Staying ahead of the competition is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment. Understanding the latest trends enables businesses to anticipate and respond to changes in the market, staying ahead of their competitors.
Business trends often bring new opportunities for growth and innovation. By being aware of these trends, businesses can identify areas for expansion, develop new products or services, and capitalise on emerging markets.
As 2025 begins, getting acquainted with business trends would be pivotal at this time in order to facilitate informed decision-making that would place your business ahead of your competitors. By understanding the broader business landscape, companies can make more informed decisions about investments, resource allocation, and strategic partnerships.
Here are some global business trends that tend to be profitable when the right strategies are implemented:
Sustainability and Remediating Climate Change
Climate change is a pressing global issue that affects not only the environment but also human health, economic stability, and social justice. It also worsens existing social and economic inequalities, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the poor, women, and indigenous peoples.
Our changing climate has far-reaching consequences for human health, including increased risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and the spread of disease. Addressing climate change is crucial to ensure a sustainable future, promote human well-being, and protect the planet for future generations.
Businesses that wish to address such issues can get the most recognition as world leaders, international organisations, and civil society are increasingly acknowledging the urgent need for climate action. Businesses can capitalise on the increasing demand for sustainable products and services by developing and marketing eco-friendly offerings. Companies that prioritise sustainability and transparency are more likely to attract environmentally conscious consumers, top talent and grants.
Climate Change Grants for Businesses
Climate change grants for businesses are available from various organisations, offering funding opportunities to support sustainable projects and initiatives. The Climate Action Window, for instance, provides grant funding for projects that accelerate climate action in Africa’s least developed countries. The program is divided into three sub-windows: adaptation, mitigation, and technical assistance, with a focus on supporting project preparation, capacity building, and green finance initiatives.
Another organisation offering grants is the ClimateWorks Foundation, which has provided over $1.8 billion in funding to more than 850 grantees across 50 countries. Their grants support various climate solutions, including carbon dioxide removal, cooling, and sustainable transportation. In Nigeria, the Green Climate Fund offers funding opportunities for climate-resilient projects, including those focused on agriculture, water management, and energy efficiency.
The UNICEF Venture Fund provides equity-free investments of up to $100,000 to early-stage technology startups addressing climate change. They prioritise solutions leveraging frontier technologies like blockchain, drones, and artificial intelligence. These grants can help businesses develop and implement sustainable projects, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a more climate-resilient future.
Investing in Clean and Renewable Energy
One thriving project enterprises can look into is investing in clean technologies and renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy. In recent years, utility-scale solar and wind capacity additions have accounted for a significant portion of all new builds and expansions, with solar capacity growing by nearly 90% to reach 18.6 gigawatts.
This surge in demand is being fueled by various factors, including corporate demand from companies seeking to power their operations with renewable energy, government policies providing incentives for the development and deployment of renewable energy sources, and declining costs, making solar and wind energy more competitive with fossil fuels.
As a result, the US Energy Information Administration expects wind capacity to continue growing, reaching 153.8 gigawatts and solar capacity to hit 128.2 gigawatts. The growth in demand for solar and wind energy is expected to continue, with renewables playing a crucial role in meeting the increasing power demands of various industries.
This would also be profitable in developing countries with unstable and expensive electricity supply. In Nigeria, for instance, several collapses in the national grid were experienced in 2024, leading to economic consequences for businesses.
Investing in a stable form of energy would receive a lot of patronise from the global market.
Sustainable Mobility
Sustainable mobility as transportation modes minimise environmental impact, promote social equity, and support economic growth. This concept encompasses various transportation modes that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and reliance on fossil fuels. In a time where the conservation of the environment is a global concern, business projects towards sustainable mobility, like electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, can be enterprising.
Electric vehicles are powered by electricity from renewable sources, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Hybrid vehicles, which combine conventional engines with electric motors, can also be invested in as they offer improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a zero-emission alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based transportation.
Introducing the practice of sharing vehicles can also be environmentally friendly. One prominent example is the Trekk Scooters. It is Africa’s first electric scooter-sharing platform, paving the way for micro-mobility adoption on the continent. The company has also made a considerable impact on the environment. With over 40,000 total rides completed on their platform, they’ve prevented substantial carbon emissions from combustion-engine trips.
In recognition of their innovative approach to sustainable transportation, they won the L’Belle Awards 2020 in Paris, France, for Startup of the Year. They were also recognised by the UN’s Youth Sustainable Energy Hub for advancing SDG7 goals. Trekk Scooters has successfully deployed its services in several Nigerian universities and residential estates, promoting eco-friendly transportation and redefining the way communities move and connect.
Automation in Business
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires embracing innovative technologies that drive efficiency, productivity, and growth. One such game-changer is automation, which has revolutionised the way companies operate, making it an essential component of modern business strategy.
Automation is important because it enables businesses to streamline processes, reduce manual labour, and minimise errors. By automating repetitive and mundane tasks, companies can free up resources to focus on high-value activities such as innovation, customer engagement, and strategic planning. It also provides real-time data and insights, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and drive growth.
Through this, companies can improve customer experience, increase scalability, and enhance competitiveness. As technology continues to evolve, automation will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of business, making it essential for companies to adopt and adapt to automation to remain relevant and thrive.
Business Opportunities in Automation
Here are 10 types of automation investors and innovators can look into:
1. AI Automation: This uses artificial intelligence to perform complex tasks, such as decision-making and data analysis. It can learn from data, identify patterns, and make predictions. AI automation can automate tasks that typically require human intelligence, freeing up time for more strategic activities. Examples include chatbots and virtual assistants.
2. Task Automation: It involves automating repetitive tasks that don’t require critical thinking. Examples include scheduling social media posts, setting reminders, and sending emails. Task automation saves time, reduces errors, and increases productivity. It’s ideal for tasks that are time-consuming, mundane, or prone to errors. Tools like IFTTT and Zapier enable task automation.
3. Workflow Automation: This type of automation streamlines business processes by automating tasks and moving them through different stages. It ensures that tasks are completed efficiently, accurately, and on time. Workflow automation reduces manual labour, minimises errors, and increases productivity. Examples include automating customer onboarding, order fulfilment, and employee onboarding.
4. Manufacturing Automation: Manufacturing automation uses robots and automation systems to manage production processes, such as assembly, inspection, and packaging. It increases efficiency, accuracy, and productivity while reducing labour costs and errors. Manufacturing automation is ideal for industries with high-volume production, such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.
5. Customer Service Automation: Customer service automation uses AI to automate customer service responses, deliver personalised recommendations, and handle complaints. It provides 24/7 support, reduces response times, and increases customer satisfaction. Examples include chatbots, virtual assistants, and automated email responses. Companies like Zendesk and Salesforce offer customer service automation solutions.
6. Marketing Automation: This automates repetitive marketing tasks, such as email campaigns, social media posting, and ad placements. It personalises customer interactions, increases engagement, and drives conversions. Marketing automation is ideal for businesses with complex marketing workflows. Tools like Marketo, HubSpot, and Mailchimp enable marketing automation.
7. Financial Services Automation: It automates financial tasks, such as data entry, account reconciliation, and report generation. It increases accuracy, reduces errors, and improves compliance. Financial services automation is ideal for industries with complex financial transactions, such as banking, insurance, and accounting.
8. Transportation Automation: Transportation automation uses technology to control vehicles, manage traffic flow, and schedule public transport. It increases safety, reduces congestion, and improves efficiency. Examples include self-driving cars, automated metro systems, and smart traffic management. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber are leading transportation automation efforts.
9. Data Entry Automation: Data entry automation uses software to accurately and efficiently process large volumes of data. It reduces manual labour, minimises errors, and increases productivity. Data entry automation is ideal for industries with high-volume data entry, such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. Tools like Magical, Zapier, and (link unavailable) enable data entry automation.
10. Business Process Automation: This type streamlines business operations by automating tasks, workflows, and processes. It increases efficiency, reduces costs, and improves customer experiences. Business process automation is ideal for industries with complex operations, such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Tools like BPMN, WorkflowMax, and KiSSFLOW enable business process automation.
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Rising Interest in Remote Work
In modern times, remote jobs are becoming desirable due to the flexibility and work-life balance it provides. Without the constraints of a traditional office environment, employees can manage their work schedule and personal life more effectively. The modern workforce, composed of millennials and Gen Z, values flexibility and work-life balance, making remote work increasingly appealing.
Many people find that they are more productive when working remotely, away from office distractions and lengthy commutes. This, in turn, leads to cost savings for both employees and employers. Employees save money on transportation costs, while employers reduce their expenses on office space and utilities.
Remote work also opens up opportunities for companies to access global talent. Businesses can attract and hire the best candidates worldwide rather than being limited to a specific geographic location. It also serves as a business continuity strategy, ensuring that work can continue uninterrupted in the event of natural disasters, pandemics, or other disruptions.
As technology continues to advance and the workforce evolves, remote work is likely to become an increasingly popular and permanent fixture in the modern work landscape. This presents a promising opportunity to leverage.
Business Opportunities to Target the Trend of Remote Work
Developing platforms and tools that facilitate remote work can be a lucrative business opportunity.
Online education and training are essential for remote workers who need to develop new skills or improve existing ones. Offering online courses, training programs, and certifications can help remote workers stay competitive in the job market. Focus areas can include digital communication and collaboration, time management and productivity, remote team leadership and management, and technical skills like coding, data analysis, and digital marketing. Entrepreneurs can help remote workers achieve their career goals by providing high-quality online education and training.
Virtual assistant services can help remote workers manage their workload and personal life more efficiently. These services can include email management and response, scheduling and calendar organisation, data entry and bookkeeping, and travel planning and coordination. By providing reliable and efficient virtual assistant services, entrepreneurs can help remote workers reduce stress and increase productivity.
Remote IT and tech support services are crucial for remote workers who rely on technology to perform their jobs. Offering remote IT support services can include technical troubleshooting and repair, cybersecurity and data protection, cloud computing and storage solutions, and network setup and management. Providing prompt and reliable remote IT support is an opportunity to leverage.
Wellness and self-care services can help remote workers maintain their physical and mental health. These services can include virtual fitness classes and personal training, mental health coaching and therapy, nutrition planning and meal delivery, and mindfulness and meditation workshops. By providing accessible and affordable wellness and self-care services, opportunists can help remote workers reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.
Remote-friendly coworking spaces can provide remote workers with a productive and community-driven work environment. These spaces can offer flexible membership plans, high-speed internet and reliable connectivity, comfortable and ergonomic workspaces, and community events and networking opportunities. Entrepreneurs can help remote workers stay connected and motivated by creating welcoming and well-equipped coworking spaces.
Digital marketing and content creation services can help businesses adapt to the remote work trend. These services can include digital marketing strategy and consulting, content creation services (blog posts, videos, podcasts), social media management and advertising, and website design and development.
Being conversant with business trends demonstrates a company’s commitment to innovation and forward-thinking. This can enhance the company’s reputation, attract top talent, and foster stronger relationships with customers and partners.
Understanding business trends is essential as they enable companies to mitigate potential risks and challenges. By anticipating changes in the market, businesses can develop strategies to navigate disruptions, ensure compliance with regulatory changes, and manage potential risks.
Keeping up with business trends is essential for driving business success and sustainability. It enables companies to innovate, adapt, and thrive in an ever-changing business environment. In terms of communication, discussing business trends without relying on lists allows for more nuanced and in-depth conversations. It demonstrates a deeper understanding of the trends and their interconnections, enabling more effective communication with stakeholders, partners, and clients.
This skill is particularly important for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who need to communicate complex ideas and strategies to various audiences. By being conversant with business trends, they can articulate their vision, build support for their strategies, and drive business growth.
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