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FAQs about The Week Ahead:How many episodes does The Week Ahead have?The podcast currently has 101 episodes available.
March 13, 2026The money is movingFuel 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? Support the show...more31minPlay
March 05, 2026Planning for the futureThe 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?Support the show...more32minPlay
February 27, 2026Everyone wants a pieceThe 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?Support the show...more30minPlay
February 19, 2026The barrels might be emptyNigeria’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?Support the show...more22minPlay
February 12, 2026Everything must goAfter 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?Support the show...more38minPlay
February 06, 2026Clarity, the rarest commodityThis 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?Support the show...more23minPlay
January 30, 2026Not for the faint of heartThis 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?Support the show...more34minPlay
January 23, 2026Planning for tomorrow in today’s emergenciesOn Tuesday, Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, gave a robust speech to the World Economic Forum at Davos, where he essentially declared the end of the post-World War 2 international order. Now that it is out in the open, is Africa ready for the rupture?Nigeria has signed a long-awaited MoU with Abu Dhabi Ports Group to collaborate on port development. Could this partnership finally unlock modern, globally competitive ports for Nigeria?African economies are strengthening trade and investment ties with major powers. Is Africa successfully balancing global partnerships to drive growth and reduce fiscal pressure?Support the show...more28minPlay
January 16, 2026A temporary, arithmetical spikeThe U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a three-year extension of AGOA. As the bill moves to the Senate, attention is turning to eligibility conditions, with South Africa facing closer scrutiny over its continued participation. Will the AGOA extension translate into real industrial growth for African economies, or will stricter eligibility reviews limit its impact?Ghana has paid $1.47bn to clear legacy energy-sector debts, easing power supply challenges and restoring confidence across the sector. What lessons can other African countries learn from Ghana on clearing sectoral debts, mobilising local capital, and addressing economic challenges without deepening public debt?Uganda has cut internet access and tightened security ahead of its presidential election, drawing criticism over repression as President Museveni seeks a seventh term. Could Uganda’s election process be considered free and fair amid internet shutdowns and a heavy security presence?Support the show...more29minPlay
January 09, 2026Headline-generating upheavalAmerica gave Nigeria a Christmas present, lobbing some bombs at Sokoto State. Then they kidnapped the President of Venezuela. What is happening with the United States?China's top diplomat, Wang Yi's has started another Africa tour. Simultaneously, Botswana is courting Russian investment. In Somalia, protests erupted against Israel's recognition of Somaliland. How are African countries navigating this complex era of competing geopolitical overtures?Nigeria's government has refused to delay the implementation of controversial new taxes. Will the government’s stance intensify public backlash or force a policy rethink?Support the show...more30minPlay
FAQs about The Week Ahead:How many episodes does The Week Ahead have?The podcast currently has 101 episodes available.