Finance
Nigeria’s GDP growth slows in Q2, Dollar slips


Lukman Otunuga, Research Analyst at FXTM, comments on Nigeria’s GDP growth slows in Q2, Dollar slips
Confidence over the health of the largest economy in Africa was dealt a blow after economic growth decelerated in the second quarter of 2018.
Nigeria’s GDP disappointed in Q2 by slowing to 1.5% from the 1.95% achieved in the first quarter of 2018.
Although growth during the second quarter was mainly driven by the services sector and higher than when compared to Q2 of 2017, this did little to shake off jitters over the growth outlook.
With uncertainty likely to heighten ahead of Nigeria’s presidential elections, and US-China trade tensions still impacting global sentiment, Nigeria remains exposed to downside risks.
If inflation starts to rebound amid election spending, the Central Bank of Nigeria could be forced to maintain status quo on interest rates for the rest of this quarter.
Market sentiment boosted by Nafta breakthrough
A renewed sense of positivity and optimism continues to be felt across financial markets after the United States and Mexico reached a breakthrough deal over the NAFTA trade agreement.
This highly encouraging development may ease trade war fears, elevate global sentiment and stimulate appetite for riskier assets.
Although it remains uncertain whether Canada will join the agreement, there is an expectation that the nation agrees to the new terms in an effort to conserve the three-nation pact.
Speaking of risk, Asian stocks closed mostly positive this morning while European markets edged higher as optimism over a trade deal between the US and Mexico boosted investor confidence.
With Wall Street powering to record highs yesterday, US equity bulls could make another appearance this afternoon amid the risk-on sentiment.
Is the party coming to an end for Dollar bulls?
Dollar bulls were missing in action yet again today as investors digested Jerome Powell’s dovish speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium last Friday.
The Greenback’s continued depreciation in recent weeks has raised questions on whether the impressive bull run could be coming to an end. Buying sentiment towards the Dollar was dealt the first blow following Donald Trump’s latest criticism of the Federal Reserve.
Bears were offered another opportunity to attack after the minutes from August’s Fed policy meeting raised concerns over escalating trade tensions negatively impacting growth. With reports of the United States and Mexico securing a trade deal dimming the Dollar’s safe-haven appeal, further losses could be witnessed in the near term.
Although market expectations remain elevated over the Federal Reserve raising interest rates next month and possibly December, the Dollar may need fresh inspiration to rebound higher.
As regards the technical picture on the daily charts, the Dollar Index has been relentlessly pounded by sellers in recent weeks with prices trading around 96.65 as of writing. A solid breakdown below the 96.50 level could encourage a decline towards 94.20 and 94.00, respectively.
Commodity spotlight – Gold
Gold prices edged to a fresh two week high on Tuesday thanks mostly to a depreciating US Dollar.
The fact that the yellow metal continues to appreciate despite global risk sentiment boosted by the US-Mexico trade breakthrough just further highlights how Gold remains heavily influenced by the Dollar.
With the Greenback likely to experience further weakness following Powell’s dovish speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium, Gold has scope to appreciate further.
Technical traders will continue to closely observe how prices behave above the $1200 psychological level. Repeated Dollar weakness could send prices towards $1216 and $1230, respectively.
For bears to jump back into the game, prices need to break back below the $1200 level.
Finance
Flutterwave Powers Local Businesses in Ghana Through Pay With Bank Transfer
Reporter: Ikenna Ugwu


Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company in Africa, has broadened its reach in Ghana through the integration of Pay With Bank Transfer, done in partnership with Affinity Bank.
With over 115 million bank transfer payments recorded in Ghana in 2023, this move will ensure that Flutterwave businesses in Ghana can now receive payments seamlessly and securely through a rapidly growing payment method. While Mobile Money leads as the preferred payment type for everyday transactions in Ghana, the recent growth in transactions for Pay With Bank Transfer symbolizes the expanding payment options available for Ghanaian businesses.
Flutterwave has a track record of driving innovation in the African finance ecosystem, and this new development promises versatility, thereby expanding the pool of customers available to businesses. As a preferred payment method, it also promises faster payments while providing access to a more secure process of transacting which benefits both the sender and the receiver (business).
“We are excited to extend our services to the Ghanaian market” says Olugbenga Agboola, Flutterwave Founder & CEO“At Flutterwave, we are driven by the vision of building Africa’s economy. By making payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer available for everyday use, we are expanding access to payments and enabling local businesses to thrive in the economy”
By establishing this strategic partnership, Flutterwave aims to drive the adoption of the Pay With Bank Transfer option in Ghana, using virtual accounts to allow for secure and transparent payments. This will provide enterprises and small businesses with a simpler way to receive payments and give their customers a seamless process of making payments.
Geoffrey Fiador, Manager, Country Operations and Partnerships, at Flutterwave stated: “By delivering essential payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer for businesses in Ghana, we’re providing an easy way for them to increase their revenue opportunities to grow their businesses. ”
This announcement comes at the heels of Flutterwave’s recent approval by the Bank of Ghana to provide inward remittance services. With a track record of success across Africa, Flutterwave continues to be a trusted partner for businesses in over 34 countries, providing the tools and expertise necessary for success in the dynamic African market.
Finance
Stanbic IBTC Capital leads Presco PLC’s ₦82.9 Billion Bond Issuance to drive West African market growth
Reporter: SANDRA ANI


Presco PLC (Presco or the “Company”), has achieved a significant milestone with the successful issuance of its ₦82,896,000,000 7-year 23.75% senior unsecured fixed rate Series I Bonds under its ₦150 billion bond issuance programme (the “Transaction”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited (“Stanbic IBTC Capital”) acted as the Lead Issuing House on the Programme.
The proceeds from the Transaction will enable the Company fund its acquisition of a 100% equity stake in Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC), further supporting its strategic expansion objectives.
Speaking on the transaction registration, Mr Reji George, Managing Director / CEO, Presco PLC commented:
“The successful completion of our Series 1 Bond issuance solidifies Presco’s foundation for continued growth and expansion. Aligned with our strategic objectives of increasing our planted area of palm oil and, to lead Africa in the fully integrated edible oil and fats business in the nearest future, the proceeds from this issuance will be primarily directed towards the acquisition of a majority equity stake in the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC).
This not only enhances our operational efficiencies, It also solidifies our market presence and competitive advantage in the palm oil sector beyond Nigeria. Most importantly, this will enable us to better serve our valued customers and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders. We extend our sincere gratitude to Stanbic IBTC Capital and all our advisors for their support throughout this process.”
Also speaking on the transaction registration, Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, said:
“Stanbic IBTC Capital is proud to have advised Presco PLC on the successful issuance of its ₦82.9 billion Series 1 bond. As the largest local currency corporate bond issuance in the Nigerian market in recent years, this milestone underscores our deep expertise in capital markets and our commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact financial solutions.
Beyond reinforcing Presco’s strategic growth, this transaction enhances funding diversification within the agricultural sector, driving sustainable industry expansion. We appreciate Presco PLC’s trust in Stanbic IBTC Capital and the consortium of advisors who contributed to the successful execution of this landmark deal.
Finance
Flutterwave Activates American Express Payments for its Merchants in Nigeria


Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has announced today that its online merchants in Nigeria can now accept American Express payments.
American Express Card Members – with consumer, business, or corporate cards – will be able to make payments directly to e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave in Nigeria.
This service will also be available to Flutterwave merchants in other countries including Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Uganda in the near future.
This collaboration facilitates online transactions and offers a range of benefits for both merchants and online shoppers:
- Flutterwave merchants can attract business from a new customer base of American Express Card Members in Africa and around the world. This includes consumers with personal cards and spenders with business or corporate products. Terms and conditions apply.
- For shoppers, there is more choice when it comes to being able to select their preferred method of payment when transacting with Flutterwave merchants. This collaboration strengthens the American Express global network and increases the number of locations across Africa that can be used by American Express Card Members to purchase a range of different goods and services.
Speaking on the development, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave, said:“At Flutterwave, we’re always looking for ways to connect the world to Africa through payments. This is one of our initiatives to ensure that more people across the world can pay using Flutterwave in Africa. We understand the value of providing shoppers with payment methods that work for them, as well as helping businesses to expand their customer bases. This collaboration also provides more options of where to shop and what to buy to American Express card holders across the globe. By offering American Express as a method of payment, Flutterwave will make the payment process faster and simpler for American Express card holders, and improve the experience for e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave, helping them to start locally and sell globally.”
On his part, Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, said: “American Express continues to expand in Africa to enable greater payment choice for businesses and consumers. Through the agreement with Flutterwave, a trusted payment provider, we are giving e-commerce merchants in Nigeria the opportunity to reach American Express Card Members around the world. The collaboration is a win-win because it also increases the number of places where our Card Members can use their Cards in Nigeria.”
Flutterwave and American Express share similar visions; to enable businesses across the world to expand their operations in Africa and other emerging markets through a platform that enables local and cross-border transactions via one Application Programming Interface (API).
Flutterwave has processed over 630M transactions in excess of USD $31B, serves global and African customers like Uber, Air Peace, Bamboo, PiggyVest, and across various industries. On the other hand, American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.
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