BlackHouse Media

04/03/2026

Asia’s and Africa’s leading independent communications platforms unite to serve clients across two of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions

BlackHouse Media (BHM), Africa’s foremost integrated communications group, and Redhill, one of the largest independent communications agencies in Asia, today announced a strategic partnership that will create a seamless communications bridge between Asia and Africa - two continents that collectively represent over five billion people and some of the fastest-growing economies on the planet.

The partnership brings together more than 300 communications professionals operating across over 20 markets, spanning Singapore, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Together, Redhill and BHM will offer clients end-to-end strategic brand and corporate communications, issues management, reputation management, media relations, digital marketing, creative services, stakeholder engagement, and government relations capabilities across both regions.

Opening a Gateway Between Two Growth Powerhouses
Trade and investment flows between Asia and Africa have surged in recent years. Yet businesses expanding across the two regions have historically lacked a unified communications partner with genuine on-the-ground presence in both. This partnership directly addresses that gap.

“This is about much more than a referral arrangement; we are building the infrastructure for a new era of Asia–Africa commerce,” said Jacob Puthenparambil, Founder and CEO of Redhill. “As Asian companies expand into Africa and African businesses look to Asia for growth, they need communications partners who truly understand both markets. By combining Redhill’s deep expertise across the Asia-Pacific with BHM’s unmatched strength across the African continent, we are creating one of the most powerful independent communications networks connecting these two regions.”

“Africa’s story is one of extraordinary growth and transformation, and the opportunities for collaboration with Asia have never been greater,” said Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO of BHM Holdings. “With Redhill, we have found a partner that shares our ambition, our entrepreneurial spirit, and our commitment to world-class service. Together, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate and succeed across these two dynamic regions.”

Read full story on bhmng.com/news

26/02/2026

MTN Nigeria has reaffirmed its position as a critical driver of the country's non-oil economy, posting a service revenue of N5.2 trillion in its 2025 audited financial results. Beyond the impressive top-line growth, the company emphasised that its financial success is deeply intertwined with national development, standing firmly as the country's largest corporate taxpayer and ensuring its profitability directly funds the Federal Government's infrastructure and social welfare programs.

The 2025 financial year was described as a remarkable period of recovery and resilience for the firm. CEO, Dr Karl Toriola, noted that 2025 marked a significant turning point with a return to profitability and a resilient balance sheet, which ultimately supported "accelerated network investment to enhance quality of service and user experience."

To back up its commitment as a leading corporate citizen, MTN revealed that it invested a staggering NGN1.0 trillion in Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) in 2025 in network expansion. This massive CAPEX deployment serves as physical proof of its economic patriotism, ensuring that billions in retained earnings are poured directly back into building base stations, laying fibre optics, and creating thousands of local jobs.

Furthermore, the company's leadership highlighted that its ability to aggressively fund its CAPEX obligations while navigating economic storms is an indicator that government policies are working. MTN commended the government for its progressive policies, noting that its primary focus remains on keeping millions of Nigerians connected. This capital-intensive stability serves as an example that companies can indeed return to profitability, survive, and build critical infrastructure in Nigeria.

17/02/2026

MTN Group just announced that the board of IHS Towers has accepted an offer of US$8.50 a share in a transaction that would see MTN increasing its shareholding to 100%. The potential transaction is subject to various approvals and the delisting of IHS from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Upon the completion of IHS’s announced disposals (on 11 February and 17 February 2026) of its Latin American assets, it is intended that MTN will acquire 100% of IHS’s remaining business.

IHS is one of the world’s largest tower companies, with nearly 29,000 high-quality towers in Africa serving various mobile network operators in five key MTN markets.

The proposed transaction, which follows discussions noted on 5 February 2026, marks an important step to unlock compelling value for MTN and strengthen and reintegrate its ownership of critical digital infrastructure across Africa. For IHS shareholders, it provides them with an attractive opportunity to crystallise value.

The funding for the proposed transaction of the remaining shares MTN does not already own, for a consideration of some US$2.2 billion, will be through cash of approximately US$1.1 billion on IHS’s balance sheet, along with available liquidity and debt from MTN.

MTN has approximately 24.7% shareholding in IHS. As part of the transaction, it intends to take the company private through the acquisition of all outstanding shares it does not own, pursuant to a cash merger.

By reintegrating the tower assets, MTN will be able to internalise the margin currently paid to IHS, benefit from current and future incremental third-party revenues, improve cost predictability and unlock significant long-term value embedded in its existing investment.

“This proposed transaction is a pivotal step in further strengthening MTN Group’s strategic and financial position for a future where digital infrastructure will become ever more essential to Africa’s growth and development,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. This transaction gives us a unique opportunity to buy back our towers and strengthen our ability to be partners for progress to the nation states in which we operate.”

“For IHS customers and partners across the continent, we commit to continuing high standards of service and the right governance of what is the largest standalone and integrated tower company in Africa, enabled by the excellent people within IHS.”

Through this transaction, shareholders of IHS will receive US$8.50 per share. This translates to an 9.7% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average price as at 4 February 2026 (the last day of trading before the release of MTN’s cautionary announcement) on the NYSE, enabling them to unlock the value of their investment.

Long-term IHS shareholder Wendel has provided a letter of support to vote in favour of the transaction and will receive full liquidity on its shares upon closing. With support from Wendel (and certain affiliates) and MTN being able to vote at a general meeting, 40% has already been secured of a minimum two-thirds approval of voting shareholders.

IHS Chairman and CEO Sam Dawish commented: “The proposed transaction deepens our long-standing partnership with MTN as it combines Africa’s largest mobile network operator with one of its largest digital infrastructure platforms and underscores the strong connection between IHS Towers and the African continent.”

In structuring this transaction, MTN remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, inclusive of shareholder remuneration, going forward. No new equity issuance will be required at the MTN Group level, and the funding plan allows for a short-term increase in leverage. The transaction is forecast to be accretive to net income and cash flow.

The proposed transaction is subject to IHS shareholder approval, regulatory approvals in the relevant markets and customary closing conditions.

04/02/2026

Is the PR industry healthy, or just busy? While the demand for crisis preparedness and strategic counsel has never been higher, many agencies are being squeezed by "more for less" expectations and payment terms that would never fly in a corporate boardroom.

In her latest piece, Moliehi Molekoa (Managing Director of Magna Carta) highlights why the future of PR depends on a fundamental reset of the client-agency dynamic.

Why this matters for your brand:

1. Pressure isn't Partnership: Shifting internal cost controls onto agencies creates long-term risks for your brand’s reputation.

2. Fairer Pitching: Why more companies are turning to pitch consultants to ensure transparency and governance.

3. Sustainability: Sustainable growth requires contracts that balance flexibility with fair resourcing.

Check out the full article for a breakdown of why healthy partnerships are the ultimate competitive advantage in 2026 -

Moliehi Molekoa Managing Director of Magna Carta Reputation Management Consultants and PRISA Board Member The start of a new year often brings optimism, new strategies, and renewed ambition. However, for the public relations and reputation management industry, the past year ended not only with optim...

14/11/2025

Where were you on the night of Friday, November 7th?

We were in Lagos, where the world’s greatest whisky, The Macallan, hosted an exclusive tasting and dinner in celebration of BHM’s 19th anniversary. We are grateful to our friends, colleagues, clients, partners and supporters who joined us.

Cheers to 19 years of doing exceptional things!

10/11/2025

We're sending our prayers and deepest condolences to the family of the great Nigerian musician and live-band legend, Akinloye "Akiin Shuga" Tofowomo, who passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Akiin Shuga was a long-time friend and supporter of BHM. He was a visionary leader who loved his craft, his clients, and colleagues. He inspired millions of people across the continent.

Akiin Shuga dedicated over three decades of his life to music and entertainment. He was the Founder and Lead Vocalist of the Shuga Band, transforming them into one of Nigeria's most respected and sought-after live bands.

His signature sound and unwavering commitment to excellence redefined the live music experience in Nigeria, earning him respect and admiration from fans, peers, and corporate partners globally.

His legacy extends beyond performance: he was a profound inspiration who transcended physical limitations to become one of Africa's most significant artistes and a powerful advocate for inclusion through the Shuga Limb Foundation.

He participated in and supported the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) frequently, reflecting his generosity in sharing his time and talent with industry stakeholders as we worked hard to build the entertainment industry. Akiin Shuga's brilliance, warmth, infectious joy, and positive energy, which he brought to every room he entered, will be sorely missed.

Our prayers are with his family, colleagues, and friends, including the members of the Shuga Band who will carry on the legacy.

We pray that his soul will rest in peace and that God in his infinite mercy will comfort and strengthen his family.

10/11/2025

Introducing Africa's First AI Ethics Framework for the Media & Communications Industry

We're excited to announce our groundbreaking white paper: “AI Ethics in Africa's Media and Communications Landscape: A Readiness Framework for 2026 & Beyond.”

The OMOLUABI-AWARE Model uniquely integrates African ethical principles with global AI standards, ensuring technology serves our communities while preserving cultural identity.

Key insights from our research:
● 73% of professionals lack confidence in identifying AI cultural bias
● 66% struggle to detect AI misinformation
● 90% of organisations aren't prepared for AI regulations

This framework positions Africa as a leader in responsible, human-centric AI - not a passive adopter of Western models.

Download the complete framework: bhmng.com/aiethicswhitepaper

19/10/2025

Africa’s biggest creative thinkers are coming together at NECLive 2025.

Get ready for insights from Steve Babaeko, Audu Maikori, Obi Asika, Colette Otusheso, Funmi Iyanda, John Ugbe, and other innovators, creatives, leaders and performers who have built the foundations of Africa’s entertainment scene.

From Afrobeats to Nollywood, these speakers will explore how storytelling, business, and technology can power Africa’s next growth phase.

19/10/2025

Africa’s creative industry is rewriting global entertainment.

On November 28, 2025, Nigerian Entertainment Conference - returns to Lagos with the theme “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.”

Since 2013, NECLive has united thousands of creators, investors, and policymakers to shape the continent’s creative economy - hosting over 500 sessions and driving more than 1,000 deals.

This year, the focus is on turning creativity into sustainable growth and economic transformation.

15/10/2025

The First City Monument Bank Group Plc engaged investors at the Nigerian Exchange Group’s with the Facts Behind the Offer presentation, outlining its ₦160 billion public offer and growth strategy.

The Group CEO, Ladi Balogun described the offer as the final stage of recapitalisation to retain its international banking licence. He highlighted Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic outlook and FCMB’s digital progress, with over 5,000 new accounts opened daily, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.

Nigerian Exchange Group Executive Director, Jude Chiemeka, commended FCMB for leveraging the platform to strengthen investor confidence, noting that the financial services sector accounts for over 75% of daily trading and ₦7.6 trillion in value over four years.

12/10/2025

The grand finale of the 7th season of the 5Stars Premier League brought excitement to Lekki, Lagos, as Energy FC Abuja triumphed over Snowlions FC Lagos to claim the championship title.

The night of October 4, 2025, was a celebration of passion, teamwork, and possibility, with thousands of fans, football enthusiasts, and entertainment lovers witnessing the vibrant display of young Nigerian talent.

MTN Nigeria partnership with the league once again highlighted its dedication to creating platforms that connect people through shared experiences.

Through initiatives like the 5Stars Premier League, MTN continues to strengthen its role as a key driver of youth empowerment and sports development across Nigeria.

10/10/2025

What’s currently on your watchlist?

The Next Afrobeats Star by MTN Nigeria is about to steal your attention and maybe your weekend too.

You’re about to roll off your seat watching one of the best shows to ever hit your screens.

Catch the premiere of The Next Afrobeats Star live tomorrow on:
Africa Magic Family — Sat & Sun by 7:00pm
TVC — Sat by 6:00pm | Sun by 8:00pm
NTA — Sat by 6:00pm | Sun by 7:00pm
Trace — Sat & Sun by 7:00pm
Hip TV — Sat & Sun by 7:00pm
YouTube Live — 7:00pm

Get ready to laugh, vibe, and witness raw talent take center stage.

The future of Afrobeats starts here.