Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter signaling cautious optimism as the country navigates structural reforms. Can this growth be sustained in the coming quarters?

The Central Bank of Nigeria has cut its benchmark interest rate to 27%, aiming to stimulate borrowing, investment, and overall economic activity. Will this rate cut strike the right balance between boosting growth and controlling inflation?

Several Sahel states have announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), branding it a “neocolonial tool.” Does this withdrawal strengthen their sovereignty, or weaken the fight against impunity?

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Nigeria's government has announced a six-month suspension on the export of shea nuts in a bid to encourage local value addition and stimulate domestic processing. How will this ban reshape the balance between exporters and local processors in the short term?

The recent increase in the price of compressed natural gas is straining households and transport operators across Nigeria. Once seen as a cheaper alternative to petrol, CNG’s rising cost is raising doubts about its viability as a long-term solution to fuel affordability. Could this price hike slow down Nigeria’s energy transition and push more citizens back to petrol use?

Tidjane Thiam, former Credit Suisse CEO, has reaffirmed his determination to contest Ivory Coast’s 2025 presidential election despite political pushback. Will Thiam’s international reputation give him an edge in Ivory Coast’s tense political landscape?

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SBM Intelligence's annual report on kidnapping in Nigeria shows that while the number of victims is down almost 50% from 2024, the amounts paid as ransoms have more than doubled. Are kidnappers becoming more efficient?

Nigeria and Brazil have signed an air service agreement to enable direct flights and boost economic cooperation. How can both countries ensure this partnership delivers lasting impact?

Ghana has removed the minimum capital requirement for foreign investors, while the Bank of Ghana now restricts large firms from withdrawing foreign currency without matching deposits to protect the cedi. How can Ghana encourage investment while maintaining currency stability?

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Nigeria’s national security adviser has announced the arrest of two insurgent leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman of Ansaru and Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda group. In a separate development, the Nigerian Army has approved a major redeployment of senior officers to boost the fight against insurgency. Could these moves signal a turning point in Nigeria’s security strategy? 

The US has approved a sale of $346 million in arms to Nigeria. Meanwhile, Nigeria has vowed to impose reciprocal visa restrictions on American citizens in response to the U.S.’s newly introduced, stringent visa rules. How will this mix of military cooperation and diplomatic friction shape future U.S.–Nigeria ties?

Finally, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has urged the Trump administration to recognise Somaliland as an independent state. Would U.S. recognition of Somaliland reshape the geopolitical balance in the Horn of Africa?

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Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose 19.6% to $3.23 billion in H1 2025 from $2.7 billion a year earlier. Export volumes reached 4.04 million metric tons, with cocoa products making up 35% of the value. Could this momentum signal a lasting shift in Nigeria’s economic structure?

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that President Bola Tinubu has directed the planting of 100 million oil palm trees nationwide, alongside plans for an oil palm processing plant in Ondo State, to boost agriculture and diversify Nigeria’s economy. Could this scale of investment make Nigeria a major global player in palm oil production? And will local farmers be equipped to benefit from the opportunities it creates?

The U.S. is looking for ways to stop deadly attacks on Christians in Africa. Recent violence includes 49 killed in the DRC and 27 in Nigeria, with militants forcing people to flee their homes. Over 150,000 have died in the last decade. Survivors say they are told to convert or be killed. Will global action help end the killings? Or is this just local politics at play?

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Tensions are rising as Ghana has reportedly asked undocumented Nigerians to leave the country. Authorities cite immigration violations and overstays, triggering concern among affected communities. Nigeria’s government is engaging diplomatically to resolve the issue. Could this strain Ghana-Nigeria relations or lead to a wider regional fallout?

Ghana’s central bank has slashed its interest rate by 100 basis points to 29%, the biggest cut on record, as inflation drops to 23.1%. The move is meant to boost economic growth, with more cuts likely if inflation stays within target. Can this rate cut spark growth without risking inflation?

Ghana has raised the cocoa producer price by 63% for the 2025/2026 season to GH₵3,228.75 per 64kg bag. COCOBOD says the hike aligns with global prices and aims to support farmers amid rising production costs. Will this price hike meaningfully improve farmer livelihoods?

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Fresh fighting has erupted in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, despite a recent peace deal. M23 rebels clashed with pro-government Wazalendo militias (NDC-Renové), capturing two villages. What steps can be taken to resolve the dispute and prevent further violence in North Kivu?

In Lagos, the Bariga Local Council Development Area has renamed Charly Boy Bus Stop to Baddo Bus Stop, in honour of rapper Olamide. The move sparked controversy, with human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticising it as unconstitutional and lacking public consultation. Legal expert Monday Ubani added that the change promotes ethnic bias and threatens Lagos’s diverse and inclusive identity. Should public landmarks be renamed without community input, and how can cities like Lagos balance cultural recognition with inclusivity?

Peter Obi has accused President Tinubu’s government of giving false economic reports to make things seem better than they are. He says the real situation, rising hunger, poverty, and joblessness,s is being hidden with fake numbers on inflation and GDP. How can the government be more open and truthful about the state of the economy?

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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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