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 ...

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...

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 interes...

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 t...

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...

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 ...

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 Ni...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 cou...

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 cur...

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 ...

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 econ...

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 pr...

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. <...

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

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 ...

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 peop...

This week, it was reported that the Trump administration plans to slash $555 million in funding for the African Development Bank’s main development fund as part of sweeping cuts to foreign aid. What does the future hold for the AfDB? <...

Ghana has temporarily agreed with Gold Fields to continue mining while awaiting parliamentary approval. At the same time, Atlantic Lithium is pleading for tax relief amid falling global prices. Meanwhile, the country’s oil production continues ...

A leaked memo from the U.S. State Department indicates that the Trump administration is weighing reducing America's diplomatic presence in Africa as part of its broader effort to slash government spending. How could a smaller U.S. presence affe...

France and Algeria have restored ties after months of tension over France’s support for Morocco’s Western Sahara plan. Meanwhile, Algeria banned Mali flights after shooting down a drone. Could Algeria’s renewed friendship with France worsen its...

President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new board for the NNPC, intending to increase oil sector investments and raise production to 2 million barrels. How effective will the new board be in achieving these ambitious targets?Meanwhile, se...

Some Nigerian leaders have argued that Western-style democracy does not work well in Africa. Former President Obasanjo called for a new system. How can Nigeria create a democratic system that aligns with its cultural and political realities?