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SBM Intelligence's take on Nigeria and Africa brought to you every week.

1D AGO

Clarity, the rarest commodity

This week, SBM Intelligence published a report on Nigeria's new tax laws. We polled people around the country and have found that more than two in three do not trust the government to utilise any extra money judiciously. What can the government do to bridge this trust deficit and prevent the kind of protests we saw in Ghana and Kenya? Next, Nigeria will issue a power-sector bond to settle long-standing arrears owed to electricity companies. The move aims to restore liquidity and boost investor confidence, but will it improve electricity supply sustainably? Finally, Nigeria lowers costs in its new oil licensing round, reducing signature bonuses to attract more investors and increase exploration. The big question: will this drive long-term growth or just short-term interest? Support the show

23 min
JAN 30

Not for the faint of heart

This week, Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy took centre stage as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu began a state visit to Türkiye. With Türkiye emerging as a strategic partner for African economies, the big question is: Will the agreements reached translate into real economic value for Nigeria, or remain diplomatic symbolism? The United Nations has issued a warning that over 35 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger and food insecurity. Is Nigeria prepared to confront this crisis structurally, or will responses remain reactive and emergency-driven? Then we turn to East Africa, where Rwanda and Türkiye have signed a major defence manufacturing agreement. Could this model reshape Africa’s security economy and industrial future? Support the show

33 min
JAN 23

Planning for tomorrow in today’s emergencies

On Tuesday, Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, gave a robust speech to the World Economic Forum at Davos, where he essentially declared the end of the post-World War 2 international order. Now that it is out in the open, is Africa ready for the rupture? Nigeria has signed a long-awaited MoU with Abu Dhabi Ports Group to collaborate on port development. Could this partnership finally unlock modern, globally competitive ports for Nigeria? African economies are strengthening trade and investment ties with major powers. Is Africa successfully balancing global partnerships to drive growth and reduce fiscal pressure? Support the show

28 min
JAN 16

A temporary, arithmetical spike

The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a three-year extension of AGOA. As the bill moves to the Senate, attention is turning to eligibility conditions, with South Africa facing closer scrutiny over its continued participation. Will the AGOA extension translate into real industrial growth for African economies, or will stricter eligibility reviews limit its impact? Ghana has paid $1.47bn to clear legacy energy-sector debts, easing power supply challenges and restoring confidence across the sector. What lessons can other African countries learn from Ghana on clearing sectoral debts, mobilising local capital, and addressing economic challenges without deepening public debt? Uganda has cut internet access and tightened security ahead of its presidential election, drawing criticism over repression as President Museveni seeks a seventh term. Could Uganda’s election process be considered free and fair amid internet shutdowns and a heavy security presence? Support the show

29 min
JAN 9

Headline-generating upheaval

America gave Nigeria a Christmas present, lobbing some bombs at Sokoto State. Then they kidnapped the President of Venezuela. What is happening with the United States? China's top diplomat, Wang Yi's has started another Africa tour. Simultaneously, Botswana is courting Russian investment. In Somalia, protests erupted against Israel's recognition of Somaliland. How are African countries navigating this complex era of competing geopolitical overtures? Nigeria's government has refused to delay the implementation of controversial new taxes. Will the government’s stance intensify public backlash or force a policy rethink? Support the show

30 min
12/18/2025

At an inflexion point

In this final episode of 2025, we discuss the events that have starkly defined Africa's critical crossroads. Geopolitically, the continent faces more stringent "America First" policies and the historic rupture of three Sahel states' exit from ECOWAS, fuelling a regional security crisis. Simultaneously, major flashpoints persist, from civil war in Sudan to rebel control in the DRC, while widespread youth protests demand economic justice. Looking to 2026, politics will dominate, with pivotal elections, while persistent security threats and cautious economic optimism, characterised by growth amid high inflation, shape the outlook. The fundamental question remains whether the continent will forge strategic unity or succumb to deepening fractures in an increasingly transactional world order. Support the show

1h 2m
12/11/2025

Finding a working power socket

Benin foiled a coup attempt, prompting regional military support and emergency action from ECOWAS and the AU. At the same time, tensions escalated between Nigeria and the Alliance for Sahel States over an unapproved Nigerian military landing in Burkina Faso. What impact could these twin crises have on West Africa’s security cooperation? A US congressional delegation met with NSA Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja amid US concerns over alleged religious persecution, which Nigeria rejects. How might this visit shape Nigeria's future security outcomes? A new US-brokered peace and minerals cooperation deal between Congo and Rwanda was quickly tested as fresh fighting erupted between Congo’s army and M23 rebels, raising doubts about the agreement’s durability. Congo accuses Rwanda of violations, while the U.S. calls for restraint amid fears that mineral interests are overshadowing genuine peace efforts. Can this deal survive renewed conflict, or is deeper diplomacy needed to address long-standing tensions? Support the show

28 min
12/05/2025

Netting clear

Nigeria declared a security emergency, began expanding its armed forces, approved 20,000 new police recruits, and moved security officers from VIP protection to conflict areas, all before the defence minister resigned abruptly. What should Nigeria do next in 2026 to strengthen its security progress? TotalEnergies sold its 12.5% stake in OML 118, Shell and Nigerian Agip acquired portions, petrol prices fell, and daily consumption rose 31.8% to 56.7 million litres. Crude output slightly dipped to 1.58 million barrels per day. How will falling petrol prices and higher consumption affect Nigeria’s energy sector next year? Cyril Ramaphosa rejected Donald Trump’s claims that South Africa mishandled the G20 presidency, threatened exclusion from the G20 summit, and persecuted white citizens, calling the accusations false. He confirmed a proper handover at the Johannesburg meeting and noted continued U.S. business and civil society engagement. How could diplomatic tensions affect South Africa’s economic partnerships in 2026? Support the show

30 min

SBM Intelligence's take on Nigeria and Africa brought to you every week.

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SBM Intelligence
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

86
Rating

Clean
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