The Week Ahead
SBM Intelligence's take on Nigeria and Africa brought to you every week.
Episodes
115 episodes
The new national sport
China remains a major trading partner for Nigeria, accounting for about 40% of the country’s total imports. What does Nigeria’s dependence on Chinese imports mean for local production and the country’s trade balance?The US has provided ...
Some things sell better unaudited
Ghana’s gold exports rose 49% to $12.5 billion, with gold accounting for 99.9% of exports to South Africa. What is driving this growth, and what does Ghana’s reliance on gold mean for export diversification?Profits in Ghana’s banking se...
Not on speaking terms
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Nigerian government to account for the savings from fuel subsidy removal and explain how the funds are being used. What should the government do to ensure these savings benefit Nigerians?<...
Drama always around the corner
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group has warned that excessive pre-election spending could threaten Nigeria’s economic stability, urging greater fiscal discipline ahead of the 2027 elections. How can Nigeria control election-related spending?...
Chaos with better branding
The US has lifted restrictions on Nigerian ports, potentially boosting trade, improving port operations and strengthening economic relations. How could this affect Nigeria’s international trade?Foreign investors are raising concerns abo...
Needing therapy
The Nigerian Army has declared senior ISWAP leaders wanted as part of efforts to disrupt the group’s leadership and operations in the North-East. Can targeting ISWAP’s leadership significantly weaken the insurgency?Clashes in Kebbi Stat...
On the line
Nigeria's Presidency and Catholic Bishops in the country have exchanged heated public statements over the state of the country. Does constructive criticism from religious leaders help strengthen governance, or does it unnecessarily politicise n...
Providence
Chad has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, arguing that the court has unfairly targeted African countries. What could Chad's exit from the ICC mean for the fight against impunity and human rights abuses in Africa?<...
Compass point
The US House of Representatives passed a measure to stop aid to Nigeria, a move that could shape future cooperation between both countries. How could changes in US aid affect Nigeria's development and bilateral relations with the United Sta...
The only thing not rising
Nigeria's crude oil production has reached a six-year high, exceeding its OPEC quota and signalling a recovery in the oil sector. At the same time, Dangote Refinery has started pricing fuel in U.S. dollars for bulk buyers. Does rising oil...
Traffic
Nigeria Customs' revenue rose by 28.85%, while the NNPC's revenue fell by 13%. What do these contrasting performances mean for Nigeria's economy?Meanwhile, Nigeria has opened a new lithium processing plant to add value to its mineral re...
The water level
Credit to Nigeria's government has increased sharply as the country seeks a new Eurobond. Will increased borrowing strengthen Nigeria's economy or deepen its debt challenges?The Dangote Refinery has attracted nearly $2 billion through i...
Reforming, expanding and dealing
More African countries are using the Chinese yuan for trade with China, deepening China's economic influence on the continent. Should Africa rely less on the US dollar?Ivory Coast has announced a new oil discovery that could boost its e...
Living on a prayer
Benin’s new President, Romuald Wadagni, has commenced a subregional tour to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote economic cooperation, and address regional security challenges. What should be his top priority during this tour?Nigeri...
VST Wave 1: How Nigeria may vote
This week, we focus on SBM Intelligence's latest report, Nigeria 2027: How the Country May Vote – Voter Sentiment Tracker, Wave 1 Analysis.The report provides an early snapshot of voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 elections, revealing w...
Steering without a wheel
Teachers across Nigeria are protesting rising school kidnappings, demanding stronger protection for students and staff as insecurity continues to disrupt learning. Will measures put in place by the government be enough to make schools safe agai...
Everyone is running for something
Last Friday, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye fired Ousmanne Sonko, the Prime Minister and longtime ally. Despite the dismissal, Sonko remains influential after being elected speaker of parliament. Could this political split affect Sen...
A bust alternator
The World Health Organization has declared that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is under control. However, Rwanda has tightened border measures as a precaution. How should countries balance health security with trade a...
That’s a lot of appetite
With critics accusing the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi of being a French operation, could the summit mark a turning point in how Africa positions itself in the global economy and unlock stronger partnerships for sustainable growth?N...
Which strategy works?
SBM published the Jollof Index last week, which showed that it now costs 43% of Nigeria's national minimum wage. Given what has been happening globally, especially with rising energy prices, what will increased economic pressure mean for Nigeri...
Grounded
Can Taiwo Oyedele deliver the fiscal reforms needed to strengthen investor confidence and drive economic growth in Nigeria?A recent rainstorm has caused another setback to the national power grid, worsening electricity disruptions. What...
We love the numbers, just not the neighbourhood
The US has withdrawn non-essential staff from Abuja due to security concerns. Will this signal deeper diplomatic concern or lead to stronger security assurances from the government?In Borno State, an airstrike killed civilians. Nigeria'...
Earn like a street vendor, spend like a billionaire
The Palm Sunday attacks in Jos killed at least 28 people, and this week, attacks in other locations, including in Niger State, have killed up to 60 people. Will increased security interventions be enough to restore calm and prevent further ...