification documents and facial age estimation tools.

Meta calls for industry-wide age verification standards

Meta maintained that age assurance remains a wider industry challenge requiring cooperation across technology platforms.

The company reiterated support for age verification systems managed at operating system or app store level, arguing that such an approach would provide more consistent protections and stronger privacy standards than requiring individual apps to develop separate systems.

In addition to AI detection systems, Meta said it also uses user activity patterns and reports from other users to help identify accounts that may be misrepresenting age.

Emirates reports record $6.6bn profit to remain world’s most profitable airline

noreply@blogger.com (BrandArena) — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:02:00 +0000

The Emirates Group has posted record financial results for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with Emirates retaining its position as the world’s most profitable airline despite significant disruption to regional air traffic towards the end of the reporting period.

The Group announced a record pre-tax profit of AED24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), representing a 7 per cent increase year-on-year. Revenue also climbed to a record AED150.5 billion (US$41 billion), while cash assets reached AED59.6 billion (US$16.2 billion).

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, said the results highlighted the resilience of the business amid global challenges.

“These outstanding results, despite significant challenges in the last month of our financial year, reaffirm the strength and resilience of the Emirates Group’s business model, which is rooted in safety, excellence, innovation, people and partnerships.

“For the first 11 months of 2025-26, the picture across the Group was very positive. Strong demand for our products and services was driving revenue, and we were achieving healthy margins thanks to our sustained investments in product, people, technology and brand. Month after month, we were surpassing our targets.

“On 28 February, military activity massively disrupted global commercial air traffic in the Gulf region, including in the UAE. Emirates and dnata quickly mobilised to support our people and affected customers, protect our assets, and ensure business continuity.”

He added: “The Emirates Group has navigated crises and disruptions before. Each time, we placed our focus on our customers and our people, and each time, we have bounced back stronger.

“Our people are a big part of our success, enabling us to respond with agility in a dynamic operating environment. I’d like to thank all our employees – they have truly exemplified the qualities that set the Emirates Group apart during testing times.”

During the financial year, the Group invested AED17.9 billion (US$4.9 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment and technology to support expansion plans.

Its global workforce grew by 8 per cent to 130,919 employees as Emirates and dnata expanded recruitment efforts worldwide. The Group’s UAE national workforce also surpassed 4,000 employees, reflecting the company’s drive to attract and retain local talent.

Addressing market stability and future growth, Sheikh Ahmed said: “From a fuel perspective, Emirates is well-hedged until 2028-29; and we have worked with our suppliers to secure the volumes required to support our current operations and our scaling up to pre-disruption levels. At dnata and across the Group, our business streams, scale, portfolio mix, and years of investments give us the resilience and agility to address any near-term challenges.

“Our fundamentals are strong. The Emirates Group’s proven business model is unchanged. Dubai’s place at the nexus of global commerce, trade and travel flows is unchanged. Our ambition to be the best in the world, and to be of service to the world, is unchanged.”

Emirates’ global network expanded to 152 cities across 80 countries during the year. The airline also strengthened its connectivity through 32 codeshare agreements and 117 interline partnerships, providing customers access to more than 1,700 destinations beyond its direct network.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced additional fleet investments worth US$41.4 billion at list prices, including orders for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft and eight Airbus A350-900s. As of 31 March, Emirates’ order book stood at 367 aircraft scheduled for delivery through to 2038.

The airline carried 53.2 million passengers during the year, down 1 per cent compared with the previous year, while seat capacity also declined by 1 per cent. Passenger seat factor stood at 78.4 per cent, slightly lower than the 78.9 per cent recorded previously. Passenger yield rose by 4 per cent to 38.1 fils (10.4 US cents) per Revenue Passenger Kilometre.

Emirates also expanded its accessibility initiatives, launching a new Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub to support travellers with varying accessibility needs. The airline introduced sensory products and fidget toys onboard for children and adults, while also organising travel rehearsal programmes at airports worldwide to assist children with autism and their families.

Emirates SkyCargo recorded growth during the year, transporting 2.4 million tonnes of cargo globally, an increase of 3 per cent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, dnata reported a 12 per cent increase in revenue to AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion), driven by rising global flight and travel activity, particularly across Australia, Europe, the UAE, the UK and the US.

The Emirates Airline Foundation also continued its humanitarian work, supporting 13 projects globally focused on education, shelter, food and healthcare for disadvantaged children, while providing more than 500 flight tickets for medical missions.