Issue: Edition #148
ABC Events
ABC IWD 2026 SUMMIT
The American Business Council Nigeria (ABC), in collaboration with the Women In Energy Network, Women in Film and Television, and the American Women’s Club, hosted a special International Women’s Day event celebrating the vital role of women in economic development.
The event featured the President of the American Business Council Nigeria, Nneka Enwereji, as keynote speaker, alongside a distinguished panel of experts who shared insightful perspectives on advancing women’s contributions to economic growth across sectors.
In her address, Nneka Enwereji highlighted—through engaging personal anecdotes—the importance of commitment, collaboration, and mentorship in empowering women to thrive and drive sustainable economic progress.
The Council extends its sincere appreciation to its sponsor, Delta Air Lines, for supporting this year’s International Women’s Day celebration.
Driving Economic Growth Through Women’s Leadership
Ahead of the American Business Council Nigeria’s International Women’s Day (IWD) event, Margaret Olele sat down with Patrenia Werts Onuoha—podcast guest on The Business Exchange: How Business Works and a panelist at the upcoming IWD event—for an engaging conversation on Driving Economic Growth Through Women’s Leadership, Competence, and Commitment.
Patrenia, CEO of Resilience Resources for Life LLC and former President of the American Women’s Club, shared valuable insights drawn from her extensive corporate experience, as well as her work in mentorship and volunteerism.
Nigeria–U.S. Trade & Investment Growth
Key Takeaways:
U.S. visa bans and stricter migration policies are likely to strain diplomatic and economic relations between the United States and African countries. At the same time, African migrants—many of whom are highly skilled—play a significant role in key U.S. sectors such as healthcare and technology. These restrictions could encourage African nations to deepen partnerships with other global powers, including China and the European Union. Despite this, the African diaspora continues to serve as a vital bridge for trade, investment, and knowledge exchange between both regions.
What does this mean for American Businesses?
For American businesses, these policies could create both immediate friction and longer-term strategic risks. Tighter visa restrictions may limit access to highly skilled African talent, particularly in sectors like healthcare, tech, and engineering, increasing hiring challenges and labor costs. They can also strain relationships with African partners, making it harder for U.S. companies to expand, build trust, or close deals across the continent.
Over time, if African countries pivot toward other global partners, American firms could face stronger competition from non-U.S. players in key growth markets. At the same time, reduced mobility may weaken diaspora-driven networks that often facilitate trade, investment, and market entry—removing an important advantage U.S. businesses have traditionally relied on.
Want to read the full article? [https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-american-visa-bans-and-migration-policies-are-shaping-us-africa-relations/]
Business Updates
Nigeria to launch trade platform at ports as part of reform push
LONDON, March 25 (Reuters) – Nigeria will launch a key digital platform on Friday to streamline imports and exports in a “game changer” for trade in the West African nation, Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole told Reuters.
The first phase of Nigeria’s National Single Window – a centralised electronic trade platform aimed at drastically slashing red tape and time for importers and exporters – is scheduled to go live on Friday. It will include one shipping line and one port.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
For Nigerian businesses, this reform is largely positive—but with important strategic implications: Nigeria’s new National Single Window trade platform is expected to significantly reduce port delays, paperwork, and inefficiencies, which have historically made importing and exporting far more expensive than in peer markets. This means businesses can move goods faster, lower logistics costs, and improve overall competitiveness both locally and internationally.
Want to read the full article? [https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2026/nigeria-to-launch-trade-platform-at-ports-as-part-of-reform-push]
Nigeria launches National Single Window to streamline trade and boost economic growth
For Nigerian businesses, the launch of the National Single Window is essentially a major efficiency and competitiveness upgrade—but it also comes with new expectations. It means faster and cheaper trade operations. By integrating multiple government agencies into one digital platform, businesses no longer need to deal with repetitive paperwork or long port delays, which reduces costs and speeds up time to market.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
For Nigerian businesses, the rollout of the National Single Window signals a shift toward a more efficient, transparent, and globally competitive trade environment.
In practical terms, companies should expect faster clearance times, reduced paperwork, and lower logistics costs, which can significantly improve profit margins—especially for importers, exporters, and manufacturers. It also means better visibility across the supply chain, allowing businesses to plan more effectively and reduce delays that have historically disrupted operations.
At the same time, this reform raises expectations. As processes become more digital and streamlined, businesses will need to adapt quickly to new systems, improve compliance, and operate more efficiently. The upside is clear: those that adjust early will gain a competitive edge, expand into new markets, and better leverage opportunities under regional trade agreements like AfCFTA.
Want to read the full article? [https://techreviewafrica.com/news/4551/nigeria-launches-national-single-window-to-streamline-trade-and-boost-economic-growth]
Govt urges businesses to accelerate e-invoicing adoption
The Federal Government has urged businesses to accelerate preparations for mandatory electronic invoicing, as authorities push ahead with an ambitious overhaul of the country’s tax administration system aimed at improving compliance and modernizing revenue collection.
The appeal was made at the recent Nigeria Revenue Summit in Lagos, organised by Interswitch Group under the theme “Winning in Nigeria’s New Tax Landscape.” The gathering brought together stakeholders from the finance, regulatory, and technology sectors to assess the implications of Nigeria’s evolving tax framework and the operational adjustments required of businesses.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
The Nigerian government’s push for accelerated e‑invoicing adoption signals a major shift toward digital tax administration and stronger compliance enforcement. Businesses will soon be required to integrate their invoicing systems with government‑approved digital platforms, enabling real‑time transaction validation and reporting rather than traditional periodic filings, which should reduce errors, boost transparency, and curb revenue leakages.
Want to read the full article?
[https://punchng.com/govt-urges-businesses-to-accelerate-e-invoicing-adoption/#google_vignette]
Lagos ranked best state for doing business in Nigeria – Report
Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic hub, has emerged as the leading subnational entity for ease of doing business in the country, according to a new report assessing business environments nationwide.
The report was unveiled in Abuja on Friday, March 28, during The Reform and Diplomatic Roundtable 2026, organized by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council in collaboration with UK International Development and Nigeria Economic Stability and Transformation Program.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
The fact that Lagos State has been ranked the best state for doing business in Nigeria highlights growing reforms and improvements in the business environment—especially around ease of registration, transparency, and administrative efficiency. This recognition signals that businesses operating in Lagos can benefit from faster processes, reduced regulatory bottlenecks, and a more predictable operating environment, which can lower costs and improve planning.
Want to read the full article?[https://nairametrics.com/2026/03/28/lagos-ranked-best-state-for-doing-business-in-nigeria-report/#google_vignette]
Startup Updates
Nigerian startup targets banks, SMEs with advanced AI automation tools
A new wave of automation driven by artificial intelligence is gaining traction in Nigeria’s business landscape, as Lagos-based startup grace ai lab rolls out what it describes as “AI workers” capable of executing complex operational tasks across industries.
The development signals a shift from basic chatbot services to more advanced autonomous systems that can integrate directly into business processes, raising fresh conversations around efficiency, cost reduction, and the future of work in Africa.
Nigerian Startup Bumpa and Kenyan Startup Flowcart Receive Funding from Jobtech Alliance
Nigerian e-commerce platform Bumpa and Kenyan commerce platform Flowcart have received undisclosed funding from Jobtech Alliance, according to announcements from the organizations.
Jobtech Alliance is an ecosystem-building initiative around inclusive jobtech in Africa steered by Mercy Corps and BFA Global, according to organizational information. The alliance was launched in October 2022, according to reports.
Upcoming Events
TBD
The American Business Council is your voice for strengthening US-Africa business ties. We encourage you to: