In this final episode of 2025, we discuss the events that have starkly defined Africa's critical crossroads. 

Geopolitically, the continent faces more stringent "America First" policies and the historic rupture of three Sahel states' exit from ECOWAS, fuelling a regional security crisis. Simultaneously, major flashpoints persist, from civil war in Sudan to rebel control in the DRC, while widespread youth protests demand economic justice.

Looking to 2026, politics will dominate, with pivotal elections, while persistent security threats and cautious economic optimism, characterised by growth amid high inflation, shape the outlook. The fundamental question remains whether the continent will forge strategic unity or succumb to deepening fractures in an increasingly transactional world order.

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Benin foiled a coup attempt, prompting regional military support and emergency action from ECOWAS and the AU. At the same time, tensions escalated between Nigeria and the Alliance for Sahel States over an unapproved Nigerian military landing in Burkina Faso. What impact could these twin crises have on West Africa’s security cooperation?

A US congressional delegation met with NSA Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja amid US concerns over alleged religious persecution, which Nigeria rejects. How might this visit shape Nigeria's future security outcomes?

A new US-brokered peace and minerals cooperation deal between Congo and Rwanda was quickly tested as fresh fighting erupted between Congo’s army and M23 rebels, raising doubts about the agreement’s durability. Congo accuses Rwanda of violations, while the U.S. calls for restraint amid fears that mineral interests are overshadowing genuine peace efforts. Can this deal survive renewed conflict, or is deeper diplomacy needed to address long-standing tensions?

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Nigeria declared a security emergency, began expanding its armed forces, approved 20,000 new police recruits, and moved security officers from VIP protection to conflict areas, all before the defence minister resigned abruptly. What should Nigeria do next in 2026 to strengthen its security progress?

TotalEnergies sold its 12.5% stake in OML 118, Shell and Nigerian Agip acquired portions, petrol prices fell, and daily consumption rose 31.8% to 56.7 million litres. Crude output slightly dipped to 1.58 million barrels per day. How will falling petrol prices and higher consumption affect Nigeria’s energy sector next year?

Cyril Ramaphosa rejected Donald Trump’s claims that South Africa mishandled the G20 presidency, threatened exclusion from the G20 summit, and persecuted white citizens, calling the accusations false. He confirmed a proper handover at the Johannesburg meeting and noted continued U.S. business and civil society engagement. How could diplomatic tensions affect South Africa’s economic partnerships in 2026?

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Just days after the elections and a day before the results were due to be announced, a coup took place in Guinea-Bissau. Is democracy on the way out in West Africa?

The Central Bank of Nigeria held rates and stopped new state loans after large unrecovered debts, pushing private-led credit. Can private banks fill the financing gap for key sectors?

South Africa and the EU agreed on local mineral processing while securing supply for Europe’s green tech. The European Investment Bank pledged renewable-energy funding for Africa. Can South Africa industrialise fast while supplying Europe?

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A Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, Musa Uba, was captured and murdered by ISWAP terrorists following an ambush in Borno State. On the same day, 25 school girls were kidnapped in Kebbi State, and the next day, three people were killed in an attack on a church in Kwara State, an attack that was live-streamed. What the heck is happening in Nigeria? 

Nigeria has dropped its plan to introduce a 15% duty on imported petrol and diesel. Regulators say the fuel supply is stable and warn against panic buying or hoarding, noting they will continue to monitor the market to ensure stability. What does this reversal mean for local refineries and overall fuel pricing?

Ivory Coast raised 59.05 billion CFA francs from a short-term Treasury bill, showing investors remain confident. S&P kept the country’s BB/B rating stable, citing strong growth prospects and steady economic management. How will this affect the Ivory Coast’s future borrowing and investor interest?

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Governor Charles Soludo of APGA won re-election in Anambra, defeating APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu in all 21 LGAs despite reports of vote buying, BVAS glitches, and low turnout. Can this victory inspire stronger electoral reforms in the Southeast?

The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has cancelled the land rights for the new Museum of West Africa in Benin City, following a fracas on the museum's opening day. What does this mean for property rights and investment in Nigeria? 

Niger has vowed to keep its border with Benin closed over security concerns and allegations that Benin is aiding Western-backed destabilisation efforts, which Benin denies. The closure, which has been in effect since 2023, has hurt trade and strained ties between the countries. Could this continued border closure further strain regional relations and economic stability in West Africa?

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The U.S. and Nigeria are experiencing diplomatic tensions after President Trump threatened possible military action over religious violence. Where is this going?

Nigeria has approved a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel to encourage local refining, which may lead to increased fuel prices. Critics argue that it primarily benefits the Dangote refinery. Will this policy truly boost local refining, or will it simply make fuel more expensive for consumers?

Yesterday, SBM Intel published its 2025 Health Preparedness Index, which showed that no Nigerian state is prepared for an emergency. What is the problem? How can it be sorted?

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On Frank Talk with Daniel Odeyemi on Rave FM Ogbomoso, SBM analyst, Confidence McHarry, debates Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on whether there is indeed a Christian genocide in Nigeria…

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Last week, SBM Intel published its quarterly Jollof Index. The index told a tale of two economies. In Nigeria, food prices dipped slightly despite long-term issues, while in Ghana, despite some stability, food prices rose slightly, especially in the Northern region. What is happening there?

Ghana’s producer inflation fell sharply to 3.2% in September 2025 from 30.5% a year earlier, showing reduced production costs and economic stability. However, the government’s treasury bill auction missed its target by 30%, signalling weak investor confidence even with stable returns. Why are investors turning away from Ghana’s treasury bills despite signs of easing inflation?

Cameroon faces rising unrest after the court upheld President Paul Biya’s eighth-term victory, rejecting opposition petitions and prompting deadly protests. Internet access has been cut, raising censorship concerns. How might the internet blackout affect public trust and political stability in Cameroon?

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Reports of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu have caused public outrage. The Defence Headquarters denied the claims, saying there was no coup plan or related arrests. Is there a danger of a coup? What do such stories mean for Nigeria's economy?

Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa plan to raise ₦50 billion and form a joint electricity market to boost power supply. How will this collaboration improve electricity access in the region?

An Ivorian court sentenced 32 protesters to three years in prison, part of a pre-election crackdown following violent unrest and key candidate exclusions ahead of tomorrow's election. How is the government balancing election security with the right to peaceful assembly? Will this affect the outcome?

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