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Nigeria Records N6.52tn Trade Surplus in Q1 2024, Driven by Surge in Exports

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Nigeria has achieved a significant trade surplus of N6.52 trillion in the first quarter of 2024, marking a remarkable recovery from the trade deficits recorded in previous quarters.

This surplus, the highest since 2009, underscores the country’s strong economic performance and is a substantial improvement from the N1.41 trillion deficit in Q4 2023 and the N927.2 billion deficit in Q1 2023, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The Q1 2024 surplus surpasses the previous record of N5.74 trillion set in Q4 2011. This impressive economic turnaround is largely driven by a substantial increase in exports, which totaled N19.17 trillion, a 51.00% increase from the previous quarter’s N12.69 trillion and a 195.47% rise from N6.49 trillion in Q1 2023.

The exchange rate depreciation also played a role in enhancing the Naira value of trade.

Export Performance Highlights

Crude oil exports dominated, accounting for 80.80% of total exports at N15.49 trillion. This represents a 50.20% increase from N10.31 trillion in Q4 2023 and a staggering 200.79% rise from N5.15 trillion in Q1 2023. Other major exports included liquefied natural gas, sesamum seeds, urea, and superior-quality cocoa beans.

France emerged as the leading destination for Nigerian exports, accounting for 11.09% of the total export value. This was followed closely by Spain, which represented 10.56% of Nigeria’s total exports. Similar to France, Spain’s imports from Nigeria largely consist of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, underlining the strong energy trade ties between Nigeria and the European Union.

The Netherlands accounted for 8.85% of Nigeria’s total exports. The country’s significant import of Nigerian crude oil and agricultural products like cocoa beans affirms its strategic trade relationship with Nigeria. India accounted for 8.41% of Nigeria’s total exports.

The trade with India is heavily dominated by crude oil, which forms the backbone of the bilateral trade relationship. Additionally, India imports agricultural products such as sesamum seeds from Nigeria.

The United States was responsible for 6.84% of Nigeria’s total exports in Q1 2024. The trade relationship primarily revolves around the export of crude oil and other energy products, alongside agricultural commodities.

Import Performance Highlights

Total imports for Q1 2024 stood at N12.64 trillion, reflecting a 39.65% increase from N9.05 trillion in Q4 2023 and a 95.53% rise from N6.47 trillion in Q1 2023. Major imported commodities included motor spirit ordinary, gas oil, durum wheat, cane sugar meant for sugar refinery, and other liquefied petroleum gases.

China was Nigeria’s top trading partner on the import side, contributing 23.18% to the total imports. The imports from China primarily include machinery, transport equipment, and various manufactured goods, reflecting the strong industrial and technological ties between the two countries. India accounted for 8.46% of Nigeria’s total imports.

The trade with India involves the import of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and industrial machinery, showcasing a diversified trade portfolio. The United States contributed 7.98% to Nigeria’s total imports. Major imports from the U.S. include machinery, transport equipment, and agricultural products, reflecting a broad spectrum of trade activities. Belgium was responsible for 7.56% of Nigeria’s total imports.

The country’s exports to Nigeria are dominated by machinery, chemical products, and various manufactured goods. With a 4.68% share of total imports, the Netherlands is a significant trading partner for Nigeria. The imports primarily consist of chemical products, machinery, and transport equipment.

Agricultural Trade

Agricultural exports saw substantial growth, totaling N1.04 trillion, up by 123.08% from N463.97 billion in Q4 2023 and by 270.13% from N279.64 billion in Q1 2023. Agricultural imports were valued at N920.54 billion, reflecting a 29.45% increase from N711.14 billion in Q4 2023 and a 95.28% rise from N471.39 billion in Q1 2023.

Trade by Mode of Transport

Maritime transport was the primary mode of transport for Nigeria’s trade activities. For exports, maritime transport accounted for N19.02 trillion, representing 99.25% of total exports. This highlights the importance of Nigeria’s ports and shipping infrastructure in facilitating the bulk of the country’s international trade.

On the import side, maritime transport was used for goods valued at N11.91 trillion, making up 94.17% of total imports. The reliance on marine transport is indicative of the volume and bulk of goods traded, which typically include heavy and large consignments like crude oil, machinery, and industrial equipment.

Air transport played a minor role in Nigeria’s trade, accounting for N55.32 billion or 0.29% of total exports. For imports, air transport was used for goods valued at N707.56 billion, representing 5.60% of total imports. The use of air transport is typically reserved for high-value, low-bulk goods such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable items that require quick delivery.

Road transport accounted for N30.20 billion or 0.16% of total exports and N30.11 billion or 0.24% of total imports. While the volume is relatively small compared to maritime and air transport, road transport is crucial for regional trade within the ECOWAS subregion and neighboring countries, facilitating the movement of goods across land borders.

Other modes of transport, including rail and inland waterways, accounted for N58.65 billion or 0.31% of total exports. This category is indicative of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify its transport infrastructure to enhance trade efficiency.

African Startups Raised $187 million in Total Funding in May 2024

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Team at work

In what marked a rebound compared to what was raised in the previous month, a report by Africa: The Big Deal, revealed that startups in Africa raised $187 million in funding.

In April, data revealed that African startups raised $75 million, representing a 149% increase in funding for the continent’s startups last month.

The figures recorded in May, made it the second-highest month in terms of fundraising in the past 6-month period. A total of 64 ventures received at least $100k in funding, a very high number compared to previous months.

The total funding announced last month was split between 4% in grants, 31% in equity, and 65% in debt ($122m, including $51m for M-KOPA and $50m for Spiro). In addition, 3 exits were recorded in May, which include; Lesaka’s technology acquisition of online payment platform Adumo for $85m.

Busbud’s acquisition of Ratality in South Africa to integrate revenue management capabilities into its platform, and the much-discussed Paystack-led consortium acquisition of Brass.

The report disclosed that since the beginning of the year, $729 million has been announced in funding (excluding exits), which still lag behind previous periods.

Part of the report reads,

“As numbers can fluctuate quite heavily on a monthly basis, it is more significant to compare numbers over longer periods, for instance 2024 ‘year to date’ to previous comparable periods (Jan-May, ‘J-M’), to account for seasonality.

“Since the beginning of the year, $729m have been announced in funding (excluding exits), a total still lagging behind previous periods: $1.7b in J-M 2023, $2.7b in I-M 2022 and $1.1b in J-M 2021. However, in terms of number of ventures raising at least $1m, 2024 so far compares rather well to some previous years: 90 vs. 95 in J-M 2023 and 91 in J-M 2021 (2022 was exceptional though with 200 ventures involved in $1m+ deals in Jan-May)”.

In a notable trend, two previous trends were identified to be re-occurring. The shares of funding to climate-related ventures continued to rise from 19% in Jan-May 2021, grew to 23% in J-M 2022, 32% in J-M 2023, and so far in 2024, recorded 44% of all the funding announced (exits).

Also, the weight of debt financing is confirmed by the masters numbers. It represented 35% of all funding announced in January to May 2024, in line with the previous period (38% in J-M 2023), and in stark contrast with the previous years between 4% and 8% for comparable periods in 2019-2022.

Despite the resurgence in funding recorded in May, the African tech startup funding space is still suffering from a paucity of investment inflow. In 2024 so far, the continent has attracted $729 million between January and May. This is a huge decline compared to the $1.1 billion recorded within the same time frame in 2021, $2.7 billion in 2022, and $1.7 billion recorded in the same time limit in 2023.

However, looking ahead, the surge in investment in May 2024 sets a positive tone for the rest of the year, indicating robust growth prospects for African startups. As these companies continue to innovate and expand, they are poised to make significant contributions to economic development and technological advancement on the continent.

Uche Paragon Launches Premier Online Trading School and Digital Hub in Lagos

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Lagos, Nigeria has become the epicenter of a groundbreaking venture in financial education with the launch of the Uche Paragon Trading School. Founded by Uche Paragon, a notable figure in the world of online Fin-tech trading and investment, this online trading school is designed to provide comprehensive training and resources for individuals aspiring to excel in various financial markets.

A Diverse Range of Courses.

The Uche Paragon Trading School offers a broad spectrum of courses tailored to meet the needs of both novice and experienced traders. Key offerings include:

Crude Oil Trading: Learn the intricacies of trading one of the world’s most valuable commodities.

Gold Trading: Understand the dynamics of the precious metals market and how to profit from it.

Cryptocurrency Trading: Dive into the digital currency revolution with courses on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies.

Equity Investing: Master the art of investing in stocks, understanding market trends, and building a profitable portfolio.

Investment Banking: Gain insights into the complex world of investment banking, including mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and financial advisory services.

Real Estate: Explore the fundamentals of real estate investing, from residential properties to commercial real estate, and learn how to maximize returns.

Cyber Security: Equip yourself with knowledge on protecting financial data and systems in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Wealth Management: Develop skills in managing personal and client wealth effectively.

Expert Facilitators

The school boasts a team of seasoned facilitators who bring real-world experience and academic rigor to their teaching. Notable instructors include Dr. Emeka Unachukwu and Manasseh Gbede, who are renowned for their expertise in financial markets and investment strategies.

Flexible Learning Options

Understanding the diverse needs of its students, the Uche Paragon Trading School offers flexible learning options. Courses are available both online and on-site, ensuring accessibility for individuals regardless of their location. This hybrid model allows students to learn at their own pace and convenience, making high-quality financial education more accessible than ever.

Community and Networking

Beyond the classroom, the Uche Paragon Trading School fosters a vibrant community of traders and investors. This digital hub serves as a platform for networking, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas, creating an ecosystem where students can thrive and grow together.

A Vision for the Future

Uche Paragon’s vision extends beyond individual success. By equipping people with the knowledge and skills to navigate the financial markets, the school aims to contribute to the broader economic development of Africa and beyond. This initiative represents a significant step towards increasing financial literacy and fostering a culture of informed investment.

Limited Spaces Available 

With the high demand for quality financial education, spaces at the Uche Paragon Trading School are filling up quickly, you can sign up today to secure your spot and embark on a journey towards financial empowerment and success.

To learn more about the courses, facilitators, and opportunities at the Uche Paragon Trading School, visit their https://ucheparagontradingschool.com/

With its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, the Uche Paragon Trading School is poised to become a leading institution in the realm of financial education, empowering a new generation of traders and investors to achieve their financial goals.

Nigeria’s Trade Surplus: “Naira Devaluation Fuels Export Boom” – Nigeria Customs Service

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Timi Bomodi, comptroller of the Seme command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), highlighted the positive impact of the naira devaluation on the country’s exports.

His comments come in the wake of Nigeria’s record-breaking N6.52 trillion trade surplus in the first quarter of 2024. Bomodi shared his insights during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

He noted that the dynamics of imports and exports are significantly influenced by market forces, particularly supply and demand. He said, “The exchange rate plays a big role in determining the demand or the purchasing power of the people.”

Discussing the exchange rate’s effect on exports, Bomodi said, “As the value of naira begins to decline, you find out that Nigerian-made goods are considered cheap within the region. This encourages people from neighbouring countries to want to purchase goods from Nigeria. While we complain that the exchange rate has a negative impact on imports, it has a positive impact on exports.”

He explained that although a high dollar value makes it challenging for Nigerians to import goods, it makes Nigerian goods more affordable and attractive to neighboring countries.

“For the first time, you have a net export gain for Nigeria vis a vis her neighbouring countries, because you find out that what makes Nigerians go to their neighbours is now making them come to Nigeria,” he said.

The comptroller also stressed that the devaluation of the naira has had a beneficial impact on the local economy.

“Even a devalued naira is an advantage for export. So it’s not such a negative thing, but in trade, you have to balance both ends,” he said.

Bomodi outlined the critical role of the Seme-Krake border post in facilitating legitimate trade, managing imports and exports, and enforcing government fiscal policies, especially in areas of prohibition.

“The Lagos-Abidjan corridor is considered the most viable trade corridor in West Africa and indeed the whole of Africa. It’s so strategic to the economic development of Africa that the European Union and other international agencies are ready to invest heavily in infrastructure around this axis,” he added.

However, the Nigerian Customs Service has faced criticism for the incessant increases in export and import rates, which many believe hampers trade growth. Economists have reiterated that the customs service is not a revenue-generating agency, calling on the NCS to lower these rates to boost trade, investment, and economic activities.

They note that reducing these tariffs could significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitive edge in the global market, encouraging more robust trade relations and economic growth.

Analysts at Financial Derivatives Company Limited said the naira, which exchanges at around N1,476.12 to dollar at the official market, is currently overvalued by 37.91 percent.

Naira’s current devaluation trajectory started on June 14, 2023, when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the foreign exchange (FX) market. The apex bank stated that all FX windows are now merged into the investors and exporters (I&E) window, now known as NAFEM.

Since the naira’s floatation, there have been consistent fluctuations in the FX market.

Economists argue that the significant drop in the naira’s value is beneficial for Nigeria’s efforts to boost exports. Data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) supports this view, showing that the country recorded a substantial trade surplus, largely due to the naira’s devaluation.

“Nigeria’s total merchandise trade stood at N31,810.59 billion in Q1, 2024. This represents an increase of 46.27% over the value recorded in the preceding quarter and a rise of 145.58% compared to the value recorded in the corresponding period of 2023,” the NBS reported.

Export activities accounted for 60.25% of total trade in the reviewed quarter, with a value of N19,167.36 billion. This marks a 51.00% increase from Q4 2023 and a remarkable 195.47% rise from Q1 2023.

Crypto Staking Platforms: Earn Passive Income by Staking Polygon – A Guide to Start Today

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Polygon natively supports staking due to its Proof of Work consensus mechanism; but a centralized staking platform like Coin offers indirect staking opportunities by leveraging the DeFi ecosystem built on other blockchains, so Polygon holders can earn passive income through complex financial products.

Staking Polygon is possible. Crypto staking is locking up your crypto to support the network and earn rewards, to earn passive income.

Although indirect, staking Polygon can be complex, especially for those new to DeFi. Staking throughCoin requires a deep understanding of the underlying tech and risks.

Staking Process on Coin

Go to the Official Coin Staking Page

To stake on Coin, you need to make sure your digital wallet is compatible and connected to the platform. Coin supports multiple wallets, each with its features and security. Choosing the right one requires considering security preferences and functional requirements.

After wallet integration, the user can navigate to Coin’s user-friendly interface to find the staking section. There, step by step guide will lead you to allocate your Polygon for staking. Users should pay attention to the staking agreement terms, including duration, rewards, and any early withdrawal penalties to optimize their staking strategy within the platform’s constraints.

Choosing a Crypto Staking Pool

When choosing a staking pool, consider these factors.

Reputation and History: An established pool with consistent payouts is key.

 

Commission Rates: Check the fees of the pool; lower is better.

Performance and Uptime: Look for pools with high uptime to get more staking rewards.

Security: Prioritize pools with strong security measures to protect your assets.

Minimum Staking: Check if the pool’s minimum stake matches your investment capacity.

Support and Community: A pool with active support and community can give you more peace of mind and resources.

 

You need to consider the risk-reward ratio of a pool.

Pool selection can make staking a lot more enjoyable and profitable.

Staking and Asset Management

Staking your Polygon Liquid is like planting seeds in a digital soil, and letting them grow and bear fruits over time. In the crypto world, those fruits are more coins or tokens given as rewards, like interest in a traditional savings account. Staking can grow your crypto assets over time and give you a steady increase in value. In this metaphorical garden, Coin is the greenhouse and your gardening consultant, guiding your hand in taking care of your digital plants.

Coin’s staking services offer multiple coins, transparent fees, a user-friendly interface, security, and support to give you a complete staking experience.

With a proper staking strategy, you can grow your cryptocurrency portfolio without dealing with market volatility. This passive earning works in your favor by accumulating more of the asset as you hold your stake. It requires some patience and willingness to lock your assets for a period to get the promised rewards. Coin offers competitive staking rewards for different investment goals so you can find a package that fits your risk tolerance and growth targets. Through asset management in the Coin platform, you can coordinate your token’s growth by considering the lock-up period and yields.

These assets are not static, it requires regular monitoring and adjustment to the cryptocurrency market dynamics. So staking platforms like Coin provide tools to evaluate your staking performance. You need to review your staking positions regularly and rebalance as needed to make sure your assets are optimized for the current market.

Staking through Coin gives you multiple choices, from choosing different staking pools to various interest-earning opportunities. But most importantly, you need to understand the risk profile of each pool. After navigating through these choices with knowledge and staking platform’s features, your assets will compound and grow your portfolio.

Yes, staking and managing assets through Coin can change your digital asset investment approach, mesmerizing with growth and returns. You can see your portfolio grow right before your eyes like a cautious but determined gardener who harvests bountifully with commitment and strategy.

Polygon Staking

Polygon itself is a proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain, so it’s not compatible with direct staking which is a mechanism more suited to proof-of-stake (PoS) protocols. To “stake” Polygon, you usually do derivative or liquidity pool arrangements that give yield, mimicking the staking process in PoS ecosystems. For example, staking ETH is a common method where investors can earn rewards by participating in PoS blockchains.

These yield-generating strategies require tokenization of Polygon Liquid on a PoS blockchain, usually through a process called “wrapping” so you can participate in various decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols that offer staking rewards. Custodial staking platforms play a big role in providing staking options, so you can stake your assets safely while considering interest rates, security, and user accessibility. Understanding this abstraction layer is important if you want to stake Polygon Liquid.

Staking Crypto

Staking is a way for cryptocurrency holders to earn rewards on their digital assets by participating in the network, essentially “earning interest” on their holdings. When choosing a crypto staking platform, you need to consider key features like regulation compliance, multiple coins, transparent fees, user-friendly interface, security, and support.

To stake Polygon, you need to use alternative mechanisms since Polygon Liquid is a proof-of-work blockchain, like tokenization or participating in liquidity pools that simulate the staking environment on proof-of-stake blockchains. Choosing the right crypto staking platform is important for maximum rewards, so you can stake safely and efficiently.

Staking cryptocurrencies means locking your assets to get rewards.

With Polygon, these alternatives often mean creating a bridge to a PoS blockchain through a process called “wrapping”, where Polygon Liquid is tokenized as an equivalent asset that can participate in PoS systems, so Polygon holders can get staking benefits indirectly. Understanding this abstraction layer is key to successful Polygon staking.

Staking Polygon

Staking Polygon is a way for holders to earn extra income on their digital assets without trading. Coin is one of the best crypto-staking platforms because of regulation compliance, multiple coins, transparent fees, user-friendly interface, security, and support.

 

Passive Income: You earn rewards and grow your Polygon over time.

Security: You contribute to the network security.

Inflation Hedging: Staking rewards can offset digital asset inflation.

Community Participation: You participate in blockchain governance.

 

Inflation and market volatility make passive earning strategies important for long-term asset growth. Choosing a reputable staking platform with good security, transparent fees, and support is key to achieving your investment goals.

By following the principles of decentralized finance, staking is a way to diversify your cryptocurrency portfolio.

Coin Crypto Staking Platform Features

Before you can stake through Coin, you need to understand the staking platform as an aggregator and analytics hub. The mechanics of staking through Coin for Polygon are dependent on its ability to provide real-time data and insights to various decentralized applications (dApps) that facilitate staking. Through Coin’s metrics, you can make informed decisions on where to allocate your digital assets for maximum returns. Staking pool performance tracking, smart contract audits, and dApps reputation are important to evaluate when staking through Coin to maximize yield and minimize risks. Coin also implements robust security measures such as encryption, 2FA, and secure storage solutions to protect your assets from potential threats in the crypto world.

How to earn passive income on Polygon?

Earning interest in Polygon can be done in a few ways. One way is to lend out your Polygon to borrowers and earn interest in return. This is done through staking platforms called Polygon lending services where you can choose the terms and interest rate of your loan.

Another way to earn interest on Polygon is through decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. These platforms allow you to earn interest by providing liquidity to different protocols or by staking your Polygon in specific contracts. You get rewards and interest based on the amount you contribute. Coin is one of the best crypto staking platforms for Polygon, known for regulation compliance, multiple coins, transparent fees, user-friendly interface, security, and support.

Some exchanges and cryptocurrency wallets also offer interest-bearing accounts for Polygon Liquid. By depositing your Polygon in these accounts, you can earn interest on your holdings. Interest rates may vary and are usually calculated daily or monthly.

Remember that earning interest on Polygon involves risk and you need to do your research and choose reputable platforms. Security and transparency should be your top priority when earning interest on your Polygon Liquid. Make sure to read the terms and risks before proceeding.

In summary, earning interest on Polygon can be done through lending staking platforms, DeFi protocols or interest-bearing accounts offered by exchanges and wallets. However you need to fully understand the risks and choose reliable platforms to secure your funds.

Staking Rewards Optimization

To maximize staking rewards, you need to strategize your asset allocation within the staking ecosystem. Monitor reward rates, pool stability, and network fees to guide your staking decisions — this is the key to balance yield and volatility. Coin as a staking platform offers multiple options to maximize rewards. By being judicious with Coin’s staking options and doing your due diligence on the staking conditions, you can navigate to staking options that fit your risk tolerance and create an environment for maximum returns. It’s this combination of planning and informed action that will lead you to optimize your staking rewards.

Strategies for Maximum Returns

In the world of cryptocurrency, staking is a way to compound wealth but, like navigating a maze, it requires precision, market understanding, and well-thought-out strategies. Choosing the right crypto staking platform is key to maximum returns as it ensures regulation compliance, multiple coins, transparent fees, user-friendly interface, security, and support. Diversify across multiple staking pools to mitigate risks ride the waves of emerging protocols and have a multi-faceted investment.

Market trends must be closely watched in the staking space. Sudden changes can quickly make some staking options undesirable and require an agile investment strategy.

Timing the market is often called an investor’s fool’s game, but entry and exit points (considering lock-up periods and expected developments in the Polygon network) can make a big difference.

Allocate wisely, choose pools with good history and good returns but be cautious of hyperinflationary rewards that might hide underlying risks.

Consider the network rewards and transaction fees — net gain is key when choosing staking options as high fees can eat up your expected profits. A detailed risk-return analysis is required to separate the hype from the real deal that fits your investment thesis.

Lastly, when going for maximum returns, use Coin’s transparent and verified staking platforms. Navigate the proof-of-stake complexity and seek advice when needed to make sure your investments are smart and profitable.

Staking Performance Monitoring

Staking performance must be monitored as the Polygon network changes. Coin as one of the best crypto staking platforms offers tools to do this, so you can see efficiency and performance in detail.

Monitor yield trends and pool stability with Coin’s analytics. See potential issues before they affect your investment.

Keep an eye on your staked Polygon by regularly checking earnings reports and payout intervals through Coin. Use their metrics to see overall health and progress and compare them with the broader staking market.

Deep dive performance analysis requires looking at compound interest potential and reward consistency, factors that affect the long-term viability of your staking strategy. Use Coin to navigate through market fluctuations and adjust your staking positions according to your advanced strategy. Their interface gives you the granularity to make informed decisions and optimize earnings while managing risk.

Are crypto staking platforms safe?

Coin is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income from crypto assets as it’s a relatively safe investment with no equipment costs like PoW crypto mining. But staking is not risk-free and always DYOR.