Earlier in the week, SBM Intelligence published the Jollof Index, our quarterly report on food inflation in Nigeria and Ghana. The cost of cooking a pot of Jollof Rice has skyrocketed. In Ghana, it rose to GH₵420; in Nigeria, it's up 153% since 2023, now ₦27,528. How are people dealing with the rising cost of food in both countries?

Ghana’s oil and gas sector is gaining momentum as Eni, Tullow Oil, and Kosmos Energy advance major projects to boost production and enhance energy security. How will these developments impact Ghana’s domestic energy supply and economy in the long term?

President Paul Biya of Cameroon has reshuffled the military, promoting several high-ranking officers in possibly a move to consolidate support ahead of the presidential elections. Could this military reshuffle influence the fairness and outcome of Cameroon’s upcoming presidential election?

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Nigeria's former president, Muhammadu Buhari, died in London at the age of 82 after a long illness. We reflect on Buhari's leadership and his legacy.

The US is deporting migrants, and wants African countries to take people from other countries. Some countries, including Nigeria, have pushed back. As a result, the US has placed visa restrictions on countries that did not cooperate with it. Both Nigeria and Ghana now face visa limits. How should African countries respond?

Meanwhile, five African leaders recently met with Donald Trump at a White House lunch. Could it lead to real investment and stronger partnerships between the US and Africa?

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There’s a fuel price battle happening in Nigeria. Dangote Refinery cut its petrol price to ₦820 per litre, pushing other marketers like MRS Oil and NNPC to drop their prices too. This means petrol prices now vary in different places. Is the current fuel price competition good news for Nigerians, or just a temporary fix in a broken system?

Nigeria's Naira is no longer moving up and down with oil prices like it used to. Now, the Naira depends more on investor confidence than oil prices. Experts think the Naira will stay around ₦1,556 per dollar by the end of the year.  Is Nigeria finally reducing its dependence on oil for real?

Nigerian banks are now allowing people to use their Naira debit cards for international spending again. The move shows that access to foreign exchange is improving and helps people trust the system more. Is this a sign that Nigeria’s forex situation is finally getting better?

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Deadly protests happened in Kenya and Togo. In Kenya, 16 people were killed during demonstrations against the government. In Togo, seven people died during protests over economic problems. How can African governments keep peace during protests without using deadly force?

President Bola Tinubu has signed four new tax laws. One significant change is that only the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) will collect federal taxes. How will centralising tax collection under the NRS impact efficiency and transparency in Nigeria’s tax system?

Governor Fubara and Minister Wike agreed to work together after President Tinubu's intervention in Rivers State. How does this deal affect democracy and party politics in Rivers State?

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The DRC and Rwanda have signed a provisional peace deal to ease conflict in eastern DRC. At the same time, the DRC extended its cobalt export ban to manage oversupply and support prices. Can this peace deal help reduce conflict and support economic recovery in the DRC?

Nigerian security forces have made progress in fighting insecurity—killing 6,260 terrorists, arresting over 14,000 criminals, and rescuing 5,300 kidnap victims in two years. Despite these efforts, attacks. Why have these security efforts not led to the elimination of Nigeria’s major security challenges?

Nigeria’s electoral commission, INEC, has received 110 requests from groups seeking to become political parties ahead of the 2027 elections. How might the growing number of aspiring political parties impact Nigeria’s 2027 elections?

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Gunmen killed scores of people in Yelwata, Benue State. The killings are causing mass displacement and threatening food security, especially since most victims are farmers. What steps should the government take to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable farming communities in Benue State?

China has announced that it will eliminate import taxes on goods from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, building on a 2023 agreement that removed tariffs for 33 poorer African nations. How can African countries make the most of China’s decision to remove import taxes?

Ghana’s economy grew by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a sign of recovery. However, despite this progress, Ghana loses billions of dollars each year from gold smuggling, with a report showing that over $11 billion worth of gold has gone missing in just five years. How can Ghana stop gold smuggling and protect its economy?

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On our first story for today, Nigeria’s Debt Office raised ₦2.2 trillion from its ₦300 billion Sukuk offer, showing strong investor interest with a 735% oversubscription. At the same time, the Central Bank is lowering interest rates. 

Meanwhile, a $5 billion oil-backed loan deal with Saudi Aramco has stalled due to falling oil prices and Nigeria’s low oil production. 

What do these mean for Nigeria’s future borrowing strategy and economic stability?

Finally, Russia is strengthening its ties with African countries, mainly in security and trade. Its new group, the “Africa Corps,” has replaced Wagner in Mali, helping fight Islamist militants. Some progress has been made, but threats from groups like ISIS still remain. How will Russia’s growing presence affect the region in the long run?

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Today is Biafra Memorial Day, which for a lot of Igbo people is a day that remembers the brutality of Nigeria's civil war that ended 55 years ago. Earlier in the week, SBM Intel published a report on the impact of secessionist sit-at-home protests that have been affecting Southeast Nigeria since 2021. Our study found that the protest action has cost the region at least $4.8 billion in lost revenue. How has it come to this? 

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has requested that the National Assembly approve over $21.5 billion in foreign loans for Nigeria’s 2025–2026 budget. These loans will cover approximately 60% of the 2025 budget and are intended to create jobs, address budget gaps, and drive reforms. Is borrowing this much a good idea for Nigeria’s future?

Niger has expelled some Chinese oil workers over rule violations and is pushing for greater control of its resources, while in Guinea, the military government cancelled 129 unused mineral permits, claiming it wants to attract new investors. Meanwhile, the EU is investing €40 million to upgrade the Douala–N’Djamena trade route for better regional trade, and Togo launched a $1.6 million credit line for women entrepreneurs. Experts say deeper reforms are still needed. Are these moves signs of stronger governance or just short-term fixes in West and Central Africa?

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France-Algeria relations have worsened following mutual diplomatic expulsions. At the same time, al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM claimed to have killed 200 soldiers in a major attack on a military base in northern Burkina Faso. What steps can be taken to restore diplomatic ties and improve regional security?

Nigeria's Senate is considering a bill to create a single agency for managing assets recovered from crime, replacing the current system involving 18 agencies. How might a centralised asset management agency impact the fight against corruption in Nigeria?

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food inflation in Benue State spiked to 51.8% year-on-year in April 2025, more than doubling from 23.3% in March. What factors are driving the sharp rise in food inflation in Benue, and what policy responses are needed to address it?

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More than 52 million people in West and Central Africa are projected to face food insecurity during the June–August season, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and rising food inflation. The World Food Programme warns that nearly 3 million people could face emergency hunger. How can governments and multilaterals prepare for escalating food crises in fragile regions?

Nigeria's Labour Party has indefinitely suspended Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and five others for alleged anti-party behaviour. What impact could these suspensions have on the Labour Party’s reputation and internal unity?

Islamist militants attacked the Nigerian Army in Marte, Borno State, killing at least five soldiers. The fallen were mostly junior soldiers, mourned by colleagues. What additional measures can be taken to enhance defence and intelligence in vulnerable regions like Borno?

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