SIFAX Group has opened the 2026 business year with a strong declaration of intent, unveiling an innovation-driven growth plan aimed at strengthening operations, accelerating technology adoption, and expanding 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 the year and reflected on a strong performance in 2025.
According to Afolabi, SIFAX Group’s focus for 2026 is anchored on “Growth through Innovation,” with renewed emphasis on operational excellence, collaboration across subsidiaries, sustainability, and customer-centric service delivery. He noted that the Group is positioning itself to respond proactively 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 milestones recorded in the past year was the strong performance of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), which posted a 155.45 per cent profit growth in the first half of 2025 and secured strategic handling contracts with international airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines and Air Tanzania.
In the maritime sector, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited expanded its footprint in the general cargo business, reflecting growing operational capacity. SIFAX Shipping Company Limited also boosted 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 strengthened its diversification drive with the launch of SKYPAY Africa, a regional payment solution introduced through its financial services subsidiary, Sky Capital.
Beyond business performance, Afolabi reaffirmed SIFAX Group’s commitment to social impact through the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, which he said continued to support vulnerable individuals and communities across Nigeria.
Looking ahead, the SIFAX Group Chairman stressed that innovation would go beyond technology to include people, culture, and values. He called on employees to uphold professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and accountability as the Group pursues its long-term vision of becoming Africa’s global conglomerate.
