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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At least 22 people have been killed since unrest began in Madagascar, culminating in the military seizing power after the president fled. The AU has suspended the country. Will this coup bring stability or worsen the country’s political crisis?

Authorities in the Ivory Coast arrested 237 people during a banned protest a few weeks before the October 25 election. Opposition leaders were barred from the race and vowed to keep protesting. Will this unrest affect the credibility of the election?

President Bola Tinubu has named Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new INEC Chairperson, succeeding Mahmood Yakubu after his 10-year tenure. Will this change in leadership impact public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process?

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Oba Ewuare II of Benin rejected the introduction of the Iyaloja title in Edo markets, insisting that the palace-recognised Iyeki remains the traditional market leader and that the Iyaloja concept is foreign to Benin culture. Could this reflect growing friction between tradition and modern political influence?

The AfDB approved a $500 million loan to support Nigeria’s fiscal and power reforms, while the CBN introduced stricter agent banking rules, including a ₦1.2 million daily cash-out limit and real-time settlements. Do these moves reflect renewed confidence in Nigeria’s reform and economic stability efforts? 

Côte d'Ivoire has banned protests over the exclusion of opposition figures from the October 25 presidential election, as President Alassane Ouattara seeks a fourth term. Will this move deepen political tensions?

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Ghana has signed a $256 million debt restructuring deal with the UK, while the IMF begins its fifth review of the country’s bailout, which could unlock more funds. Will this boost be enough to strengthen Ghana’s economic recovery?

A gold mine collapse in Zamfara killed at least 13 miners, with officials blaming heavy rains and unsafe illegal mining. Can stronger regulation truly stop unsafe mining practices?

Manufacturers caution that new tax stamps could raise costs and hurt competitiveness, while from 2026, Nigerians working remotely for foreign firms will pay income tax of up to 25%. Can these policies boost revenue without stifling industries or workers?

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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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