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The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to three scientists – Susumu Kitagawa of Japan, Richard Robson of Britain, and Omar M. Yaghi of Jordan, for their pioneering work in developing metal-organic frameworks, a new class of materials with extraordinary potential in tackling global challenges.

Announcing the award in Stockholm on Wednesday, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said the trio’s discovery has ‘provided chemists with new opportunities for solving some of the challenges’ the world faces, from clean water and energy storage to environmental protection ‘These molecular constructions, called metal-organic frameworks, can be used to harvest water from desert air, capture carbon dioxide, store toxic gases, or catalyse chemical reactions,’ said Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry. ‘They have enormous potential, bringing previously unforeseen opportunities for custom-made materials with new functions.’

Turning chemistry into a tool for global good

Metal-organic frameworks, often abbreviated as MOFs, are crystalline structures made by linking metal ions with organic molecules. What makes them remarkable is their incredibly porous nature – like molecular sponges – which allows them to trap, store, and release gases or liquids with high efficiency.

In practical terms, these frameworks could help draw drinking water from dry desert air, filter pollutants from industrial emissions, or even store hydrogen for cleaner energy. Chemists say they could one day transform industries that rely on energy storage, gas separation, or catalysis. The scientists behind the science

Kitagawa, a professor at Kyoto University, is recognised as one of the founders of the field, having first demonstrated how metal-organic frameworks could be built with large internal spaces. Robson of the University of Melbourne contributed to the early theoretical and experimental groundwork, while Yaghi of the University of California, Berkeley, expanded the field dramatically by designing MOFs with tunable properties, tailoring them for specific tasks such as gas storage and water harvesting. Together, their work laid the foundation for a new branch of chemistry – one that blurs the line between molecular design and materials engineering.

The chemistry prize continues a tradition of recognising scientists whose work shapes the building blocks of modern science and technology. Last year, the Nobel went to David Baker, a biochemist at the University of Washington, and Google DeepMind researchers Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, for using artificial intelligence to decode the structures of nearly all known proteins – a feat that could revolutionise drug discovery.

In 2023, the award went to researchers who developed quantum dots, tiny particles now used in LED displays and medical imaging. This year’s winners, by contrast, are celebrated for opening new possibilities in materials chemistry – a field that touches everything from climate solutions to manufacturing and medicine.

The three laureates will share the 11 million Swedish kronor (£830,000) prize. Each joins a long line of scientists whose curiosity and perseverance have reshaped how humanity understands – and uses – the materials that make up the world.

As Heiner Linke of the Nobel Committee put it, ‘Their discovery shows that chemistry is not only about understanding nature, but also about creating new ways to make life better.’

The UK Manufacturing Africa has designed a programme to accelerate industrial growth by streamlining the connection between manufacturers and investors. By identifying and actively removing the various barriers that hinder successful deal flow, the programme is acting as a crucial intermediary, ensuring manufacturing businesses are presented with investment opportunities and vice versa.

The UK government-funded Manufacturing Africa (MA) programme, in collaboration with the Private Equity and Venture Capital Association of Nigeria (PEVCA), has today hosted an Investor Showcase and Roundtable aimed at connecting Nigerian entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector with leading investors.

Tunji Shekoni, vice president at the private equity arm of CardinalStone said the programme provided a value chain approach to due diligence.

‘ Manufacturing Africa supported with a number of things across the deal execution stage, we were going to do due diligence on this business in three key areas. One was market study, supply chain review, and third was around Environment, Social Governance. All of which they did extensive work on,’ Shekoni said. The event, held on Tuesday and themed ‘Aligning Vision with Capital’, presented a curated pipeline of investment-ready companies to investors while creating a platform for dialogue on how to enhance capital flows into Nigerian manufacturing.

High-potential businesses across health, FMCG, energy, and agriculture, supported by Manufacturing Africa, presented their investment opportunities to a room of investors, showcasing innovative solutions that are driving industrial transformation across the country. Some of the investors are: CardinalStone, Uhuru Capital, Kuramo Capital, Sahel Capital, Afrinvest, and many others.

‘Manufacturing Africa is excited to host its maiden investor engagement forum in Lagos. We believe that by showcasing some of the most exciting growth businesses, we will be able to support win-wins from a development perspective. Investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector will drive good-quality jobs, which is good for the country’s growth and its people. Meanwhile, investors will also meet firms operating in a growth market with a young population and significant domestic demand.’ Thomas Pascoe, Manufacturing Africa program Team Leader, said.

Manufacturing Africa (MA) is a UK government (FCDO) funded programme that aims to contribute to Africa’s economic transformation by attracting £1.2 billion of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into African manufacturing and create 90,000 jobs in the sector by 2026. As of July 2025, we have already helped companies close £2 billion of FDI investments and create 100,000+ jobs.

‘At PEVCA, we recognise that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector holds enormous potential, but unlocking that potential requires sustained collaboration between investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. This Showcase demonstrates what is possible when barriers are reduced and credible opportunities are brought to market. We are proud to partner with Manufacturing Africa to accelerate capital flows into Nigerian manufacturing, and remain committed to advocating for the policies and platforms that enable private capital to thrive,’ Anna Evi-Parker, Executive Secretary, Private Equity and Venture Capital Association of Nigeria (PEVCA).

During this Customer Service Week 2025, with its rallying theme ‘Mission Possible’, we are reminded that excellent customer service is not a marketing campaign-it is a culture, a mindset, and a lived reality.

In African tradition, we understand the wisdom of community. A harvest is only bountiful when every hand tills the soil, and a village thrives only when the well is maintained by all. The same truth applies in business: no single department can own customer service. It requires leadership, human resources, finance, operations, and every employee to recognise that their daily work touches the customer.

‘In African business cultures, hierarchy often creates deference. Staff may bow, nod, and echo ‘yes, sir’ out of habit, not genuine respect. True respect shows when employees volunteer ideas, take initiative, and go the extra mile.’

‘If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ – African Proverb

The paradox of service in business

Too often, service is misinterpreted as the polite smile at the front desk or the scripted greeting at a call centre. In truth, it is the cumulative effect of every internal process that affects the customer journey. An invoice delayed by finance, a late delivery by logistics, or a payroll error by HR-all these ripple into customer dissatisfaction.

That is why the African proverb resonates. To go far in the mission of service excellence, organisations must go together. Service is not about heroics; it is about systems aligned toward the customer.

Mission Possible: Breaking the myths

The theme Mission Possible challenges the myth that world-class service is unattainable in the face of Africa’s infrastructure deficits, economic pressures, or talent shortages. The truth is that:

Mission Possible begins with clarity of purpose. Employees who understand how their role connects to customer satisfaction bring ownership into their work.

Mission Possible thrives on empowerment. A staff member trusted to resolve a customer issue instantly creates more loyalty than a scripted apology.

Mission Possible is sustained by systems. Good intentions collapse without structures-training, recognition, clear feedback channels, and accountability.

Leaders who treat poor service as inevitable institutionalise mediocrity. Leaders who believe service excellence is possible-and back it with deliberate systems-prove that the impossible can be made possible. Examples that Inspire

Across Nigeria and Africa, both private and public institutions have demonstrated that Mission Possible is not a slogan but an achievable reality.

Private sector champions

Stanbic IBTC Bank (Nigeria) was recognised in 2025 as Bank of the Year for Customer Service at the Industry Summit/Awards. Even in a crowded sector, it proved that digital channels, empowered staff, and operational efficiency can distinguish customer experience. PalmPay (Nigeria/Africa) won Consumer-Friendly Business of the Year at the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) Awards. By investing in trust, responsiveness, and grievance resolution, it showed that fintechs can scale without losing empathy.

Access Bank (Nigeria/Africa) continues to earn awards for innovation and customer-centric banking. Its reputation as the Best SME Bank demonstrates how aligning technology with customer support builds loyalty across markets.

Keystone Bank (Nigeria), once considered a smaller player, has been recognised for customer service excellence. By focusing on accessibility and consistency, it proved that service culture can be a differentiator even without the scale of the largest banks.

Advans Nigeria (Microfinance) was named Microfinance Bank of the Decade at The Edge Awards in 2025. In financial inclusion, where trust is everything, Advans demonstrated that serving underserved communities with fairness and dignity is both good business and social impact.

Public sector lessons in Africa

Across Africa, several public-facing institutions provide lessons. Rwanda’s civil registration services, Kenya’s eCitizen portal, and South Africa’s municipal service desks have been highlighted in governance reports for streamlining citizen access, improving transparency, and treating citizens as customers.

The lesson is clear: service excellence is not the preserve of private enterprise. With the right systems, even government agencies can transform citizen experiences and rebuild trust.

HR as the custodian of service culture

Human Resources must be positioned as a central driver of customer service culture. Recruitment should prioritise service orientation, not just technical competence. Training should emphasise empathy, responsiveness, and problem-solving. Performance systems should reward behaviours that protect and enhance customer trust.

Service excellence is not about perfection. Customers do not expect flawless processes, but they do expect responsiveness and care. A mistake corrected with urgency and humility often leaves a stronger impression than a seamless but impersonal transaction.

The African business lesson

In the African marketplace, service has always been personal. Customers return to the same market stall not just for the goods, but because the seller greets them by name, extends credit when times are hard, and keeps promises. The modern challenge is to scale that intimacy across large organisations and digital platforms without losing its humanity.

Technology can accelerate service, but culture sustains it. Without a culture of accountability, even the most advanced platforms collapse under the weight of indifference.

Conclusion

As we commemorate Customer Service Week 2025, let us remember the proverb: ‘If you want to go far, go together.’ Service excellence cannot be achieved by a single department. It is the business of everyone, from the boardroom to the shop floor.

The Nigerian and African institutions highlighted above prove that Mission Possible is not aspirational-it is achievable. Their example teaches us that service excellence is built not by chance, but by purpose, structure, and culture.

When organisations embed service into every process and empower every employee to act with empathy and accountability, customers do not just stay-they become advocates. That is the essence of making ‘Mission Possible’ not just a theme, but a way of life.

The federal government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned strike, assuring that it remains fully committed to addressing all outstanding issues raised by the union.

Maruf Olatunji Alausa, minister of education, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the progress of ongoing negotiations, stressing that President Bola Tinubu had directed that every effort be made to avert disruptions in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

Alausa disclosed that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track talks with both academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

‘We are finalising the components of the condition of service that ASUU has proposed. Our counterpart committee is also working to conclude its response, and hopefully, by the end of today or tomorrow, the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Committee will present the Federal Government’s counter-offer to ASUU,’ the minister said.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had given clear directives that all efforts must be made to avoid another disruption in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

‘The President has mandated us to do everything humanly possible to avoid a strike. People at the highest level of government have been working several hours behind the scenes to come up with a robust but affordable response to the unions’ demands. These issues have dragged on for over 10 to 15 years, but this administration is determined to resolve them once and for all,’ he said. The minister stated that unlike in the past, where separate committees handled negotiations for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, the government had now adopted a unified approach to ensure efficiency and coherence in the process.

According to Alausa, about 80 per cent of the unions’ requests are similar across the tertiary subsectors, while the remaining 20 per cent relate to peculiar career and institutional needs. ‘We have seen all the requests, and we understand their peculiarities. The new committee has started work already and will continue to engage the unions expeditiously to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,’ he said.

The minister also urged ASUU and other unions to embrace dialogue as a first option rather than resorting to industrial action.

‘We know you have been patient, but please don’t use strike as your first resort. These are issues that have lingered for decades. President Tinubu has shown genuine political will and benevolence towards education. We will resolve this matter comprehensively, respectfully, and in a way the government can afford,’

Alausa highlighted several steps already taken by the government to demonstrate commitment, including the release of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and the provision of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for the revitalisation of tertiary institutions.

‘The President has kept his promises. We have addressed promotional arrears, and the issues of wage awards and allowances have been resolved. By next year, all arrears will be fully cleared, including the 2025 wage award. The government is sincere and committed,’ he added.

He assured that discussions on the new conditions of service would soon be concluded, noting that this was the final component of the ongoing negotiation process.

‘We have resolved most of the concerns raised by the unions, and we are now at the final stage of the conditions of service. We are pleading for patience. The government is truthful and genuinely interested in resolving this crisis once and for all.’

Meanwhile, ASUU has already begun full mobilisation of its members in preparation for a possible nationwide warning strike ahead of its 14-day ultimatum, which is set to expire on Sunday this week.

Moniepoint Inc., a leading Nigerian fintech unicorn, is laying the groundwork to transform financial access for Nigerians in the UK through its subsidiary, Moniepoint GB, despite reporting a £1.2 million loss for the 2024 financial year.

According to a financial statement reviewed by BusinessDay, the loss reflects strategic setup costs for entering the UK’s highly regulated market, including a $2.5 million equity deposit for the acquisition of Bancom, a UK electronic money firm, completed in July 2025.

These investments are poised to enhance financial services for the UK’s African diaspora, particularly Nigerians seeking seamless cross-border transactions. Incorporated in February 2024, Moniepoint GB recorded no revenue during the year as it focused on building a secure and scalable platform.

The company clarified that the £1.2 million figure represents essential investments in technology, regulatory compliance, and customer support infrastructure, not an operational shortfall.

‘What has been reported as a loss actually reflects set-up costs,’ Moniepoint stated, emphasising that such expenditures are typical for fintechs entering markets with stringent standards like the UK. A key milestone in Moniepoint GB’s strategy is the acquisition of Bancom, an entity authorised by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This move provides a robust regulatory foundation, enabling Moniepoint GB to offer compliant and reliable financial services. ‘By acquiring an already-authorised firm, we secure a solid regulatory foothold, which is paramount for providing reliable financial services,’ the company said.

This foundation is critical for serving Nigerians abroad, who rely on secure and efficient remittance channels to support families and businesses in Nigeria. Moniepoint GB’s first product, MonieWorld, launched in April 2025, allows UK residents to send money directly to any Nigerian bank account using a MonieWorld account, British bank cards, or Apple Pay and Google Pay. This service addresses a critical need for the UK’s Nigerian diaspora, offering a convenient and accessible way to transfer funds.

Moniepoint has signaled plans to roll out additional products, further strengthening financial connectivity between the UK and Nigeria.

Backed by a $110 million investment in 2024 from investors including Google, which elevated Moniepoint Inc. to a $1 billion valuation, the company is well-positioned to deliver on its mission of financial happiness.

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is poised for a significant leap forward as operators pledge over $1 billion in new investments to expand broadband coverage, spurred by a wave of state-level reforms slashing Right-of-Way (RoW) fees.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who disclosed this at the Business Roundtable on Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity at the Digital Economy Complex in Mbora, announced that five additional states, Adamawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Benue, and Zamfara, have eliminated RoW charges entirely.

This builds on the earlier decision by six states: Anambra, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Osun, and Plateau, to eliminate RoW fees, bringing the total to 11 states offering zero-cost RoW to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment.

This move is set to accelerate Nigeria’s ambitious goal of achieving 70 percent broadband penetration by the end of 2025, unlocking economic growth and digital inclusion across the country. The RoW fee waivers address one of the telecom industry’s most persistent barriers: the high costs imposed by state governments for laying fibre optic cables along public roads. Despite a 2013 Nigerian Governors Forum resolution capping RoW fees at N145 per linear meter, inconsistent and often exorbitant charges have slowed broadband deployment, particularly in underserved regions.

Maida highlighted that the decision by 11 states to waive these fees, with 17 others adhering to the N145 cap, signals a growing recognition of broadband’s role as a catalyst for economic transformation. ‘These reforms are a game-changer. They reduce costs for operators, boost investor confidence, and pave the way for faster, more affordable connectivity for Nigerians,’ Maida said.

The $1 billion investment commitment from telecom operators, confirmed by Maida, is a direct response to these policy shifts and recent NCC regulatory actions. Earlier this year, the NCC approved cost-reflective and competitive tariff rates, bolstering investor confidence in a sector already contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

With broadband penetration at 48.81 percent as of August 2025, serving over 140 million internet users, the sector is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.

Research cited by Maida suggests a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration could drive 1.38 percent GDP growth in developing economies, potentially adding billions in economic output, new jobs, and innovation hubs across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The stakes are high in a country with over 200 million people and a median age of 18. Maida emphasized that reliable, affordable connectivity is critical to equipping Nigeria’s youth for the global digital economy. ‘Our graduates can compete globally, our entrepreneurs can access international markets, and our states can foster innovation-driven ecosystems,’ he said, pointing to Rwanda’s success as a digital services hub and India’s $240 billion IT outsourcing industry as models Nigeria could surpass with the right infrastructure. However, challenges remain.

The EVC noted that between January and August 2025, Nigeria recorded 19,384 fibre cut incidents, 3,241 cases of equipment theft, and over 19,000 denials of access to telecom sites, causing outages, revenue losses, and increased security costs.

These disruptions underscore the urgency of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2024, which strengthens protections for telecom assets.

The NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has established a Telecommunications Industry Working Group to enforce site security standards and has launched public awareness campaigns to curb vandalism.

To further streamline broadband expansion, the NCC is promoting a ‘dig-once’ policy to coordinate fibre deployment with public works, reducing accidental cuts and civil works costs. The commission also commissioned a wholesale Fibre Study to ensure transparent interconnection terms for backbone owners and Internet Service Providers, unlocking last-mile expansion. On October 9, the NCC will launch two tools: the Ease of Doing Business Portal, a one-stop platform for state-level telecom information, and the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI), a scorecard to rank states’ digital readiness and drive accountability.

Maida called on governors to adopt uniform RoW policies, institutionalise coordination with operators, and support hybrid power solutions to enhance network reliability. ‘Every state holds a strategic lever. Alignment across all 36 states can transform Nigeria into a continental digital powerhouse,’ he said.

States that have waived RoW fees are already seeing expanded networks, proving the impact of pro-investment policies. As Nigeria races to meet its National Broadband Plan target of deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure by year-end, the RoW waivers and operator investments signal a turning point.

Barcelona have announced a post-tax loss of pound 17 million for the 2024/25 financial year, marking a significant improvement from the pound 91 million loss reported in the previous season.

While this represents the club’s second consecutive year of losses, overall revenue has soared, reflecting a period of strong commercial performance amid ongoing financial restructuring and the massive Spotify Camp Nou renovation project. According to the club’s official financial report, Barcelona’s total revenue hit pound 994 million ($1.16 billion), up pound 100 million from the previous year, boosted by a series of key factors, including:

A lucrative 14-year, pound 1.7 billion partnership with Nike, strong merchandising sales, UEFA Champions League run and sell-out crowds at the Olympic Stadium during Camp Nou’s renovation

Despite the temporary relocation from Camp Nou, matchday revenue rose by pound 39 million, while sponsorship income reached a record pound 259 million. Merchandise sales also surged by 55%, totalling pound 170 million, driven by the global expansion of Barça’s e-commerce operations in more than 170 countries.

The club’s finances, however, remain under the strain of its Espai Barça project, which includes the redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou.

The construction loans and rising interest costs have made the balance sheet a delicate juggling act between progress and prudence.

When the Camp Nou reopens at full capacity, it is projected to inject an additional pound 50 million ($58m) in annual revenue, likely pushing Barcelona’s income above the pound 1 billion mark for the first time.

Despite the ongoing challenges, club president Joan Laporta insists the latest results show ‘consolidation, not crisis.’

‘The reduction in debt and wage control places Barçelona in a strong position to face the new season,’ the club said in a statement. ‘We project more than pound 1 billion in ordinary revenue and expect to maintain positive results for the third consecutive year.’

The club reported a pound 90 million reduction in debt, bringing the total down to pound 469 million. Meanwhile, wages now account for 54% of revenue, keeping Barcelona well within UEFA Financial Fair Play limits.

Other notable developments include:

The revaluation of Barça Productions to pound 178 million.

Over pound 70 million raised through the sale of Personal Seating Licenses (PSL).

Settlement of UEFA Financial Fair Play breaches with a pound 15 million fine

Laporta and sporting director Deco are now tasked with maintaining financial discipline while maximising performance. The club’s famed La Masia academy continues to play a crucial role in cost control and talent development.

‘A couple more Lamine Yamals, and the Camp Nou will pay for itself,’ one club insider quipped, highlighting the academy’s role in balancing the books.

Barcelona also underlined its expanding global reach, noting that its YouTube channel now leads all sports organisations worldwide with over 24 million subscribers and record-breaking digital engagement, including 9.7 million unique viewers during the recent Joan Gamper Festival.

With financial discipline improving and commercial revenue at all-time highs, Barcelona appear to be stabilising, even as the club continues to walk a fine line between ambition and austerity.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has said that promoting industrialisation and implementing policies that encourage regional trade are crucial steps toward achieving Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target by 2030.

Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Group stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, during a press briefing to mark the close of the 31st edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit.

According to him, it has become imperative for government to coordinate policies and ensure they harmonise with the broader West African region, for easy movement of goods and services and persons across the continent.

For him, there is need for Nigeria to focus on the processing of raw materials.

‘One of the policies that was mentioned is an African mobility-free movement, or easy movement of goods and services and persons across the continent. That is important.

‘Trade is critical, industrialisation is also critical for us to become a $1 trillion economy. So we’ve got to industrialise, we’ve got to move from agriculture to be able to process the output of our farms and become a country that exports not just raw materials, but process the goods and services where incredible value has been added.

Yusuf also reiterated the need for Nigerians to protect and support investors, especially domestic investors. ‘The way we treat domestic investors sends a signal of how we treat other investors. And so from the NESG, we call on governments, labor, civil society, and Nigerians as a whole, that we all should warmly embrace investors. ‘We all should protect investments. And if we do that, everybody benefits. The government benefits in terms of IGR, individuals benefit in terms of decent work and income, communities benefit, everyone benefits,’ he said.

In his remarks, Sampson Ebimaro, permanent secretary, ministry of budget and economic planning, said that the annual summit is critical for policy making, adding that there was need to set targets to drive effective implementation of policies generated.

‘Going forward, we need to set targets and say between now and 5 or 10 years time, this is what we want to achieve working with government. With that said, anyone can look at Nigerian Economic Summit Group and say, yes, we do have a goal, we have a target, and this is how far we have come,’ he said.

Also speaking, Tayo Aduloju, chief executive officer of NESG said that the summit, in the past 30 years has been instrumental in shaping government’s policies.

If you’re planning to grow your business or launch a new venture, Canada is one of the most welcoming and stable markets to consider. Whether you’re a Canadian entrepreneur or an international company looking to expand, the country offers unique benefits that promote long-term development. From its strong economy to an inclusive workforce, Canada continues to be a top destination for business investment.

Let’s explore six major advantages of operating a business in Canada and how they can support your success.

1. Canada is Geographically Strategic

Canada’s physical location makes it a powerful hub for global commerce. Surrounded by the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, the country acts as a natural link between North America, Europe, and Asia. Its logistics network is impressive,boasting more than 550 ports, over 1,000 airports, and hundreds of heliports. These connections allow businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently both locally and internationally.

Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are within easy reach of major U.S. and European financial centers. This closeness reduces travel time, cuts shipping costs, and simplifies international partnerships. On top of that, Canada’s highways and railways form a reliable infrastructure that ensures products can be moved across provinces without hassle. For any business that depends on timely deliveries or global reach, Canada’s accessibility is a major plus.

2. Canada Has a Strong and Resilient Economy

Stability is one of Canada’s biggest draws for businesses. The country has a steady economy with consistent growth, a low inflation rate, and a secure banking system. Even during tough times like the COVID-19 crisis, the government acted swiftly with financial support and vaccine programs that helped businesses stay afloat and recover faster.

This dependable environment gives business owners peace of mind. You can expect well-maintained public services, reliable utilities, and a market that holds up under global pressure. With the Canadian dollar seen as a trustworthy currency and wages staying competitive, it’s a favorable setting for both companies and their employees. This stability reduces risk and allows entrepreneurs to plan for the long term.

3. Corporate Taxes are Business-Friendly

One of the biggest financial perks of doing business in Canada is its competitive corporate tax structure. Compared to other major economies in the G7, Canada offers one of the lowest overall tax rates for corporations. For business owners, this means keeping more of your profits and having more capital available to grow, innovate, or reinvest in operations.

In addition, Canada doesn’t charge a repatriation tax on foreign-earned profits thanks to its territorial tax system. The tax environment encourages companies, whether domestic or international, to expand within the country. Lower taxes help reduce overall expenses, giving businesses a stronger financial foundation to scale and compete.

4. Canada Offers a Highly Skilled and Diverse Workforce

Canada is home to a well-educated, capable, and culturally diverse population. Businesses in Canada benefit from a broad talent pool that includes professionals in technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, and more. The government supports workforce growth through training programs, development incentives, and easy access to labor market resources.

What sets Canada apart is its diversity. Almost one in four people living in the country were born abroad, and over 20% identify as racialized or Indigenous. This multicultural background leads to fresh perspectives, stronger innovation, and access to multilingual employees, qualities that are especially useful when entering global markets. Businesses that want to think outside the box and reach diverse customer bases will find Canada’s workforce a major asset.

As an example of Canada’s openness to new industries, the online gambling sector has seen impressive growth. Provinces have embraced regulated online casinos in Canada, offering players a wide range of casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, bingo, and live dealer games. This has opened doors for startups and tech companies in the iGaming space, proving that Canada fosters innovation in both traditional and digital business landscapes. For entrepreneurs interested in entertainment, fintech, or gaming, it’s a sign that Canada is ready to support forward-thinking ventures.

5. Canada Welcomes Global Talent and Immigrants

Canada stands out for its inclusive and supportive immigration policies. If you’re considering relocating your team or hiring international professionals, Canada makes the process easier than most countries. The nation’s approach to immigration is grounded in multiculturalism and longstanding policies that promote integration rather than exclusion.

Programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program make it possible for skilled workers and business owners to move to Canada with fewer barriers. Immigrants are welcomed by both the government and the public, creating an environment where diverse talent can thrive. This openness is a big advantage for companies looking to recruit globally or scale across borders.

6. Canada Has Strong Intellectual Property Protections

Protecting your ideas and innovations is critical, and Canada excels in this area. The country has modern intellectual property (IP) laws and belongs to international agreements that ensure your patents, trademarks, and designs are secure across borders. Businesses that rely on technology, branding, or proprietary processes can operate here with confidence.

Recent changes to Canadian IP laws have strengthened protections. For example, industrial designs are now safeguarded for up to 15 years, an increase from the previous 10. The IP registration process is also faster and more user-friendlythanks to digital applications. Whether you’re a solo inventor or a multinational tech firm, Canada gives you the legal tools to defend your creations and remain competitive.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has highlighted the gains recorded by his administration in the areas of mining, agriculture, education and human capital development.

Sule spoke as a panelist during a joint session of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the African Development Bank AfDB) organised on the sidelines of the Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The governor recounted the success story of the state’s education sector, recalling that at the commencement of his administration in 2019, the state’s WAEC enrollment and performance were very low, with Nasarawa State ranking 28th out of 36 states.

He stated that the state government took a decision to pay for WAEC registeration fees for all students which spurred Nasarawa to 5th position in the country this year.

The governor further highlighted major reforms in the solid minerals sector, adding that following the discovery of high-quality lithium, an executive order was issued to ban the export of raw minerals, mandating local processing. He explained, the policy has given birth to major foreign and domestic investments, including the largest lithium mining and processing facility in Nigeria, with a capacity of 3000 metric tons daily, and another 6000 metric ton plant set to be commissioned by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Governor Sule also emphasised the fundamental connection between investment and human capital, explaining that the state has entered into partnerships with companies where signature bonuses are used to fund training for the local workforce. He acknowledged the ongoing job of rehabilitating the state’s 1,400 public primary schools, noting that while significant progress has been made, moving from 10 percent to nearly 50 percent of schools meeting good standards, more work remains.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment, reflected in consistently allocating over 26 percent of the annual budget to education.

On agriculture, the Governor stated that the sector remains a non-negotiable priority for national food security, especially given its 26 percent contribution to the national GDP.

He described the state’s practical steps in agriculture, with his administration starting with the cultivation of 2,000 hectares of rice, which was successfully harvested and sold to Olam, with the state now expanding by clearing an additional 1,300 hectares of virgin land.

He expressed confidence in the state’s potential, boosted by storage infrastructure set up by the Federal Government in Lafia, urging every state in the federation to leverage its own agricultural potential.

Governor Sule restated that for Nigeria to achieve true economic prosperity, every state must look inwards and unlock its unique potential in sectors like mining and agriculture, moving the nation firmly towards a diversified and sustainable economic future.

‘The good thing about Nigeria is that every state has potential for agriculture. There is no state whatsoever that if they want to go into agriculture, they will encounter difficulties,’ he stated.