Business

Over 200 Chambers of Commerce Lamenting Taxation, Inflation hampering Businesses

Published

2 years ago

October 21, 2024

437 Views

Over 200 chambers of commerce worldwide says insecurity, taxation, inflation holding down businesses from performing optimally.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) reveals this in its World Chambers Federation (WCF) 2024 Global Economic Survey, released on 17 October.

In the report, respondents from 96 countries spanning five continents, believe that the global trade environment has hampered business operations.

The respondents say the main constraints for businesses are:

• shortage of labour or skilled labour,• inflation,

• geopolitical tensions,

• taxation, and

• financial problems.

Specifically, the report says inflation and limited access to finance still weigh heavily on businesses Over 80% of respondents expect inflation to rise, affecting operating costs, wages, supply chains and competitiveness, with concerns especially pronounced in North America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Commenting at the launch of the survey results in Istanbul, ICC Secretary General John W.H Denton AO said:

“As the voice of the real economy worldwide, ICC has leveraged its unique institutional reach to provide a comprehensive global picture of the realities of doing business in today’s increasingly complex environment. We hope this real-time data will help shape the strategic response of governments to the key challenges faced by MSMEs.”

Global business environment

Rising prices and labour costs were cited as a significant challenge in the majority of countries surveyed, with more than 80% of respondents expressing concern that cost pressures will persist into 2025 — casting doubt on recent claims from prominent economists that inflation is “no longer a thing”.

Inflation has translated into significantly higher staffing costs for businesses in some 44 countries— a trend exacerbated in several regions by skills shortages in the local workforce, most notably North America and Europe. 

The economic environment and tight financial conditions have hindered access to finance where findings show that high interest rates are limiting access to credit particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (80%), Latin America and the Caribbean (63%) and South Asia (60%),”said the report.

Business

BREAKING: Uber winds down operations in Nigeria, effective September 2

“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers.”

Published

7 hours ago

September 2, 2026

OCHEFA

22 Views

• An Uber driver at work

Ride-hailing company, Uber, has shut down its operations in Nigeria.

In a statement, the company, which came into Nigeria in 2014, said its exit is effective from September 2, 2026.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026.”

“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers.

“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely. We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”

Uber said said its plan is to support drivers, riders and local team members through the transition.

Business

Allawee shutting down operations by December 1, warns customers must withdraw by November 30

Allawee warned that payments sent to its account numbers from December 1, 2026 will fail, while its cards will also stop working, regardless of the expiry dates printed on them.

Published

14 hours ago

September 2, 2026

OCHEFA

28 Views

• Allawee logo

Nigerian card-issuing fintech Allawee is shutting down its business and personal account services from December 1, 2026.

This follows its acquisition by Pay Stack.

Accordingly, customers have been given until November 30 to withdraw their funds and make alternative arrangements.

The company disclosed the decision in emails sent to customers, according to TechCabal, explaining that its technology now operates within Paystack following the latter’s acquisition of Allawee in 2025.

Allawee warned that payments sent to its account numbers from December 1, 2026 will fail, while its cards will also stop working, regardless of the expiry dates printed on them.

Customers have been advised to withdraw their balances before the deadline, provide new bank details to people or businesses that regularly pay them, and replace saved Allawee card information on subscriptions and other recurring payments.Allawee said customers would not lose their money because of the shutdown. “Your money will remain yours,” the company said.