Business
Dangote to invest $1bn in Zimbabwe’s cement, energy, pipeline projects
Dangote to invest $1bn in Zimbabwe’s cement, energy, pipeline projects
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has sealed a landmark deal to invest over $1 billion in Zimbabwe’s cement, energy and petroleum sectors.
The billionaire businessman and Chairman of Dangote Group confirmed the development after meeting with Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in Harare on Wednesday.
“We have just signed an agreement between Zimbabwe and the Dangote Group to make major investments in several areas, including cement production, power generation, and pipelines to transport petroleum products,” Dangote said.
According to him, the total investment will exceed $1 billion, largely due to the inclusion of a fuel pipeline project.
He also hinted at other potential ventures the Group is considering in the country.
Dangote commended President Mnangagwa’s efforts to revive the Zimbabwean economy, describing his leadership as transparent and business-friendly.
“When you look at what His Excellency has done to turn the economy around, it gives investors like us the confidence that this is the right time to come in,” he said.
“It’s like someone who has passed an exam — His Excellency has truly earned high marks.”
Auto
The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury
The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury
Forget everything you thought you knew about “sensible” hybrids. The Jetour G700 has arrived—and it didn’t just enter the room; it kicked the door down, waded through a river, and parked itself on the throne of the premium SUV world.
If a luxury penthouse and a monster truck had a high-tech love child, this would be it.
Design: The Art of Intimidation
At first glance, the G700 stands as a monolith of modern engineering. Measuring nearly 5.2 meters in length, its silhouette defines what can only be described as “Boxy Chic.”
With a towering stance, matrix LED headlights, and a grille bold enough to swallow a lesser hatchback whole, the G700 commands respect even before the key fob is pressed.
It doesn’t just have road presence—it has its own gravitational pull.
Performance
Beneath its shimmering paintwork lies the Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM-O system—a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with dual electric motors delivering a staggering 904 horsepower and 1,135 Nm of torque.
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0–100 km/h: 4.6 seconds (in a vehicle this size)
Total Range: 1,400 km
Wading Depth: 970 mm
While others check the weather forecast, you’re essentially piloting a luxury submarine.
Whether executing a “Tank Turn” across dunes or cruising silently at highway speeds, the adaptive suspension and triple differential locks ensure complete dominance over any terrain.
The Interior: A First-Class Flight for Six
Step inside and the rugged exterior gives way to ultra-luxurious serenity. Dominating the dashboard is a 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display—a sweeping digital horizon that makes most home televisions look outdated.
It’s not just a cabin; it’s a sanctuary. From Nappa leather massage seats to an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system with Dolby Atmos, every detail is crafted to shield occupants from the chaos outside.
The “Wow” Features
Military-Grade Assistance: Selected editions feature rear turboprops delivering 3,000 N of additional thrust for extraction from deep mud.
On-Board Fridge: A built-in drawer capable of chilling champagne to -6°C or keeping espresso warm at 50°C.
Oxygen Generator: For high-altitude adventures, the G700 provides an external oxygen supply to support occupants’ health.
The Verdict
The Jetour G700 is more than a vehicle—it is a statement of intent. It eliminates the need to choose between the rugged capability of a desert explorer and the refinement of a limousine.
It reigns as the king of the “Travel+” philosophy, designed for those who want to explore the world without sacrificing comfort.
The established luxury titans should be very, very nervous.
A statement by Jetour Nigeria lists the accredited dealers for vehicle as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Ltd, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Ltd, R.T. Briscoe Motors, and Mandilas Motors.
The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury
Auto
Mikano, Autochek Set to Roll Out Virtual Showroom, Expand Auto Finance
Mikano, Autochek Set to Roll Out Virtual Showroom, Expand Auto Finance
Mikano Motors and Autochek Africa are to launch a virtual showroom and expand digital auto financing options in Nigeria, signalling a fresh shift in how vehicles are bought and financed in the country.
The partnership, set for formal unveiling on February 27, 2026, at Mikano Motors’ Victoria Island showroom in Lagos, will see the creation of a dedicated Mikano Motors Virtual Showroom on Autochek’s marketplace.
Through the platform, customers can browse Mikano’s vehicle lineup — including Changan, Maxus and other brands in its portfolio — compare models, and access tailored financing options without leaving the digital space.
Buyers will also be able to explore structured auto loans, flexible payment plans and receive quicker credit assessments within a single ecosystem.
The move effectively migrates critical stages of the car-buying journey online, reducing the delays traditionally associated with financing approvals and documentation.
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Group Executive Director of Mikano, Joelle Haykal, said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to enhancing customer experience.
“Our goal is not just to sell vehicles, but to simplify ownership,” she said, noting that integrating financing into the buying process gives customers more flexibility and control.
Autochek, a technology-driven automotive marketplace operating across Africa, leverages data analytics to power credit decisions and financial services designed to lower the barriers to vehicle ownership.
By embedding financing directly into vehicle listings, the platform aims to streamline transactions and improve transparency.
Industry analysts say the collaboration reflects a broader trend of digital transformation sweeping across Nigeria’s automotive sector, as dealers and financiers adapt to evolving consumer expectations.
For Mikano Motors, a subsidiary of Mikano International, the deal expands its market reach through digital channels. For Autochek, it strengthens its presence in Nigeria’s new vehicle segment.
Together, both firms are betting on a hybrid retail model that blends physical showrooms with seamless digital access — redefining the path to car ownership in Nigeria.
Business
CBN Mops Up $190 Million to Slow Rapid Naira Appreciation
CBN Mops Up $190 Million to Slow Rapid Naira Appreciation
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week intervened in the foreign exchange (forex) market, buying about $189.8 million to slow the rapid appreciation of the Nigerian naira at the official window. Analysts say the move aims to absorb excess US dollar supply, stabilise the currency, and prevent market disruptions that could affect investors and the broader economy.
The naira had strengthened sharply in recent weeks, closing at around ₦1,346.32/$ in the official market — a week-on-week gain of ₦9.09. The parallel market also recorded gains, with rates improving by ₦60 to about ₦1,340/$. As a result, the FX spread — the difference between official and parallel rates — narrowed significantly to 0.47% from 3.29% the previous week, signalling improved convergence between the markets.
TrustBanc Financial Group noted that the naira’s successive rally could have prompted foreign investors to exit the fixed-income market, selling their holdings to repatriate profits. This scenario could have triggered higher US dollar demand, putting additional pressure on the naira and weakening market stability.
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Normally, central banks sell dollars to support the currency, but the CBN reversed this trend for the first time in months, buying dollars to moderate gains and prevent speculative surges. Analysts said this measured intervention reflects the bank’s commitment to exchange rate stability and orderly FX market operations.
On the macroeconomic front, Nigeria’s external reserves have remained robust, surpassing $46 billion, supporting the CBN’s ability to manage market dynamics. Strong oil prices, rising reserves, and reform-driven FX inflows have contributed to the naira’s stability, even amid lingering geopolitical risks.
Economists warn that excessive naira appreciation could reduce the competitiveness of Nigerian exports and prompt capital flight, affecting domestic investment. By moderating gains, the CBN seeks to balance currency stability, investor confidence, and the nation’s economic fundamentals.
Investors and businesses are being urged to monitor the FX market closely, as central bank interventions may influence short-term forex availability and pricing. Analysts expect the CBN to continue careful market management while promoting long-term currency stability.
CBN Mops Up $190 Million to Slow Rapid Naira Appreciation
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