Firmus Energy has announced its gas price in the Ten Towns area will fall by almost 8% in April, which is the equivalent to £78 a year for a typical customer.

The price cut follows a review by the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator.

The regulator imposes price controls on the major incumbent suppliers – electricity firm Power NI; SSE Gas in Belfast and the west; and Firmus in the Ten Towns network.

An announcement in relation to tariffs for NI Power and SSE are expected on Friday.

An announcement on the price for Firmus customers in Belfast is expected in the coming weeks.

The Ten Towns area includes Antrim, Armagh, Banbridge, Ballymena, Coleraine, Craigavon, Newry, Londonderry and more than 25 other towns and villages in the surrounding area.

Colin Broomfield, director of markets at the Utility Regulator, said it was recognised that many businesses and households are still struggling with energy costs.

“If you are worried about paying for your electricity or gas, we would encourage you to contact your supplier in the first instance, to make them aware of your circumstances, and discuss the options available,” he said.

Ryan Miskimmin, from Firmus Energy, said the group was “committed to passing on any savings to customers”.

“Since April this year, our consecutive reductions have decreased our tariffs by almost 19%, representing an average household saving of £210 per year,” he said.

“As we head into the colder months, we know that these savings coupled with the constant heat and instant hot water that natural gas provides, will be welcomed by Ten Towns customers.”

For Nigerian boardrooms, artificial intelligence has transitioned from a buzzword to a balance sheet enabler. Across telecoms, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and beyond, AI is already reducing costs, increasing revenue, and transforming how products reach customers.

The leaders who win the next decade will be those who set clear targets for AI and build the guardrails to use it responsibly.

Let’s start with telecoms. MTN is rolling out an AI-led transformation, “MTN Genova”, to optimise network traffic and service delivery, including in Nigeria. More intelligent routing and predictive maintenance result in fewer dropped calls, more reliable coverage, and ultimately, happier customers for executives, which translates directly into operational efficiency and market retention.

“The GSMA’s case study on Nigeria highlights how AI-assisted fleet management has reduced waste and provided small farmers with access to tools previously reserved for large-scale operations.”

Sterling Bank’s “Naya” is an AI-powered digital assistant designed to simplify and personalise everyday banking. Beyond handling routine customer queries, Naya is intended to guide users through payments, account services, and financial support in real time, creating a smoother and more responsive banking experience. It shows how AI can move banking closer to the customer, making services available instantly and intuitively. With fraud risks also on the rise, Sterling is combining innovations like Naya with stronger AI-driven analytics to protect customers and reinforce trust, demonstrating that in modern banking, technology must deliver both convenience and security.

Manufacturing is not left behind. Dangote Industries has deployed AI and machine learning, alongside cloud adoption, to streamline its operations. In asset-heavy industries where every minute of downtime hurts, AI-enabled predictive maintenance, process optimisation, and supply chain forecasting are already saving money and boosting competitiveness. This is not about futuristic robots but about squeezing efficiency from existing operations.

Agriculture, Nigeria’s largest employer, is also being transformed. Hello Tractor utilises AI for weather and demand forecasting, ensuring tractors are deployed precisely when and where farmers need them most. The result is higher yields, better equipment utilisation, and more income for smallholder farmers. The GSMA’s case study on Nigeria highlights how AI-assisted fleet management has reduced waste and provided small farmers with access to tools previously reserved for large-scale operations.

Read also: Artificial intelligence: Catalyst for human capital development in emerging economies

Fintech infrastructure shows just how much potential lies ahead. Kuda Bank, which has already processed trillions of naira in transactions, is now weaving AI into the heart of its operations. From real-time fraud detection and more intelligent transaction monitoring to predictive analytics that improve credit scoring and onboarding, Kuda is showing how technology can scale trust as well as growth. Its AI-powered chatbot gives customers round-the-clock support, while new tools are being developed to help small businesses manage invoicing, inventory, and sales more effectively. The message for business leaders is clear: data pipelines and thoughtful integration matter because without them, AI’s promise remains just a dream.

Global case studies underline the direction. Unilever reports that AI-enabled freezers and weather-aware forecasting have increased ice cream orders by as much as 30 per cent, proving that machine learning can unlock growth in even mature categories.

Walmart has leveraged generative AI across 850 million product data points to enhance shopping experiences, demonstrating that scale and customer intimacy can coexist.

So what should Nigerian executives do now?

1. AI Readiness Assessment: It is essential to assess the readiness of your organisation for AI. Business leaders must factor in multiple factors, including talent, organisational culture, and more.

2. Incremental adoption is key: Deploy AI in customer support, but measure resolution rates, not just chat volume, and utilise anomaly detection to address fraud and revenue leakage in payments and procurement. Apply demand forecasting to reduce stock-outs and unnecessary discounts. These are proven, CFO-friendly applications.

3. Fix your data and governance: AI is only as good as the data behind it. Build a single source of truth, track data end-to-end, and align with the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Responsible AI is no longer optional. It is now a regulatory and reputational requirement.

4. Prepare for open banking’s implementation: The Central Bank issued operational guidelines in 2023 and is expected to drive implementation in 2025. Forward-looking banks should use this window to prototype consent-driven data-sharing products, from cash-flow lending to SME analytics, so they are ready when the switch is flipped.

5. Build AI capability: Invest in AI training, develop AI talents internally, and ensure you engage proven experts. A recent survey by the consulting firm McKinsey identified AI illiteracy as the most significant business risk in the era of generative AI.

Bottom line

AI is not a silver bullet, but businesses in Nigeria and beyond are already leveraging it for profitability. Nigeria’s unique advantage lies in its youthful population, fast-growing digital economy, and an ecosystem that is slowly but steadily moving toward openness and scale. Business leaders who ignore this shift risk being left behind. Those who act now, by choosing a few high-impact AI options, funding them adequately, and delivering results, will not only grow their companies but also lead the next chapter of Nigeria’s economy.

Dotun Adeoye is a seasoned technology strategist and AI innovation leader with over 30 years of global experience across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. He is the co-founder of AI in Nigeria.

Philippine Investment Education Leader Introduces Advanced Technology Training as Retail Investor Participation Surges to 1.9 Million Accounts

Alonaw Business School, a leading investment education institution serving the Philippines market for five years, announces the launch of its fifth annual investment course series featuring a groundbreaking artificial intelligence trading module. The comprehensive program addresses the evolving needs of Philippine retail investors as market participation reaches historic levels.

The Manila-based educational institution has successfully completed four years of continuous online education programs, building a comprehensive learning community for investors across the archipelago. The new fifth course series introduces advanced AI trading system modules alongside the institution’s established curriculum covering fundamental financial planning, capital market operations, and risk management psychology.

“The integration of artificial intelligence into financial markets is reshaping how investors approach decision-making and analysis,” said Pocholo Taga Ibarra, Academic Director at Alonaw Business School. “Our new AI module helps students understand data-driven decision making and intelligent analysis tools that are becoming essential components of modern trading strategies.”

Philippine Market Shows Unprecedented Growth in Retail Participation

The course launch addresses rapidly expanding demand for sophisticated investment education as Philippine retail investor participation experiences dramatic growth. According to Philippine Stock Exchange official reports, total stock market accounts reached 1.9 million by end-2023, representing a 54% increase from approximately 1.23 million accounts in 2019.

Online accounts have dominated new registrations, comprising over 80% of total accounts as of 2023, indicating the preference of younger investors for digital trading platforms. Demographic analysis reveals that approximately 65% of investors are under 44 years of age, with many representing first-generation market participants seeking structured educational guidance.

The Philippine capital market has experienced significant expansion, with total market capitalization ranging between 18-20 trillion Philippine pesos (approximately $300-340 billion USD) throughout 2024. Daily trading turnover averages between 6-8 billion Philippine pesos, reflecting growing market activity and investor engagement.

AI-Powered Education Addresses Market Complexity

Alonaw’s new AI trading module responds to increasing market sophistication as global financial markets face heightened complexity from trade tensions, central bank policy shifts, and technological disruption. The curriculum focuses specifically on three core competencies that traditional education methods struggle to address effectively.

The data-driven decision making component teaches students to analyze market information using quantitative methods rather than emotional responses. Students learn to identify patterns in market data, understand correlation versus causation in market movements, and develop systematic approaches to portfolio construction and risk assessment.

Intelligent analysis tools training provides hands-on experience with algorithmic trading concepts, automated screening systems, and risk management software. The module introduces students to artificial intelligence applications in portfolio optimization, trade execution timing, and market sentiment analysis.

The technology and rationality integration component emphasizes the psychological discipline required for successful algorithmic trading implementation. Students learn to balance automated systems with human oversight, understand the limitations of AI-driven strategies, and develop frameworks for continuous strategy refinement.

Comprehensive Curriculum Builds Complete Trading Systems

Alonaw Business School’s established educational framework provides students with a complete learning pathway from fundamental concepts to advanced market strategies. The institution’s core curriculum has evolved over five years to address the specific needs of Philippine retail investors entering increasingly sophisticated global markets.

The fundamental financial planning component covers personal finance management, emergency fund establishment, debt optimization strategies, and long-term wealth building principles. Students learn to assess their financial readiness for market participation and establish appropriate risk tolerance levels based on individual circumstances.

Capital market operations training provides comprehensive understanding of equity markets, fixed income securities, foreign exchange dynamics, and derivative instruments. The curriculum includes practical exercises in order execution, market timing strategies, and portfolio diversification techniques tailored to Philippine market conditions.

Risk management and trading psychology modules address the emotional challenges that cause most retail investors to underperform market indices. Students learn to identify common behavioral biases, develop systematic approaches to position sizing, and implement disciplined exit strategies that protect capital during market downturns.

Educational Innovation Reflects Global Technology Trends

The introduction of AI-powered educational modules reflects broader technological adoption trends across Asian financial markets. Regional exchanges from Tokyo to Singapore have integrated artificial intelligence systems for trade execution and risk management, while retail trading platforms increasingly offer algorithm-assisted investment tools to individual participants.

Global education technology markets have expanded beyond $350 billion in 2024, with adult education and professional skills training representing the fastest-growing segments. The integration of artificial intelligence into educational delivery systems has demonstrated significant improvements in learning outcomes, with personalized content delivery showing over 70% higher efficiency rates compared to standardized approaches.

Financial technology convergence with educational platforms creates new opportunities for data-driven personalization in investment training. AI-powered systems can analyze individual trading behaviors, identify performance gaps, and recommend specific learning modules to address weaknesses in real-time rather than through generic curriculum delivery.

Philippine Government Emphasizes Investment Education Priority

The course launch aligns with Philippine government initiatives promoting financial literacy as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has established financial inclusion and financial literacy as core national strategic priorities through its National Strategy for Financial Inclusion framework.

Official reports emphasize that while digital payment adoption has increased substantially, public knowledge of digital financial products including investment instruments remains limited. This creates substantial opportunity for specialized education providers to bridge knowledge gaps and support broader market participation.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines and Philippine Stock Exchange have established collaborative programs including PSE Academy, offering free webinars and educational materials to promote investment knowledge. These official initiatives demonstrate recognized demand for comprehensive investor education that existing public programs cannot fully address.

Community-Centered Learning Approach Drives Student Success

Alonaw Business School’s educational methodology emphasizes community engagement and peer learning as fundamental components of investment education success. The institution’s approach recognizes that sustained learning requires both technical knowledge and social support systems that help students navigate challenging market conditions.

The learning community provides students with access to mentoring relationships, peer discussion forums, and collaborative analysis opportunities that extend beyond formal coursework. This community-centered approach has proven particularly effective for Philippine students, who value relationship-based learning and mutual support systems.

Students participating in previous course series have established ongoing study groups, investment clubs, and professional networking relationships that continue providing value long after course completion. The institution tracks alumni engagement to measure long-term educational impact and refine curriculum based on real-world application feedback.

Fifth Course Series Opens Registration

Registration for the fifth annual course series opens this September, with classes conducted entirely online to accommodate participants across the Philippine archipelago and international markets. The comprehensive program combines Alonaw’s established educational framework with new AI trading modules, providing students with both foundational knowledge and cutting-edge technological skills.

The course series represents five years of educational accumulation and continuous improvement based on student feedback and market evolution. Each iteration has incorporated lessons learned from previous cohorts while adapting to changing market conditions and technological developments.

Students will engage with instructor teams and fellow participants through interactive online platforms designed to recreate the collaborative learning environment that has become Alonaw’s educational signature. The program includes practical trading simulations, case study analysis, and real-time market commentary that helps students apply theoretical knowledge to actual market conditions.

About Alonaw Business School

Alonaw Business School specializes in comprehensive investment education for retail investors across Southeast Asia, combining traditional financial principles with cutting-edge technology training. The institution has operated continuously for five years, developing educational programs that address the specific needs of emerging market investors.

Media Contact: Pocholo Taga Ibarra Academic Director Alonaw Business School Email: pocholo.tagaibarra@ahmksjc.com Address: Makati Business District, Manila, Philippines Website: https://www.ahmksjc.com/ 

Media Contact

Organization: Alonaw Business School

Contact Person: Pocholo Taga Ibarra

Website: https://www.ahmksjc.com/

Email: Send Email

City: Manila

Country:Philippines

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Alonaw Business School Expands Five-Year Investment Program with Advanced AI Technology Training for Philippine Market

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