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Time magazine has selected 'Africa, business destination' as one of the 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now , a collection of ideas in response to the changing global economy. Would not you rather consider Delta state in Nigeria for Business? With its highly literate population, a proposed world class Information Technology/business park, a free trade zone, cargo airport and relative peace in the region, Delta state is worth your consideration if you are thinking of doing business in Nigeria. Yes, Delta means BUSINESS! . From the left are Senator Patrick Osakwe, Hon. Azuka Osakwe and wife, Pharm. Chinyere Osakwe at a reception in honour of the Honorable Commissioner,Delta State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Azuka Osakwe. To reach the 'big heart' as Delta is fondly called, email Ndudi Osakwe on ibgnigeria@gmail.com .

Lighting up the streets of a mega city such as Lagos is a welcome development. The benefits are many: a. Perceived safety and security of residents and visitors. b. Reduces crime by improving visibility. c. Boosts surveillance efforts by the law enforcement agencies. d. Increases street usage especially by women and the elderly, extend commercial activities into the night and boost travel and tours e. Strengthens community cohesiveness, especially in residential estates, informal social control and signals community investment by the Government f. Improves aesthetics and night beautification of streets and in estates g. Increases outdoor sporting activities such as walk and strolling leading to general improved well-being of the people in the community/location Adopting solar lighting is good thinking! The use of solar street lights reduce the burden on grid transmissions. Nigeria, with a population of over 140 million people scattered over a land mass of about one million square kilo...

It was five years ago that Dr Albrecht Zimburg arrived Lagos, Nigeria as the Commercial Counsellor of the Austrian Embassy and charged with the Herculean responsibility of overseeing the commercial concerns of Austria in several parts of Africa, with Lagos, Nigeria as the outpost. If we go by the number of persons that turned up at the send forth party and the reactions received from the invitees, it would be safe to conclude that Dr Zimburg came, saw and conquered.It is incumbent to note that during his tenure in office as the Commercial Counsellor, Austria-Nigeria trade volume rose astronomically. He would be missed by many Nigerian business people such as Dr Olu Adeleye of Daid Group of Companies, Engineer Olu Okunriboyo and Najim Atallah of Arbitech Nigeria Limited amongst others that saw him as their mouthpiece to reach their prospective business partners in Austria. The business community present at the reception/send forth party was taken by the enthusiasm of the new Commercial ...

By the time you finished reading this piece, your attitude to doing business in Nigeria would have changed except if you have the mindset of the Egyptian Pharaoh. We have culled this interview by Trade Invest with Prakash Pantham, a director in Persianas, owners of the Palms Mall to buttress our point that Nigeria remains an investment destination for investors with 'balls'. Are you? Then look no further! Read the excerpts below. For the detailed interview, visit http://www.tradeinvestnigeria.com/feature_articles/158330.htm Why do you think has The Palms shopping mall been so successful? First of all, the absence of any modern shopping malls in Nigeria has led to a great demand for such a development. Secondly, and most importantly, we have managed to maintain the international standards of operations and maintenance at The Palms consistently through the years, providing the retailers an opportunity to invest and grow their businesses over a longer period of time. We have been ...

Small World is an annual event usually held in February by the Expatriate and Foreign Residents Community in Nigeria to raise funds for charity organizations supported by the various nationalities. Hundreds of thousands of US Dollars are raised at the event from gate takings, corporate and embassies sponsorship. This is possible because they feel welcomed in Nigeria and have the urge to give back to the country many of them now call their home. Food, drinks and culture of the various nations are shared amongst the more than five thousand guests invited to grace the occasion. It is a high profile event looked forward to by all Expats and Foreign Residents in the country especially Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria. It is hoped that through this community from well over 80 countries worldwide, foreign direct investment and good will would flow into Nigeria. Moreover, overseas companies can take advantage of the reservoir of their very educated and highly skilled natives married to Nig...

For many foreign businesses, entering the West African market equates to uncertainty. Plagued with corruption, weak political institutions, economic instability, and a whole host of other concerns that are singled out in the media, West Africa has it share of problems. Nonetheless, with problems, comes opportunities to expand the economic market , and the California-based Bluefield Associates Inc (the proud manufacturer of Clear Essence Skin Care), is using this opportunity to provide much needed holistic, wellness, and relaxation services to the residents of Lagos, Nigeria. According to Ms. Maisha Scott, the Vice President for Africa for Bluefield Associates, Inc- one of the partnering companies behind the spa project - Nigeria has the largest population of any African country and is growing; as soon as you walk the streets of Lagos, its commercial capital, you feel the effects of this trend. In addition to the residents, Lagos serves as home for many diplomats, expatriates, telecommu...

The US Chamber of Commerce mission of the Africa Business Initiative is to engage the U.S. business community on policies that foster foreign direct investment in Africa, to facilitate trade between the United States and African countries, and to expose the U.S. business community to the continent’s vast economic opportunities. In partnership with Baird’s CMC, an inside-the-boardroom survey of attitudes toward corporate investment in Africa among leading U.S. corporations was conducted. An excerpt of the executive summary has been presented here for your information, while you may access www.uschamber.com/international/mideast for details. • U.S. executives point out that Africa is only one of many possible destinations that American corporations consider for investment. Investment is highly competitive, and many countries are vying to become the destination of choice for capital. That said, U.S. companies in some sectors, particularly technology, now regard Africa as the last front...