In this edition: Lagos’ leading aesthetic physician makes the case for showing up polished, Q2 ends on firmer ground for the UK and Nigeria economy, 75 of you turned up for AI, a senior commercial opportunity opens up in Nigeria’s sector, and we take a look at where business leaders are gathering this August.


Happy Friday.


We are thrilled to be wrapping up the first full week of August on a high note, and it’s been a busy one. The Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE 3.0) wraps up in Abuja today, Q2 earnings season is in full swing, and if you’re reading this on your way into the weekend, consider this your quick catch-up before you log off.


Here’s what’s on our radar.




EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT


Dr. Chuka Imo Wants Leaders to Take “Looking Well” Seriously


Dr. Chuka Imo, one of Lagos’ leading aesthetic physicians and Partner and Chief Medical Director at Skinetics Skincare, recently sat down with The Connectors Code to discuss an aspect of leadership capital that rarely makes it into the boardroom conversation: how we show up physically.


Every leader has invested in financial capital, social capital, perhaps intellectual capital. Dr. Imo wants leaders to think about another dimension: aesthetic capital — the value attached to health, presence, grooming and how we present ourselves before a single word is said.


For Dr. Imo, aesthetic medicine is less about dramatic transformation and more about confidence, wellbeing and maintaining a polished presence over a long career. His advice to executives is simple: avoid chasing trends, seek proper medical guidance and aim for people to notice that you look well, rather than noticing what you had done.


The broader point applies whether cosmetic medicine is your thing or not. Board meetings are streamed, LinkedIn is often the first handshake, and presence has quietly become part of the leadership job description.


Read the full TCC interview with Dr. Chuka Imo → Here




MARKET PULSE


Nigeria Ended Q2 on Firmer Ground. What Does That Mean for Your Business?


Nigeria came out of Q2 with some encouraging signals. Inflation eased to 15.91% in June, while private-sector activity remained in expansion territory, with stronger demand and new orders providing some momentum.


For CEOs and founders, the message is fairly simple: there may be more room to grow, but discipline still matters. Customer demand is improving, while fuel, transport and input costs continue to put pressure on margins. Borrowing also remains expensive, so the structure and source of capital matter just as much as the opportunity.


If you’re working on FY27 budgets now, leave room for movement. Currency, energy costs and the build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 elections could still change the operating environment quickly.


Globally, growth remains modest, with businesses still navigating geopolitical uncertainty, energy costs and uneven demand, even as AI and technology investment continue to drive pockets of expansion.


In the UK, the economy is moving cautiously too. Inflation has moderated and the outlook is steadier, but businesses remain selective about hiring, investment and expansion.


The TCC take: this is a better environment for thoughtful growth, but not careless growth. Watch cash, protect margins and keep enough flexibility to move when the opportunity appears.




EVENT RECAP


The Value Code Challenge Wrapped, and It Wrapped Well


July closed out with the Value Code Challenge, TCC’s AI Literacy Sprint powered by Maplerad.


Across 20 sessions delivered straight to inboxes, the sprint helped professionals understand what AI actually changes about how they work, without the jargon.


It closed with a live session on Building Smarter Businesses With AI and Automation, featuring Lucas Marchetti de Lima of ENGIE Energy Supply UK and Obinna Chukwujoke, Co-Founder of Maplerad.


And 75 of you joined us live.




ON THE RADAR: AUGUST 2026


Business & Investment


Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE 3.0)

4–7 Aug | ICC Abuja

Wraps up today, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders around Nigeria’s economic future.


Nigeria BuildExpo + Mega Ceramica Nigeria

25–27 Aug | Landmark Centre, Lagos

Worth attending if you’re anywhere near construction, real estate, architecture or design.


Dubai International Property Expo 2026

15–16 Aug | London

One to watch for anyone exploring Dubai property and international real estate opportunities.


Executive Networking


TCC Lagos Executive Roundtable 2026

Early-bird registration opens 14 August | Lagos

Our curated gathering for strategic conversations, investment opportunities and the ideas shaping business in Nigeria. Watch this space.


Dinner & the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

18 Aug | Edinburgh

Executive networking meets one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural showcases.


Bristol Balloon Fiesta Business Breakfast

7 Aug | Bristol

Executive conversation over breakfast, with hundreds of hot-air balloons taking off behind you.


Culture


Notting Hill Carnival

29–31 Aug | London

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and still one of the biggest cultural moments on the UK calendar.


Dates to Know


  • Aug 12: International Youth Day
  • Aug 19: World Humanitarian Day
  • Aug 21: World Entrepreneurs’ Day
  • Aug 26: Eid al-Maulud, Nigeria public holiday
  • Aug 31: UK Summer Bank Holiday — England, Wales and Northern Ireland




PARTNER CORNER


Shoutout to Maplerad


Maplerad co-powered July’s Value Code Challenge and sent its Co-Founder, Obinna Chukwujoke, to close it out on stage.


If you’re building anything that touches payments or cross-border money movement in Africa, they’re worth a conversation.




OPPORTUNITY BOARD


Hiring: Head of Business Development


Lagos, with travel


A senior commercial opportunity worth passing along.


They’re looking for someone with 10+ years’ experience in commercial or business development roles across energy, infrastructure or industrial markets, ideally with a strong network across Nigeria’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.


Applications close Tuesday, 11 August 2026.


View the full job description and apply → Here




AI LITERACY: BY THE NUMBERS


75 — people joined July’s Value Code Challenge closing webinar live.


20 — sessions delivered through the AI Literacy Sprint.





That’s a wrap for this edition.


Enjoy the weekend. We’ll see you next week.


The Connectors Code

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