The US has withdrawn non-essential staff from Abuja due to security concerns. Will this signal deeper diplomatic concern or lead to stronger security assurances from the government?

In Borno State, an airstrike killed civilians. Nigeria's military has defended the operation. Can the authorities balance security operations with civilian protection and trust?

Ghana has denied reports of plans to host an EU military base. Will this be enough to calm concerns about foreign military presence in the region?

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The Palm Sunday attacks in Jos killed at least 28 people, and this week, attacks in other locations, including in Niger State, have killed up to 60 people. Will increased security interventions be enough to restore calm and prevent further violence?

Afreximbank has launched a $10 billion support facility while successfully raising an additional $2 billion to strengthen trade and economic resilience across Africa amid the Iran War. Will these financial interventions translate into tangible economic recovery for African economies?

A growing trade dispute between Nigeria and Ghana has disrupted onion shipments and prompted calls for Ghana to suspend tomato imports, escalating tensions in regional agricultural trade. Can diplomatic engagement resolve the standoff before it significantly impacts food supply and prices?

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President Tinubu led the charge to strengthen ties with the United Kingdom through a historic visit. How will this deal balance improved trade efficiency with concerns about reliance on UK-linked funding terms?

The Central Bank of Nigeria has tightened BVN and remittance rules while banks raised ₦4.61 trillion. How will these measures impact financial inclusion and customer access to banking services?

Tensions between South Africa and the US are rising over foreign policy disagreements, even as global shipping disruptions boost South African ports. Can Pretoria balance diplomatic strain with the economic gains from rerouted trade?

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Fuel prices in Nigeria have fluctuated sharply due to global oil market volatility. How will these global shocks continue to affect Nigeria’s domestic fuel prices and inflation? 

Nigeria’s ports recorded strong growth in 2025, with cargo throughput rising by 24.8% to 129.3 million metric tonnes. What does this growth mean for Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub?

Kenya Pipeline Company’s oversubscribed IPO raised about 106.3 billion Kenyan shillings, with part of the proceeds set to fund major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. How will this investment shape Kenya’s future transport and energy infrastructure? 

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The Dangote Refinery raised petrol prices by 13% as global oil and gas prices surged amid escalating Middle East tensions and fears over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. How might rising global energy prices and Nigeria’s domestic reforms reshape the country’s oil revenue outlook?

At least 25 civilians and three soldiers were killed in coordinated insurgent attacks in Adamawa, and then on Wednesday, an attack in Borno killed 19 soldiers, among others. How can regional security forces better coordinate to contain the growing insurgency?

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 general elections to 16 January and 6 February 2027. How will the new electoral timelines affect party preparations and voter mobilisation ahead of 2027?

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The CBN's MPC reduced the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points while retaining key reserve and liquidity ratios. Will this rate cut significantly boost lending and economic growth in Nigeria?

Foreign investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector dropped sharply in 2025, even though total capital inflows into the country increased significantly, raising concerns about the strength of local production. Can the government’s new industrial policy reverse this decline and attract more long-term investment into manufacturing?

The DRC is increasing government control over its mineral resources. Will these reforms help the country gain greater economic independence and control over its mining sector?

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Nigeria’s Communications Minister, Bosun Tijani, says the government will assess MTN's $2.2 billion acquisition of a majority stake in IHS to ensure it aligns with the country's telecoms priorities. What does this review mean for Nigeria’s telecom sector?

The United States has intensified scrutiny over security and illegal mining, with a bill in the House of Representatives proposing sanctions, visa bans, and asset freezes, while the Treasury freezes assets of eight Nigerians linked to extremist and cyber activities. What impact could this have on Nigeria’s security and foreign relations?

Meanwhile, the US secretly deported nine migrants to Cameroon despite some having U.S. court protections. The Trump administration flew them from Alexandria on January 14 without Cameroon’s public consent. What are the legal and diplomatic consequences?

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After public uproar, Nigeria's Senate amended the Electoral Act to allow (but not mandate) electronic transmission of results. Does this revision protect electoral transparency? 

Nigeria plans to sell selected state-owned assets from 2026 to reduce its ₦25 trillion budget deficit, attract private capital, and support broader economic reforms. Will this asset sale strategy deliver long-term economic stability or merely provide short-term fiscal relief?

Nigeria and South Africa are deepening economic ties with China through new trade agreements. Will closer ties with China drive sustainable growth in Africa, or increase long-term economic dependence?

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This week, SBM Intelligence published a report on Nigeria's new tax laws. We polled people around the country and have found that more than two in three do not trust the government to utilise any extra money judiciously. What can the government do to bridge this trust deficit and prevent the kind of protests we saw in Ghana and Kenya? 

Next, Nigeria will issue a power-sector bond to settle long-standing arrears owed to electricity companies. The move aims to restore liquidity and boost investor confidence, but will it improve electricity supply sustainably?

Finally, Nigeria lowers costs in its new oil licensing round, reducing signature bonuses to attract more investors and increase exploration. The big question: will this drive long-term growth or just short-term interest?

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This week, Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy took centre stage as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu began a state visit to Türkiye. With Türkiye emerging as a strategic partner for African economies, the big question is: Will the agreements reached translate into real economic value for Nigeria, or remain diplomatic symbolism?

The United Nations has issued a warning that over 35 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger and food insecurity. Is Nigeria prepared to confront this crisis structurally, or will responses remain reactive and emergency-driven?

Then we turn to East Africa, where Rwanda and Türkiye have signed a major defence manufacturing agreement. Could this model reshape Africa’s security economy and industrial future?

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