By ebosele@hotmail.com
SIFAX Group has kicked off the 2026 business year with a bold declaration of intent, unveiling an innovation-led growth strategy designed to strengthen operations, deepen technology adoption and expand its footprint across West Africa.
The Chairman of the Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, disclosed this in his New Year message to employees, partners, and stakeholders, where he outlined the company’s strategic priorities for 2026 while reflecting on what he described as a strong performance in 2025.
According to Afolabi, the Group’s focus for the new year is anchored on the theme, “Growth through Innovation,” with renewed emphasis on operational excellence, collaboration across subsidiaries, sustainability, and customer-centric service delivery. He noted that SIFAX Group is positioning itself to proactively respond to industry changes and emerging opportunities across its diverse business portfolio.
“Our priorities include advancing technological integration across our logistics and maritime operations, expanding the use of cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, and deepening our presence within the West African sub-region, particularly through our financial services businesses,” Afolabi said. “Above all, we remain steadfast in our mission to become Africa’s global conglomerate: trusted, resilient, ethical, and impactful.”
He explained that the innovation push would also support the Group’s regional expansion strategy, especially in West Africa, as it seeks to consolidate its presence and scale its financial services offerings.
Afolabi further noted that the innovation-led outlook for 2026 builds on significant achievements recorded in 2025, despite economic pressures, regulatory changes, and global uncertainties. Among the key milestones was the strong performance of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), which recorded a 155.45 per cent profit growth in the first half of the year and secured strategic handling contracts with international airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines and Air Tanzania.
In the maritime sector, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited strengthened its position in the general cargo business, reflecting growing capacity and operational capability. Similarly, SIFAX Shipping Company Limited expanded Nigeria’s export connectivity with the introduction of direct Less-than-Container Load (LCL) exports to the United Kingdom, while SIFAX Shipping Inland Container Limited continued to set benchmarks for efficient inland container terminal operations in the country.
The Group also advanced its diversification drive with the launch of SKYPAY Africa, a regional payment solution developed through its financial subsidiary, Sky Capital. Beyond business performance, Afolabi reaffirmed SIFAX Group’s commitment to social impact through the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, which continued to support vulnerable individuals and communities across Nigeria.
Looking ahead, the Chairman stressed that innovation at SIFAX Group would go beyond technology to include people, culture, and values.
He urged employees to embrace professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and accountability as the organisation pursues its long-term vision of becoming Africa’s global conglomerate.
