The CBN’s 2026–2030 strategy targets cutting Nigeria’s unbanked from 36% to 15% via agent banking, digital ID and consumer protection. What it means for banks
Section
Money
PAPSS: Nigeria Switches On Naira-Settled Cross-Border Payments
The CBN activates Nigeria’s participation in PAPSS, enabling instant cross-border payments in local currencies, easing dollar demand and supporting AfCFTA
Gig Pensions: PenCom Brings Drivers and Traders Into Micro-Pensions
PenCom expands Nigeria’s micro-pension scheme to ride-hailing drivers, artisans and market traders, widening voluntary contributors and deepening domestic
Consolidation: Nigeria’s Recapitalised Banks Eye a Wave of Acquisitions
Nigeria’s recapitalised banks are eyeing acquisitions of smaller rivals as capital-adequacy rules bite, signalling a consolidation wave with real trade-offs.
Africa GreenCo’s $21.5 million raise makes power trading infrastructure
The regional energy trader’s latest capital round shows why Southern Africa’s electricity constraint is increasingly being addressed through markets as well as new generation.
FirstRand Namibia’s balance sheet is becoming growth infrastructure
N$2.14 billion in headline earnings matters beyond bank profitability because Namibia’s next investment cycle will require institutions capable of financing larger corporate and infrastructure demand.
Mortgages: FMBN Moves to Widen Single-Digit Home Loans via the NHF
The FMBN plans to expand National Housing Fund mortgage financing and widen single-digit-rate home loans in Nigeria, testing whether cheap credit can scale.
Dormant Accounts: CBN Tightens KYC for Reactivating Idle Balances
The CBN now requires fresh KYC documents and management approval to reactivate dormant Nigerian bank accounts, closing a soft entry point for fraud.
BVN Rules: CBN Sets 18 as the Minimum Age for Bank Verification
The CBN’s March 2026 circular sets 18 as the minimum age for a BVN, ending BVNs for minors and pushing Nigerian banks toward custodial youth-account design.