MTN, Airtel Nigeria profits surge to N1.83tn as naira rally reverses FX losses

Nigeria’s two largest mobile operators, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Nigeria, have reported a combined profit surge of about N1.83 trillion, powered by a stabilising naira, surging data consumption, and the rebound of their fintech and voice segments, reversing last year’s heavy foreign-exchange losses.

MTN Nigeria’s nine-month 2025 results showed profit after tax rising to N750.2 billion, marking one of the strongest corporate recoveries in recent memory. The performance represents a 245.7 percent turnaround from the N514.9 billion loss recorded in the same period of 2024, buoyed by strong data growth, fintech expansion, and disciplined cost management that doubled operating margins.

Airtel Nigeria, meanwhile, posted $697 million, equivalent to about N1.08 trillion when converted at an average exchange rate of N1,553 per US dollar, in the half-year ended September 30 2025. Its performance underscores Nigeria’s continuing role as one of Airtel Africa’s strongest markets.

‘We are pleased to report that MTN Nigeria has restored its positive retained earnings and shareholders’ equity positions. This milestone demonstrates strong operational momentum and disciplined execution, supported by a more favourable macro-economic environment and prudent financial management,’ said Karl Toriola, chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria.

Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer of Airtel Africa (with Nigeria as the largest market), said: ‘This strong revenue performance and continued cost efficiencies contributed to further EBITDA margin expansion which resulted in strong EBITDA growth of approximately 30 percent.’

The turnaround comes amid a period of relative macro-economic recovery in Nigeria. The naira appreciated from about N1,535 per dollar in December 2024 to around N1,475 per dollar by end-September 2025; headline inflation eased from 34.8 percent a year ago to about 18 percent, enabling the Central Bank of Nigeria to cut the Monetary Policy Rate to 27 percent.

These shifts improved FX liquidity, lowered financing costs and strengthened investor sentiment, providing the telecoms sector with a more conducive operating environment.

A stronger naira and improved local currency borrowing conditions have given relief to operators whose dollar-linked costs previously eroded earnings. Still, inflation, high energy costs and foreign-exchange illiquidity remain headwinds.

For MTN Nigeria, data remains the dominant growth engine. Data revenue soared 73.2 percent to N1.98 trillion, aided by rising smartphone penetration (now 65.1 percent), increased 4G capacity and a 36.3 percent surge in data traffic. Average usage per subscriber climbed to 13.2 GB per month, while the home broadband user-base reached 4 million (an extra 281,000 in Q3 alone).

Meanwhile, voice revenue also rose 41.9 percent to N1.35 trillion. In fintech, revenue jumped 72.5 percent to N131.6 billion, with active MoMo wallets reaching 2.9 million, deposits up 80.5 percent, and agent/merchant networks already expanding strongly.

Airtel Nigeria likewise reported robust growth in data: monthly use per customer rose to about 10.1 GB, smartphone penetration reached 52.8 percent, and smartphone data usage climbed to 12.7 GB. Its EBITDA margin widened to 56.3 percent, up by 760 basis points year-on-year.

MTN Nigeria reaffirmed full-year guidance for service revenue growth in the low-50 percent range and EBITDA margins above 50 percent. Meanwhile, Airtel Africa raised its group capital expenditure guidance to between $875 million and $900 million, signalling confidence in Nigeria’s sustained demand for digital services.

Both operators are scaling investments. For instance, MTN is deploying fibre networks, expanding 4G/5G readiness and stepping up data-centre infrastructure, even as Airtel is prioritising customer experience, stronger network capacity and expansion of its mobile-money ecosystem.

Beta Glass grows nine months profit by 227%, share price up 573.96% YtD

In nine months (9M) to September 30, 2025, Beta Glass Plc grew its pre-tax profit by 225 percent to N40.318billion from N12.415 billion in the same nine months period of 2024. The company recently announced its unaudited interim financial results for third-quarter (Q3) and the nine months period ended September 30, delivering record performance across key metrics.

Beta Glass Plc is a leading manufacturer of quality glass packaging solutions for beverage, pharmaceutical and food industries. Headquartered in Lagos, the company also exports to Central and West African markets such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, etc., serving both regional and international clients with a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

The company’s 9M’25 profit after tax (PAT) increased by 227 percent to N27.223billion from N8.318billion in 9M’24. The company’s share price at N437.4 as at October 30 shows it has risen this year by 573.96 percent. The stock had reached a 52-week high of N486 as against corresponding week low of N45.

Beta Glass net sales rose by 43 percent in 9M’25 to N114.381billion from N79.761billion in 9M’24. In Q3 2025, the company reported revenue of N36.148 billion, EBITDA of N16.42 billion, and an EBITDA margin of 39.8percent, reflecting strong year-on-year growth and sustained margin expansion.

The company said it continues to monitor external factors such as foreign exchange volatility and energy costs while advancing supply chain optimisation and sustainability initiatives to ensure business resilience.

In nine months to September 30, 2025, the company’s earnings per share (EPS) increased to N45.38 from N13.86 in 9M’24, representing an increase by 227 percent.

On a last twelve months (September 2024-September 2025) basis, Beta Glass revenue reached N152.20 billion, with EBITDA of N53.38 billion and margin of 35percent, underscoring Beta Glass’s ongoing transformation and operational excellence. ‘This performance was driven by disciplined cost management, enhanced production efficiency, and strong demand across core markets,’ the company said.

‘Building on the performance from previous quarters, Q3 2025 performance showcases increased market demand, strategic market positioning, and focus on operational efficiency, cost discipline and value creation.

‘The 9M 2025 performance reaffirms the Company’s resilience, underscored by operational excellence, innovative product offerings, and agile response to market opportunities,’ Beta Glass noted further in a recent statement.

Speaking on the results, Alexander Gendis, CEO of Beta Glass, said: ‘This quarter and year-todate results reflect the powerful fundamentals of our business, that is innovation, sustainability and quality, and the compounding impact of our ongoing transformation journey. We are pleased to report another period of strong results, driven by our team’s disciplined execution and strategic focus on efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

‘With the Delta plant furnace rebuild completed in record time and our new solar power plant now fully operational, we are building a more energy-efficient and future-ready manufacturing base to serve the growing demand of our domestic customers and continue our regional expansion. These strategic investments reinforce our ability to serve customers reliably while advancing our sustainability agenda by reducing our carbon footprint and long-term energy costs,’ Gendis said.

AI evolution in Nigeria: Opportunities, gaps, and local champions

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept for Nigeria; it is fast becoming a vital force for transformation across industries, governance, and everyday life. Over the past few years, Nigeria’s AI ecosystem has shifted from curiosity to real progress, driven by creativity, necessity, and a youthful spirit that refuses to be left behind. Today, startups, government agencies, educators, and investors are shaping a story that blends innovation, ambition, and local relevance.

Potential transformation possibilities

Nigeria’s embrace of AI mirrors its broader technological evolution, propelled by a generation that is bold, inventive, and eager to solve problems. With more than 60 AI-focused startups emerging across healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education, Nigeria is quickly positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading innovation hubs.

Startups such as Awarri, AutogonAI, and ZeroComplexAI are developing localised tools and systems, including voice models that understand Nigerian accents and intelligent automation for small and medium enterprises. Others, like Terrahaptix, already deployed Iroko drones to mines, farmlands and other critical assets.

Government leadership has also become more deliberate. The launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) and the creation of the Nigeria National AI Trust mark a decisive step toward a structured, responsible approach to AI. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) continues to set the pace, introducing initiatives such as the Regulatory Intelligence Framework and the AI Policy Test Lab to ensure that innovation grows hand in hand with accountability.

These efforts demonstrate that Nigeria is poised to lead Africa’s digital transformation journey; yet, the real momentum comes from local champions who are translating policy into tangible impact and ensuring that technology serves human needs.

Opportunities across key sectors

AI is reshaping some of Nigeria’s most critical sectors. In financial services, traditional institutions such as Sterling Bank, UBA, and Interswitch are using AI for fraud detection, credit scoring, and customer engagement, while fintechs such as Moniepoint, OPay, LemFi, and Duplo are bringing financial inclusion to millions through data-driven lending and automation.

In healthcare, AI is improving diagnosis, patient management, and local innovation. Companies such as 3D Africa, Healthstack, and Zuri Health are applying AI to telemedicine, imaging, and medical device production in Nigeria, reducing reliance on imports and improving affordability.

The agriculture sector is equally promising. Startups such as Releaf, Crop2Cash, and AgroData are helping farmers use predictive analytics for weather forecasting, soil quality assessment, and pest control, resulting in higher yields and reduced waste.

In manufacturing and logistics, companies like Doric Logistics are harnessing AI to monitor supply chains, optimise routes, and cut operational costs. The technology is also making inroads into education, where platforms such as Klas, LearnAM, and Utiva use AI to customise learning pathways and upskill thousands of young Nigerians.

Education and talent development may prove to be AI’s greatest long-term gift to Nigeria. With almost half of the population under thirty-five, initiatives such as the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and AI in Nigeria’s Community of Learning and Practice are preparing a new generation of data scientists, engineers, and innovators who can compete globally while solving local challenges.

Gaps and growing pains

Despite this rapid growth, the ecosystem still faces serious challenges. Access to quality, structured data remains limited, with most organisations relying on fragmented information that undermines AI accuracy. Weak infrastructure, including power supply issues and limited access to cloud computing, continues to restrict progress, particularly outside major cities such as Lagos and Abuja.

Funding also poses a problem. While the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme has supported startups and researchers with grants, many still struggle to attract long-term investors. AI development is expensive, and without consistent financial support, several promising innovations risk stagnation.

There is also the issue of talent readiness. Although thousands of young Nigerians and professionals are now studying AI and related fields, practical experience remains scarce. Many graduates and professionals lack access to real-world deployment opportunities. The continued emigration of skilled professionals is also widening this gap.

Ethical awareness and regulation must deepen. As Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, has observed, regulating AI is not about restricting innovation; it is about ensuring that it advances public good responsibly. Nigeria must continue to balance creativity with ethics to earn public trust and avoid digital inequalities.

Ecosystem champions leading the way

At the heart of this transformation are visionary organisations and individuals. AI in Nigeria, through its annual communities of learning and practice, the InnovateAI conference, and the yearly Nigeria AI Landscape, continues to connect stakeholders, shape policies, and drive national conversations around AI adoption.

Private-sector leaders such as MTN, Flutterwave, and Stanbic IBTC are integrating AI into their operations and governance structures, while universities, research institutions, and innovation hubs are inspiring young Nigerians through hands-on learning and mentorship. Across the country, community-driven projects such as AI Saturdays Lagos and university-based AI clubs are helping to democratise knowledge and spark interest at the grassroots level.

Bottom line

The evolution of AI across Nigeria will depend on how well it scales what already works. Strengthening infrastructure, promoting fair regulation, investing in talent, and encouraging collaboration between startups and larger enterprise organisations will be key.

AI can become a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic renewal if properly supported. It could create jobs, improve governance, enhance education, and unlock billions of naira in new value.

Dotun Adeoye is a technology strategist, AI innovation leader, and co-founder of AI in Nigeria. He has over 30 years of global experience across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa and advises governments and businesses on AI transformation and digital growth.

Bandits kill pastor, abduct over 20 church members in Kaduna

The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, has condemned the recent attack by armed bandits on the Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during which one of its priests was killed.

The attackers were said to have invaded the community and unleashed mayhem on innocent and unarmed residents, leading to the killing of Reverend Yahaya Kambasaya.

More than 20 persons, including members of HEKAN, were also reportedly abducted and remain in captivity.

According to a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Kaduna, Reverend Amos Kiri, HEKAN President, said ‘the sad event took place in the early hours of Tuesday, 28th October 2025,’ adding, ‘four other members of HEKAN Church, Kakude Local Church Branch, were earlier kidnapped on October 19th 2025, and are still being held captive.’

Kiri said, ‘HEKAN members, especially in the Kauru Local Government axis, have been experiencing attacks by armed men suspected to be bandits or cattle rustlers.

‘With a deep heart, on behalf of HEKAN Headquarters, I wish to inform the world of a tragic incident that occurred in Farin Dutse, a community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, of bandits’ attack on our pastor and some other persons in the area,’ he added.

The HEKAN President said, ‘According to a report from one of our pastors over there, Rev. Dauda Gambo, the Chairman of HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, heavily armed bandits/cattle rustlers attacked the community (Farin Dutse) in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and perpetrated evil on innocent residents.

‘The attack resulted in the death of Rev. Yahaya Kambasaya and the kidnapping of over 20 people, among them HEKAN members,’ he added.

‘The bandits invaded the community and started shooting sporadically at the locals and whisked away those captured. Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya and a few others had to hide in a farm till the end of the gunshots, which lasted a bit long.

‘Immediately the bandits stopped shooting, the clergyman, Rev. Kambasiya, thought they had gone, so he came out of his hiding in the farm to check, only for him to be shot at the back. The bullet penetrated through his chest, and he died immediately,’ Kiri explained.

The HEKAN President, however, said that the body of the clergyman has been deposited in a morgue, awaiting approval of the burial date from his family.

He said, ‘The body of the deceased reverend has been deposited, and the leadership of the church is consulting with the family to determine the funeral arrangements.’

Authorities of the HEKAN Church described the bandits’ attack as callous, inhumane and a move to frustrate the church and its members, especially in the affected area.

Meanwhile, HEKAN has called on the security agencies and all relevant authorities to go after the bandits and rescue those kidnapped.

The church also prayed to God to intervene in the affairs of Nigeria, especially the security challenges which have been claiming lives and destroying properties of citizens, and have instilled fear in the minds of many, including farmers who cannot access their farms to harvest their produce due to fear of being killed or kidnapped for ransom.

‘HEKAN, as a church, requests your prayers for the family, the church and the community during this trying moment,’ Reverend Kiri said.

It would be recalled that HEKAN Church in the same area was attacked by bandits on 4th December 2024, which led to the abduction of fifty persons, among whom were HEKAN members, including its pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal.

‘On 1st December 2024, one Bitrus Alma, his sister and two others were kidnapped, both at Farin Dutse, Kauru Local Government, Kaduna. Similarly, on 4th January 2024, Rev. Francis Lawal and fifty others were kidnapped.

‘Though one died in the hands of his captors, others were released after three months and returned home with various degrees of injuries.

‘HEKAN had already informed the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern States, CAN Kaduna State, Divisional Police Station, Kauru, among other organisations,’ the statement stressed further.

How Raila funeral drove 52pc jump in local airfares

The funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Nyanza pushed up the country’s inter-county travel costs, with domestic airfares and matatu fares rising sharply in October.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that the average cost of a local flight increased by 52 percent to Sh16,722.56 from Sh11,001.44 in the same month last year, as airfares on the Nairobi-Kisumu route surged ahead of Odinga’s burial.

Domestic air ticket prices also increased by 3.8 percent month-on-month, rising from an average of Sh16,106.09 in September, reflecting the sharp rise in inter-county travel by wealthy Kenyans and government officials flying to Kisumu for Odinga’s funeral.

The veteran politician died on October 15, 2025 and was buried in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday October 19.

Inter-county bus fares, which typically spike in December, also increased in October as tens of thousands of mourners, alongside dignitaries, travelled to the funeral.

Read: Nairobi-Kisumu airfares double ahead of Raila Odinga’s funeral

‘The cost of international flights declined by 0.6 percent, while prices of petrol and diesel remained unchanged. In contrast, country bus and matatu fares for travel between towns increased by 1.4 percent,’ said KNBS Director-General Macdonald Obudho in the October Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report.

Air fares

Following Odinga’s death, most flights were fully booked throughout the weekend as mourners and political delegations prepared to travel to Nyanza for the final ceremonies. Some airlines, such as Kenya Airways, had to increase their flight frequencies.

Buses on the Nairobi-Siaya route were also fully booked, with some transport companies adding extra services.

A spot check by Business Daily showed that one-way air tickets on major carriers ranged from Sh18,000 to Sh23,000 – almost double the usual price of Sh8,000 to Sh10,000 for this route.

As of midday on Thursday October 16, a one-way Jambojet flight from Nairobi to Kisumu on Saturday was priced at Sh19,500.

Prices have since dropped to between Sh8,300 and Sh10,300, reflecting the cooling demand after the burial of the opposition leader’s burial.

Ordinarily, the Nairobi-Kisumu corridor is one of Kenya’s busiest domestic routes, connecting the capital to western Kenya’s commercial and political heartland. Fares usually range between Sh8,000 and Sh10,000 depending on the time of booking and seat availability.

Odinga, who died at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for more than three decades. His death sparked national mourning and drew thousands to vigils in Nairobi and Kisumu, triggering a surge in travel demand.

Read: KCAA halts operations at JKIA as Raila mourners throng facility

Airline data shows that most morning and evening flights from Nairobi to Kisumu on the Friday and Saturday ahead of the burial were sold out, with return flights early the following week also filling up fast.

The rise in ticket prices pushed the cost of a return trip to about Sh40,000 – roughly double the normal average – highlighting how Kenya’s domestic air market remains highly sensitive to sudden, event-driven demand spikes on high-traffic routes like Nairobi-Kisumu.

Odinga, a five-time presidential contender, commanded a passionate following, especially in the Nyanza region, explaining the heightened interest in his funeral.

Hotels in the lakeside city of Kisumu also reported being fully booked in the lead-up to the ceremony.

Inflation rate

According to KNBS data, transport inflation rose by 4.8 percent year-on-year in October, even though the overall inflation rate – the increase in consumer prices over the previous 12 months – remained at 4.6 percent.

’Middle Ground’: When patterns speak of belonging and identity

What Kofisi Art Gallery have done is breathe life into spaces that would normally be considered stiff because of their corporate nature. Their first show dubbed Force Field is perhaps the exhibition of the year.

Few exhibitions have come close in terms of the quality and quantity of work that was on display in an unfinished section of a burgeoning high-rise corporate-setting office apartment. Their second exhibition in the same space is smaller, quainter, and is composed of a collage of works that are fragments of the same mirror.

The artworks are from Seven Artists Collective and an interlinked collage of stories told through visual art in varied styles. It is an art showcase that invites reflection and inflection in the pursuit of meaning and evokes dialogue across generations, mediums and ideas told in the language of the artists who include; Onyis Martin, Onesmus Okamar, Deng Chol, Lemek Sompoika, David Thuku, Rasto Cyprian, Taabu Munyoki, Paul Njihia, Nadia Wanjiru, and Maori Wasike.

For David art has been a fundamental part of his upbringing. He recalls childhood as littered with memories of being beaten numerous times for drawing when he should have been studying. He, however, credits his family for understanding the importance of art to him and encouraging him to pursue it.

He comes from the crop of artists who honed their craft at the Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts (Bifa) but for an artist who has had 10 years of full-time professional practice he has never worked individually, his craft has always involved working around a group of artists, a pack mentality habit that he isn’t niggly about sharing.

‘I have worked under three collectives so far, one in Buruburu, another at Kuona Trust, and currently I am working with Seven Collective. Working under collectives has built my career because an artist never works in a vacuum, they need inspiration from different things but mostly, from fellow artists,’ he says.

Whereas he studied as a painter, time has seen David evolve in a different direction.

‘I haven’t painted for a while. I like mixing materials and rarely will you ever find me sticking to one material. It was during this process that I ended up focusing on paper trying different styles until I found one which defines me. My technique is more or less one of paper collage where I study papers. I try pushing every parchment of paper I encounter to be able to learn its limits. My style is one where I marry different techniques, layering them over each other to come up with a complete body of works, a style they call graffito,’ he says.

What separates Middle Ground from the other groups shows is the existence of a pattern in the showcased works, it is not a walk-in show whereby artists just submit work without consideration of the overlying theme.

The artist Middle Ground having worked together before exhibit a seamless sync between their varied works on display in a sense that would be considered as telepathic.

‘Each of the works on display was considered with the larger body of works in mind. Each piece was picked with the purpose of complementing the next piece, everyone has a different style and story but if you look keenly, they all fit into the bigger narrative,’ says David.

Middle Ground suggests a consensus and mix of resources, intellect, and perspective from the viewpoint of the artists. It merges different styles and technique into a collective tale.

For some like David and Wasike, their works dally around movement and spaces, Njihia’s as well as Onesmus’ work parleys with characters and figures as does Taabu’s which pays homage to women and their salon spaces. In the latter three, the notable recurring theme dances around issues of identity.

Lemek’s work inasmuch as it addresses cultural issues inclines itself toward telling the history of a culture which plays into the picture of movement patterns and identity.

Rasto moves about through nature in his work whereas Deng’ who hails from Sudan fancies patterns and abstract characters. Patterns repeat themselves in most of the portraits and for David, who lauds himself as a translator of patterns, they signify belonging. The more one repeats something, they more they become.

It is Nadia Wanjiru’s work however that sticks out for me. It is bold, loud, red and with an impressive almost minimalistic concept of patterns sprinkled reservedly in her canvas spaces that complete the full picture.

Nadia’s use of larger-than-life figures with a backdrop of a dull sharp red creates an image that evokes varied emotions, her figures carry emotions of their own and in a sense create impressions that are both relaxed but still profound.

Taabu pays homage to the woman, space and crown in a series of hair themed portraits. She honours a woman’s crown- her hair- and the salon her sacrosanct space, the throne in which this crown is polished with movements of grace and purpose. Her portraits pay homage to femininity in a way that relates deeply to the African culture.

Middle Ground is being showcased in Westlands and the exhibition runs until December 11, 2025.

Who holds the hammer? Inside ruling on auctioneers, banks turf war

The High Court has ruled that banks and financial institutions cannot be subjected to disciplinary action by the Auctioneers Licensing Board for conducting auction-related activities without licences, dealing a blow to professional auctioneers fighting to monopolise asset recovery services.

In a ruling that limits the disciplinary powers of professional boards and protects the financial sector from dual regulation, the court emphasised that the board’s mandate only covers licensed auctioneers, not banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

The court overturned a decision by the Auctioneers Licensing Board, which had sought to penalise Co-operative Bank of Kenya and several other lenders for allegedly engaging in auctioneering without proper licensing.

The judgment clarifies that only licensed auctioneers – not banks – fall under the board’s regulatory purview, setting back professional auctioneers’ arguments that lenders have encroached on their exclusive domain.

Kensap complaint

The case arose from a complaint made in February 2023 by the Kenya National Society of Professional Auctioneers (Kensap), who accused banks of conducting repossessions and auctions without auctioneering licences, thereby violating Section 4(2) of the Auctioneers Act.

Kensap argued that publicly advertising auction sales and conducting repossession exercises are activities reserved for licensed auctioneers under the Auctioneers Act.

The complaint arose from an auction advertisement published in the Daily Nation by the Co-Operative Bank concerning the sale of repossessed property.

Kensap contended that, by engaging in the auction business, the financial institutions had subjected themselves to the jurisdiction of the Auctioneers Licensing Board.

In a November 2024 ruling, the board concurred with Kensap and dismissed Co-operative Bank’s objection, asserting jurisdiction over the matter.

Disciplining an unqualified person

This prompted an appeal to the High Court, which overturned that decision, declaring that the board erred fundamentally.

‘Just as an unqualified person posing as a doctor cannot face medical council sanctions, banks, (regulated by the Central Bank) cannot answer to auctioneers’ tribunals,’ said the court.

The court held that the Auctioneers Licensing Board lacks authority over banks, as they are governed by CBK regulations, not the Auctioneers Act.

It likened the situation to disciplining an unqualified person practicing law before the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal, an impossibility since tribunals only regulate licensed professionals.

The judgment affirmed that if banks engage in unlicensed auctioneering, the proper recourse is criminal prosecution under Section 9(2) of the Auctioneers Act-not disciplinary action by the board.

Penalties under this section include fines of up to Sh100,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.

The court found similarities between this case and a 2022 dispute involving the Kenya Bankers Association, in which it was ruled that complaints against unlicensed auctioneering must be pursued criminally, not administratively.

The ruling reinforces banks’ ability to conduct auctions and repossessions without fear of disciplinary action from the Auctioneers Board. It also weakens Kensap’s ability to regulate auctioneering activities, potentially reducing demand for licensed auctioneers in bank-led recoveries.

Festering issue

While the judgment settles the jurisdictional question, it leaves unresolved whether banks’ auction activities constitute illegal auctioneering.

The court acknowledged this ambiguity stating that ‘the dispute remains a festering issue’ requiring legislative or judicial clarity.

‘The issue as to whether the appellant (Co-operative Bank) can continue to render services that are exclusively reserved for auctioneers (as held out by the Kenya National Society of Professional Auctioneers) still largely remains unresolved. It is a question that will continue to vex the licensed auctioneers while causing anxiety and apprehension to parties who render the services that the auctioneering body complains of,’ said the trial judge.

Prosecutors must mostly pursue criminal complaints against entities engaging in unlicensed auctions, though such prosecutions remain rare.

Co-payment data analytics system proves useful

The Finance Ministry, which operates the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, has employed a data analytics system to analyse suspicious transactions and identify activities that do not comply with the programme’s conditions.

According to Vinit Visessuvanapoom, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), from the first day of the project’s launch on Oct 29 authorities detected and took action against several fraudulent merchants, resulting in the suspension of 6-7 participating stores.

Mr Vinit said the data analytics system can detect suspicious patterns of behaviour, such as a participating store recording a sales transaction in one location, and just a few minutes later another transaction is made hundreds of kilometres away from the first one.

He said the system monitors transactions in the programme to ensure it serves its intended purpose — to stimulate domestic consumption.

According to the ministry, as of 10am on Oct 30 total accumulated spending via the co-payment scheme reached 2.26 billion baht, consisting of 1.14 billion baht in spending by consumers and 1.12 billion in government contributions.

A total of 8.7 million people have used their rights under the programme, accounting for 14.9 million transactions. There are 540,000 shops that have conducted transactions, and 690,000 shops participating in the project.

The Northeast had the highest share of participating stores, accounting for 20% of all registered merchants, while other regions each tallied about 14-15% on average. The province with the most participating shops is Bangkok.

Mr Vinit reiterated that the co-payment scheme is intended solely to stimulate economic activity, not to serve as a tax collection tool.

He said the Revenue Department already has mechanisms to verify tax compliance, regardless of the programme, and will focus on auditing individuals and businesses with tax-paying capacity.

ONE Championship: Rodtang ‘on track’ for Nong-O title fight – nutritionist says weight cut ‘going smoothly’

Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s preparations for his world title return at ONE 173 are right on schedule – according to the man overseeing his weight cut.

Peter Miller, the Bangkok-based performance nutritionist who guided the Thai superstar through his flawless camp for March’s knockout win over Takeru Segawa in Japan, told the Bangkok Post that everything is ‘going smoothly’ ahead of the November 16 showdown with Nong-O Gaiyanghadao.

‘He’s on it, he’s on it,’ Miller said. ‘We speak daily and I check up on him. I go down once or twice a week to the gym. He’s doing good – on track with everything. His training intensity has gone up now, he’s getting a couple more sessions a week in. I think it’s gonna be a smooth weight cut again in Japan.’

Rodtang linked up with Miller earlier this year after back-to-back weight misses in 2024 – the latter costing him his ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title. Their partnership paid immediate dividends, with the 27-year-old delivering a career-best performance to knock out Takeru inside one round at ONE 172 in Saitama.

Now, as he looks to reclaim the belt he held for five years, the ‘Iron Man’ appears to have rediscovered both focus and discipline – even despite recently welcoming his infant son, Zlatan, with wife Aida Looksaikongdin.

‘He seems alright,’ Miller said. ‘He’s mentioned a couple times he’s been a bit tired, which is understandable. Rodtang is one of these people who, when he’s on it, he’s on it. Sometimes he needs that person behind him checking he’s on point.

‘He knows me now and trusts me – if I say he’s good, he knows he’s good. He’s great to work with, such a likeable person. He’s really funny.’

Miller said the pair have built an easy rapport since Japan – one that extends beyond healthy eating.

‘He texted me the other day saying, ‘Can I have a KFC?’ and sent me a picture of a bargain bucket,’ Miller laughed. ‘I said, ‘No!’ I thought he’d ask for some chicken tenders or something, but a bargain bucket? No chance. But hey – you don’t ask, you don’t get.’

The two plan to reunite in Tokyo during fight week to fine-tune Rodtang’s final weight cut – and unwind with a few rounds of FIFA on PlayStation, as they did during his last camp.

‘We’ll be playing FIFA again every night in Japan,’ Miller said. ‘Everyone arrives on the Tuesday, I’ll get there a couple days earlier and make sure everything’s sorted for him – the food, the plan. He just has to follow it, which he has been doing up until now.’

With less than three weeks to go, Miller is confident Rodtang will be ready – both physically and mentally – for the biggest fight of his comeback.

‘It’s a bit of an adventure getting to his gym; it takes bloody ages for me,’ he said with a laugh. ‘But it’s worth it. I’ll keep checking up on him, make sure everything keeps ticking over. Not too long now till Japan.’

China and green progress in Asia

For the past two decades, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum, has been reshaping the Asia-Pacific’s approach to growth.

Since the 2011 Honolulu Leaders’ Declaration, Apec has placed “green growth” at the heart of its agenda, showing progress and environmental sustainability don’t have to be at odds.

In the 2022 meeting in Bangkok, green initiatives, such as the Bangkok Goals on the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, were included in Apec’s framework.

Energy lies at the very core of this transformation. As the foundation of both economic expansion and environmental protection, improving energy efficiency has become central to Apec’s collective commitments.

In 2011, Apec economies agreed to reduce energy intensity, the amount of energy used per unit of GDP, to 45% by 2035, compared with 2005 levels.

The progress has been impressive. According to the Apec Energy Review 2025, the region is on track to meet the 45% target by 2032, three years ahead of schedule.

Today, Apec economies account for about 56% of global energy demand and 60% of CO² emissions.

Despite challenges such as the post-pandemic rebound in energy use and global market disruptions, the region’s collective efforts have already avoided billions of tonnes of emissions and saved trillions of dollars in energy costs.

China’s carbon-cutting drive

China’s green transition has made it a major force within Apec’s broader sustainability story. According to the State Council of China, the country’s energy consumption per unit of GDP dropped by 11.6% between 2021 and 2024, a reduction equivalent to around 1.1 billion tonnes of CO², or nearly half the European Union’s annual emissions.

Alongside industrial efficiency, natural ecosystems are pulling their weight too. Data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration show that China’s stock volume has exceeded 20 billion cubic metres. These natural carbon sinks absorb about 1.2 billion tonnes of CO² each year, equals around 3% of global emissions.

Building on these twin tracks of efficiency and ecosystem restoration, China is also exploring next-generation clean energy technologies to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

One example is green hydrogen. China has hit a major milestone in green hydrogen, launching its first large-scale project with over 10,000 tonnes of annual output. This aligns with Apec’s identification last year of green hydrogen as a potential key driver of the region’s low-carbon transition.

Since June 2023, a green hydrogen plant in Aksu Prefecture in Xinjiang, began operations. To date, it has produced more than 14,900 tonnes of hydrogen, and the project is expected to cut about 485,000 tonnes of CO² emissions each year.

Together with nationwide efforts to improve energy efficiency and restore ecosystems, such advances demonstrate China’s continued progress towards a green transition and serve as a model for other Apec economies exploring renewable solutions.

Powering the region

China’s leadership in clean energy extends far beyond its borders. From cross-border hydropower grids to innovative energy storage projects, its efforts are helping drive sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific.

China has a long history of hydropower development, generating approximately 1,226 terawatt-hours of hydroelectric power in 2023.

According to International Banker, a UK-based financial and business publication, this output is roughly three times that of either Brazil or Canada individually, making China the world’s largest producer of hydropower.

Building on this leadership, China has established power grid interconnections with countries in the Lancang-Mekong region, including Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. Around 90% of the electricity transmitted through these grids comes from renewable sources, primarily hydropower. The result: greater energy security, lower fossil fuel reliance, and a smaller carbon footprint across borders.

China’s influence also extends to regional clean energy storage. In 2022, Singapore commissioned a large-scale energy storage system on Jurong Island, constructed by Chinese companies.

Completed three years ahead of Singapore’s 2025 target of 200 megawatts of storage capacity, the project enhances grid stability and the reliability of renewable energy supply. During cloudy or rainy conditions, the system releases stored electricity to stabilise fluctuations in the grid, and its lithium iron phosphate batteries ensure a safe, environmentally friendly solution suitable for Singapore’s dense urban environment.

Green cooperation among Apec economies has proven that economic growth and sustainability don’t have to pull in opposite directions. China’s efforts in green transition, along with its support for neighbouring countries, show how one nation’s progress can drive broader regional sustainability. By combining domestic achievements with regional cooperation, these efforts pave the way for a low-carbon, resilient, and prosperous Asia-Pacific.

As Apec economies continue to collaborate on clean energy, technology, and innovation, they’re charting into a better future where growth truly works with the planet, not against it.