Connect with us

Business

BREAKING: WTO DG Race – South Korean Candidate Withdraws

Published

on

South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee on Friday abandoned her bid to become head of the World Trade Organization, Seoul said, clearing the way for Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to become the global body’s first woman and first African director-general.

Yoo had consulted with the United States — her prime backer — and other major countries and “decided to renounce her candidacy”, South Korea’s trade ministry said in a statement.

The process to name a successor to Roberto Azevedo had been deadlocked since October when key WTO ambassadors tapped Okonjo-Iweala as the best pick to lead the organisation but the Trump administration maintained its opposition to her appointment.

The WTO head is normally chosen by consensus, leaving the process at a standstill.

Observers suggested that South Korea was under pressure from the United States — a security ally that stations 28,500 troops in the country to defend it from the nuclear-armed North — to keep Yoo in the race.

At the same time, Seoul faced anger from African countries and others for not bowing out.

“Korea is stuck between a rock and a hard place,” one Western trade diplomat told AFP at the time.

The South’s decision to withdraw her candidacy comes two weeks after Joe Biden was sworn in as the new US president.

“South Korea will continue to make various contributions to rebuild and enhance the multilateral trade system,” the trade ministry statement said.

The WTO is widely seen as being in need of reform — even before the Covid-19 crisis hit, it had grappled with stalled trade talks and struggled to curb tensions between the United States and China.

The global trade body has also faced relentless attacks from Washington, which has crippled the WTO dispute settlement appeal system and threatened to leave the organisation altogether.

– Final two –

The WTO was destined to have its first woman director-general after the months-long consultations process whittled the candidates down to the final two.

Twice Nigeria’s finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, 66, trained as a development economist — she has degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard.

She spent a quarter of a century at the World Bank, rising to be managing director and running for the top role in 2012, and is seen as a trailblazer in her home country.

Similarly, Yoo, 53, is known as a glass-ceiling-breaker in the South’s still male-dominated society.

An English literature graduate of the elite Seoul National University, she set aside her dreams of a literary career to become a trade ministry civil servant, later handling a number of free trade negotiations along the way.

AFP

Continue Reading

Business

Kingsley Adonu’s Journey: A Tale of Hard Work and Dedication in the Telecom Industry

Published

on

In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, success is often attributed to those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and hard work. Kingsley Adonu’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to these qualities, paving the way for him to become a valuable partner with MTN, a leading global telecommunications company.

Adonu’s story begins with a humble background, where he cultivated a strong work ethic from an early age. His relentless pursuit of excellence caught the attention of industry leaders, setting the stage for a career marked by determination and resilience.

One of the key factors that propelled Adonu to success was his unwavering commitment to learning and staying ahead of industry trends. He immersed himself in the dynamic world of telecommunications, acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape. Adonu’s continuous pursuit of knowledge not only enhanced his expertise but also positioned him as a visionary in the field.

As he climbed the career ladder, Adonu faced numerous challenges, but his tenacity and commitment to overcoming obstacles set him apart. His ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities made him a standout professional in the telecom sector.

Adonu’s pivotal moment came when he aligned his efforts with MTN, a global telecom giant known for innovation and cutting-edge technology. Recognizing Adonu’s track record of hard work and dedication, MTN saw a valuable partner in him. The partnership marked a significant milestone in Adonu’s career, opening doors to new possibilities and avenues for growth.

The success of Adonu’s collaboration with MTN can be attributed to his strategic vision and innovative thinking. As a partner, he played a crucial role in steering the company toward continued success, contributing to its expansion and influence in the telecommunications market.

Kingsley Adonu’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals in the telecom industry. His story underscores the importance of hard work, dedication, and a passion for continuous improvement. Adonu’s ascent to becoming an MTN partner is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the dynamic world of telecommunications.

Continue Reading

Business

Meet Kingsley Adonu

Published

on

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, there are visionaries who not only navigate the business landscape but redefine it. Meet Kingsley Adonu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the SMobile Group, a conglomerate that stands as a beacon of excellence and diversity in the global business arena.

Kingsley Adonu is a visionary entrepreneur and the Founder of the SMobile Group, a conglomerate synonymous with excellence and diversity. As the Chief Executive Officer, he has steered the group to remarkable heights, overseeing a spectrum of businesses that span across Telecommunications, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Hospitality, Water Production, Agriculture, Technology, E-commerce, Energy, Sports, Entertainment, Education, Health, Logistics and Financial Services, with branches extending globally to UK, USA, China, South Africa, and Canada.

Under Kingsley’s astute leadership, SMobile Group has emerged as a major partner for MTN, evident in the impactful presence of the SMobile brand in the telecommunications landscape. His strategic insights and forward-thinking approach have positioned the group as a dynamic player in multiple industries.

Beyond the boardroom, Kingsley Adonu is a dedicated philanthropist, committed to making a positive impact in communities. His philanthropic efforts extend beyond business, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the responsibility of successful individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

Kingsley’s influence is not confined to national borders; he has actively participated in numerous international telecom conferences, further enriching his understanding of global industry trends and fostering valuable connections with industry leaders worldwide.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Kingsley Adonu continues to inspire and lead the SMobile Group towards new horizons, blending business acumen with a passion for positive societal change.

Continue Reading

Business

MyShopLauncher (MSL) Launches to Empower African SMEs with Revolutionary E-Commerce Platform, Unparalleled Support

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

Published

on

MyShopLauncher
MyShopLauncher team at the launch of the eCommerce platform for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

Today marks a significant milestone as MyShopLauncher proudly announces its official launch, bringing forth a groundbreaking e-commerce platform designed to redefine the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa. 

According to statista, the revenue in the E-commerce market in Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2028 by in total 15 billion U.S. dollars (+48.88 percent).  

After the sixth consecutive increasing year, the indicator is estimated to reach 45.72 billion U.S. dollars and therefore a new peak in 2028. 

MyShopLauncher
L-r: Akintunde Opawole, head of Product; Tochukwu Udunwa, Product Marketing Manager, and Susan Agbor, Head of Marketing, all from MyShopLauncher, during the launch of eCommerce platform for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

A Vision Fueled by Empathy 

Founded two years ago, MSL’s inception was rooted in the recognition of the struggles faced by African merchants managing their businesses manually.  

The MSL team embarked on a journey that involved extensive conversations with entrepreneurs, surveys, and rigorous testing of theories.  

This painstaking process led to the development of a product that not only offers a no-code e-commerce storefront free of charge but also reflects a genuine commitment to the welfare and growth of SMEs. 

More Than a Platform: A Caring Community 

At the heart of MSL’s mission is a desire to forge connections that extend beyond business transactions. Beyond providing no-cost storefronts, MSL is dedicated to creating real bonds with business owners, offering support, guidance, and the tools needed for success.  

This commitment goes beyond the conventional, embodying a genuine care and concern for the thriving of SMEs in Africa. 

MSL’s Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) – A Platform with Heart: 

  • No-Cost Storefront: MSL offers a no-code e-commerce storefront, empowering merchants without any upfront charges. 
  • Customer Centricity: Beyond transactions, MSL is driven by a deep commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each business owner. 
  • Educational Support: MSL provides free access to educational resources and coaching to accelerate the growth and development of SMEs. 
  • Real Connections: MSL fosters genuine connections, creating a community where business owners are not just clients but valued partners on the path to success. 

In an era where commerce often feels transactional, MSL stands apart as a platform with heart, a platform driven by the vision to uplift, empower, and support African SMEs. As we launch, we invite entrepreneurs to experience not just a product but a community—a community that cares deeply about their success. 

“At MSL, we believe that the success of SMEs is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships, understanding aspirations, and providing unwavering support. Our platform is not just a tool; it’s an extension of our commitment to the dreams and growth of African business owners.” — Akintunde Opawole , Head of Product of MyShopLauncher. 

Continue Reading

Trending