The Week Ahead

The US plans to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) starting January 1, a decision that could affect exports, businesses and jobs. In light of the landslide loss for the Trump government in Tuesday's midterms, what new vista are we going to see in trade relations between the United States and Africa? Nigerian fintech company OPay has withdrawn it...

INEC has published the voters’ register online ahead of the 2027 general elections, after earlier concerns about its delayed release. How can online access to the register improve transparency and help Nigerians verify their voter details? Nigeria's government has approved a transport allowance for workers to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs amid the high cost of living. Will...

The Q3 2026 SBM Jollof Rice Index recorded a decline in the average cost of preparing jollof rice in Nigeria, offering some relief to households amid rising living costs. Will this decline translate into sustained food affordability? Reports of Ebola in Abuja have raised concerns about Nigeria’s disease surveillance and public health preparedness. How prepared is Nigeria to contain a potential out...

Ghana’s teacher unions have suspended their nationwide strike. What agreements or commitments led to the suspension, and how will this affect teachers and students? Ghana has imposed a 20% tax on digital services. How will this tax affect digital businesses, online service prices, and consumers in Ghana? Shell and Chevron are exploring opportunities in Ghana’s Keta Basin. What economic benefits co...

Ghana has applied to join BRICS as it seeks stronger economic ties with emerging markets. Could closer ties with BRICS and greater use of the yuan strengthen Ghana’s trade and investment opportunities? The African Union has launched an Africa Credit Rating Agency to provide credit assessments that better reflect African economic realities. Could this help African countries reduce borrowing costs?...

Happy Independence day, Nigeria. Nigeria is officially 66 years old. Kwam 1 has stepped in to reconcile rival factions within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), following tensions that have affected the union. Can this reconciliation bring lasting peace to the NURTW? Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has called for Africa to secure two permanent seats on the United Nations Securit...

Ivory Coast has rejected a US request to accept deportees who are not Ivorian citizens. The decision highlights tensions over US deportation policies. Should African countries accept deportees who are not their citizens? The Central Bank of Nigeria has reduced its Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5% to 23%, a move that could make loans cheaper. Will this rate cut improve access to affordable loans? Th...

China remains a major trading partner for Nigeria, accounting for about 40% of the country’s total imports. What does Nigeria’s dependence on Chinese imports mean for local production and the country’s trade balance? The US has provided a $100 million loan to Africell to support the telecommunications company’s operations and expansion. What could this financing mean for Africell’s expansion and c...

Ghana’s gold exports rose 49% to $12.5 billion, with gold accounting for 99.9% of exports to South Africa. What is driving this growth, and what does Ghana’s reliance on gold mean for export diversification? Profits in Ghana’s banking sector fell to GH¢7.1 billion, raising questions about the financial pressures facing banks and their potential impact on the wider economy. What could be driving th...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Nigerian government to account for the savings from fuel subsidy removal and explain how the funds are being used. What should the government do to ensure these savings benefit Nigerians? Nigeria has dropped to 56th in the world poverty ranking, highlighting the country's ongoing struggle with poverty and economic hardship. What urgent s...

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group has warned that excessive pre-election spending could threaten Nigeria’s economic stability, urging greater fiscal discipline ahead of the 2027 elections. How can Nigeria control election-related spending? A fake agency coordinator has reportedly issued a letter falsely claiming to represent a government agency, raising concerns about impersonation and fake offic...

The US has lifted restrictions on Nigerian ports, potentially boosting trade, improving port operations and strengthening economic relations. How could this affect Nigeria’s international trade? Foreign investors are raising concerns about Nigeria’s capital gains tax, warning that higher or uncertain taxes could affect investment decisions. How can Nigeria attract investment while increasing tax r...

The Nigerian Army has declared senior ISWAP leaders wanted as part of efforts to disrupt the group’s leadership and operations in the North-East. Can targeting ISWAP’s leadership significantly weaken the insurgency? Clashes in Kebbi State have killed 29 people, including 10 policemen, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing northern Nigeria and the pressure on security agencies. Wha...

Nigeria's Presidency and Catholic Bishops in the country have exchanged heated public statements over the state of the country. Does constructive criticism from religious leaders help strengthen governance, or does it unnecessarily politicise national issues? President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30% and 80% for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Will a salary inc...

Chad has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, arguing that the court has unfairly targeted African countries. What could Chad's exit from the ICC mean for the fight against impunity and human rights abuses in Africa? Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched Kiiraay, a new party merging 437 groups to consolidate his political base. Can one roof truly h...

The US House of Representatives passed a measure to stop aid to Nigeria, a move that could shape future cooperation between both countries. How could changes in US aid affect Nigeria's development and bilateral relations with the United States? Nigeria has brought back 1,490 citizens from South Africa, while the House of Representatives is investigating the losses suffered by Nigerians during...

Nigeria's crude oil production has reached a six-year high, exceeding its OPEC quota and signalling a recovery in the oil sector. At the same time, Dangote Refinery has started pricing fuel in U.S. dollars for bulk buyers.  Does rising oil production outweigh the economic risks of dollar-priced fuel? Nigeria raised ₦5.08 trillion through bond sales to finance government spending and infrastru...

Nigeria Customs' revenue rose by 28.85%, while the NNPC's revenue fell by 13%. What do these contrasting performances mean for Nigeria's economy? Meanwhile, Nigeria has opened a new lithium processing plant to add value to its mineral resources and support industrialisation. How can Nigeria maximise the benefits of its critical minerals? Is there a geopolitical angle to this? Finall...

Credit to Nigeria's government has increased sharply as the country seeks a new Eurobond. Will increased borrowing strengthen Nigeria's economy or deepen its debt challenges? The Dangote Refinery has attracted nearly $2 billion through its IPO and secured additional crude supplies from the UAE. Will these developments cement Dangote Refinery's position as a key player in Africa&apos...

More African countries are using the Chinese yuan for trade with China, deepening China's economic influence on the continent. Should Africa rely less on the US dollar? Ivory Coast has announced a new oil discovery that could boost its economy, attract investment, and create jobs. Can oil wealth truly benefit ordinary citizens? Nigeria's Senate has voted for state policing following a Bi...

Benin’s new President, Romuald Wadagni, has commenced a subregional tour to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote economic cooperation, and address regional security challenges. What should be his top priority during this tour? Nigeria has intensified its fight against terrorism, securing 150 terrorism-related convictions and sentencing four people to death for their role in the 2022 Owo church...

This week, we focus on SBM Intelligence's latest report, Nigeria 2027: How the Country May Vote – Voter Sentiment Tracker, Wave 1 Analysis. The report provides an early snapshot of voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 elections, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with the country's direction, strong support for political change, and significant regional differences in voter preferences. I...

Teachers across Nigeria are protesting rising school kidnappings, demanding stronger protection for students and staff as insecurity continues to disrupt learning. Will measures put in place by the government be enough to make schools safe again?  Nigeria’s private sector has warned against further compulsory wage increases, saying many businesses are already struggling with high costs despite the...

Last Friday, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye fired Ousmanne Sonko, the Prime Minister and longtime ally. Despite the dismissal, Sonko remains influential after being elected speaker of parliament. Could this political split affect Senegal’s stability and democratic progress? Nigeria's drug enforcement agency seized a $363 million meth lab hidden in a forest in Ogun State, marking on...

The World Health Organization has declared that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is under control. However, Rwanda has tightened border measures as a precaution. How should countries balance health security with trade and movement during outbreak responses? Cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire are protesting over payments, while a farmers’ group is also demanding an audit of the...