But on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during QNET’s exclusive webinar themed “Beyond VCON: Media Insights from VCON 2025”, a group of Nigerian journalists sought to challenge that instinct with first-hand experiences from the company’s V-Convention in Penang, Malaysia.

The webinar, held via Zoom, brought together journalists, editors, and media executives who attended QNET’s flagship convention, a global event that hosted over 10,000 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from more than 50 countries. 

The webinar was a post-convention reflection space for participants to share their experiences, discuss lessons on ethical business practices, and explore the future of direct selling within Nigeria’s digital economy.

Moderated by Thelma Ilems, the webinar featured seasoned journalists Sulaiman Aledeh, Adeyemi Adepetun of The Guardian, and Juliet Umeh of Vanguard Newspaper. Also present was Ayokunmi O. Solesi, QNET’s general manager for sub-Saharan Africa.

Ayokunmi O. Solesi, in his comments, outlined QNET’s three guiding pillars: empowerment, community, and innovation. He described the convention as “a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose,” adding that QNET’s mission goes beyond selling products.

“QNET isn’t just about selling products; it’s about building responsibly, sharing success stories selflessly, and ensuring we lift others as we grow,” Solesi said. “That’s what true entrepreneurship means, creating opportunities, adding value, and helping others rise.”

QNET Wins Gold Stevie Award for Anti-Fraud Campaign Protecting Consumers Across Africa

He also noted that QNET’s Gold Stevie Award for Consumer Protection stands as proof of its commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. Solesi further hinted at new product innovations aimed at enhancing wellness and improving energy and balance without addiction.

Describing the event as “not a make-believe session, but an avenue to relive and recount authentic experiences from Malaysia,” Thelma stressed that QNET’s purpose was to give room for transparency, ethics, and the real essence of direct selling.

Sulaiman Aledeh, sharing his experience, spoke about QNET’s innovation and product quality. “Never in the life of anyone have we seen one company with so much all about elevating,” he said. He commended QNET’s product range, from skincare to air purifiers, and urged Nigerians to embrace the direct selling opportunity.

Journalists’ Firsthand Experiences

Recounting his trip, The Guardian’s Adeyemi Adepetun described VCON 2025 as “a sublime experience.” He further noted: “The hospitality was awesome. From the airport to the hotel, everything was well-coordinated.” 

He commended the sheer scale of the event, attended by over 10,000 people, and expressed admiration for QNET’s efficiency and product innovations in wellness and energy solutions.

“There is an unusual energy around me since returning,” he added, referencing QNET’s pendant and wellness patch products.

Adepetun also acknowledged the company’s collaboration with Nigerian regulators and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to tackle misinformation and fraudulent activities in the direct selling space.

For Vanguard’s Juliet Umeh, the experience was equally memorable. She spoke about QNET’s authenticity, saying, “If you were there, you would know that QNET is real,” she stated, stressing that the public must end the act of speaking without facts.

She spotlighted the company’s collaboration with local authorities and regulators to ensure ethical practices. Sharing a lighter moment, she recalled the hospitality and cultural exposure: “The Malaysians made us feel at home. The food, the people, even the driver, everyone made sure we didn’t frown for once.”

Juliet also highlighted how QNET’s philosophy of “Raise Yourself to Help Mankind (RYTHM)” translates into its empowerment and wellness initiatives. She applauded the company’s wellness-focused products, including the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, Amezcua Bio Disc 3, Q Alive, and E-Guard, which she said help consumers mitigate radiation exposure, restore energy balance, and promote healthy living.

Both journalists described visits to Penang Hill, Quest International University, and QNET’s product exhibition, where they saw firsthand how technology and wellness intersect in the company’s portfolio.

Addressing Industry Misconceptions

During the Q&A session, a participant asked how QNET addresses public scepticism about direct selling. Responding, Solesi explained that the company continues to engage with institutions like the EFCC and the Nigerian Police Force to fight fraud and misinformation.

“We’re not into recruitment; we sell real products that people benefit from,” he said, reaffirming QNET’s stand against Ponzi schemes.

He added that QNET’s growing partnerships with regulators and the media are part of its mission to promote ethical entrepreneurship and restore public trust in the direct selling industry.

In her closing statements, Thelma commended QNET and Newmark for sustaining open dialogue with the Nigerian media. “This webinar reinforces what we already know, transparency and storytelling go hand in hand,” she said. “It’s not just about selling; it’s about empowering.”

“It gets better each time. We should do a revisit; I think we all deserve another round of VCON,” Sulaiman Aledeh stated.

Since beginning operations in Nigeria in 2022, QNET has continued to drive empowerment through initiatives such as FinGreen, which promotes financial literacy, and partnerships with orphanages including Little Saints Orphanage and Babe Salaam.

Participants agreed that engagements like the Beyond VCON webinar are essential for strengthening transparency, building public trust, and promoting responsible entrepreneurship across Africa’s growing direct selling ecosystem.

The post QNET Sets New Standard for Ethical Entrepreneurship, Strengthens Media Alliance to Rebuild Trust in Direct Selling appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Are you a Nigerian woman entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level? Apply now for Growth4Her Cohort 4 and unlock the full potential of your SME

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB) 2021 report, there’s a $42 billion gender financing gap in Africa. As an AFAWA Women Entrepreneurship Enabler, Growth4Her addresses this challenge head-on.

This investor-readiness accelerator program is co-created and implemented by Creative Space Startups, Sociocapital Impact Group, The Learning Gate, and ActivSpaces.

Launched in 2022, the initiative has received over 1,500 applications from Nigeria and Cameroon across its first three cohorts.

To date, more than 300 women entrepreneurs have benefited from the program, seeing tangible results such as increased revenue, expanded market reach, improved mental health through psychosocial support sessions, and enhanced business management practices.

The vibrant, close-knit community of over 500 women fosters strong connections among the alumni, serving as a rich resource for opportunities, collaborations, partnerships, and first-hand funding and visibility opportunities.

Growth4Her is on a mission to support 1,500 women entrepreneurs across West Africa over the next five years. 

Cohort 4 applications are open for Nigerian women entrepreneurs! 

This transformative program will empower selected women entrepreneurs in Nigeria to transform their SMEs into fundable, high-growth ventures through investment readiness skills, connect them directly to funders’ funding opportunities, and cultivate an ecosystem that supports their businesses.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Women-led businesses based in Nigeria
• Minimum 51% or 20% woman-owned with a female CEO/COO
• At least 30% female board representation (if a board exists)
• 5-300 employees
• Annual sales between US$35,000 – US$15 million
• Assets ranging from US$100,000 – US$15 million
• Commitment to a one-week virtual/physical boot camp
• Dedicate 3 hours weekly for mentorship over eight weeks
• Participation of C-level executives is mandatory

What You’ll Gain:

• Expert mentoring from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders who have walked the path.
• Receive tailored training to address your business’s needs and challenges.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs and potential partners.
• Explore alternative funding options and learn how to pitch your business effectively.
• Receive psychosocial support and guidance to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become INVESTMENT-READY and take your SME to a new level!

Apply today to join women entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable growth and success, equipped with mentorship, training, funding, and networking opportunities.

Apply Now.

The post Growth4Her Cohort 4: Call for Applications for Women-Led SMEs in Nigeria appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The week-long campaign with the theme – Youthful and Useful – kicked off with a pre-event press conference in Lagos and was activated between Friday, 12th – Saturday, 18th August 2022.

During its activation, youth across the continent came out in large numbers to accentuate the strength and possibilities of their agency in actualising a sustainable future through volunteerism and community service.

With much confidence and unity of purpose, every young person who participated in the initiative had one sentence to convey their message – “We are Youthful and Useful”.

Through a partnership with Dow Africa – as a headline sponsor – LEAP Africa was able to mobilise over 5,000 young people across 34 African countries to champion and implement projects including tree planting, school painting, food drives, beach cleaning, digital sensitisation, medical outreach, prison outreach, etc.

The projects led by individuals, corporations, public and social sector organisations were aligned with the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).

Sami Mainich, Managing Director, Dow Northern and Western Africa, and Chair of Dow Africa Steering Committee, in his comments expatiated on the goal behind Dow’s partnership with Leap Africa: “Dow recognises that the future is created by what is done today through empowerment, collaboration, and deliberate investments in the communities we live and work in.

As global citizens, we believe in dedicating our time and talents to challenges and opportunities that connect science, people, and community across the globe to achieve our envisioned world built on human creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

This is achievable only when the youth are empowered to realize their full potential. As such, we partnered with Leap Africa on the Youth Day of Service campaign to develop and support solutions that spark positive change and builds resilient, sustainable communities”.

At the end of the week-long project implementation, about 620 projects and over 5000 volunteers were registered via a dedicated portal from 34 participating African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, Madagascar, Ghana, The Gambia, Cameroon, Uganda, South Sudan, and South Africa.

The purpose of the Youth Day of Service campaign continues long after the annual celebration of International Youth Day. There are so many ways to continue participation as an organisation or an individual.

You can initiate a project, sponsor or fund a project, or volunteer for an existing project either as an individual or staff of an organization.

The post LEAP Africa, Dow Engage Youths to Transform Communities Across 34 African Countries appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.