Fast-food operator Simbisa Brands Limited expanded its Zimbabwe network to 338 locations during its first quarter ending in September, adding three counters despite pressure from a fast-food tax affecting margins. The company generated revenue reaching US$61.1 million, representing a 16 percent increase from the previous year, while customer traffic rose 9 percent to 13.2 million…

The European Commission plans to state objections regarding Universal Music Group’s proposed $775 million purchase of Downtown Music Holdings. This formal warning signals preliminary competition concerns about the transaction, though most mergers avoid rejection by addressing regulatory issues through remedies or challenges before final decisions are reached. UMG’s spokesperson expressed confidence that the deal will…

Spotify has extended audiobook streaming to five additional European territories, bringing the service to Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Monaco. Premium subscribers in these markets receive 12 complimentary listening hours monthly, with the ability to purchase additional 10-hour blocks, while non-paying users may buy individual titles. The rollout introduces Audiobooks Plus, a subscription add-on providing…

EVEN has partnered with Symphonic Distribution to provide sell-before-streaming storefronts for independent musicians. The infrastructure platform enables creators to sell music directly to fans during a pre-release window before tracks become available on streaming services. Artists using Symphonic can activate the integration within their accounts to establish custom pricing, select formats, and launch dedicated storefronts…

Dynamite Songs has acquired music catalogs from singer-songwriter Eric Turner, producer John McGee, and the team of Mark Tieku and Dan Harkna, bringing nearly 150 tracks into its portfolio. The acquisitions include rights to high-profile recordings such as Tinie Tempah’s chart-topping hit with Turner, Avicii collaborations, and Trey Songz’s Grammy-nominated album track co-created by McGee….

Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations face significant obstacles without updated multimodal transport legislation and stronger regulatory enforcement, according to maritime professionals and legal experts at the Nigerian Maritime Law Association annual conference in Lagos. NMLA President Funke Agbor emphasized that national maritime regulations must become modernized, integrated and practically enforceable to support industry growth. Ministry of…

Seplat Energy has organized a capacity-building program in Owerri for 25 journalists from Imo State, focusing on digital storytelling, communication strategies, and emerging media opportunities. Manager Corporate Communications Stanley Opara highlighted the energy firm’s dedication to fostering media excellence and adapting to technological changes while promoting transparency and national progress. Facilitators, including Dr. Solomon Avbioroko,…

Nigeria’s Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding and the Convention on Business Integrity have partnered to eliminate unreceipted fees and enhance transparency throughout the country’s port and logistics operations. The agreement, formalized in Lagos with Maritime Anti-Corruption Network participation, will introduce proven international reporting systems allowing immediate documentation of delays and improper payment demands…

Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, has appointed Barr. Adenike Iyelolu as Registrar of Ships for a four-year term based on recommendations from Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola. Iyelolu, a Deputy Director at NIMASA with over 25 years of legal experience in maritime law and corporate governance,…

Xpress Payment Solutions Limited has been designated as an official collecting agent for the Federal Inland Revenue Service within Nigeria’s Treasury Single Account system. The fintech company will now process tax payments from users of the FIRS TaxPro Max platform, handling remittances including Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, and Withholding Tax. Taxpayers can select…