The Week Ahead

SBM Intelligence
  • 0.0 (0)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 12H AGO

    The money is moving

    Fuel prices in Nigeria have fluctuated sharply due to global oil market volatility. How will these global shocks continue to affect Nigeria’s domestic fuel prices and inflation?  Nigeria’s ports recorded strong growth in 2025, with cargo throughput rising by 24.8% to 129.3 million metric tonnes. What does this growth mean for Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub? Kenya Pipeline Company’s oversubscribed IPO raised about 106.3 billion Kenyan shillings, with part of the proceeds set to fund major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. How will this investment shape Kenya’s future transport and energy infrastructure?  Support the show

    31 min

  2. MAR 5

    Planning for the future

    The Dangote Refinery raised petrol prices by 13% as global oil and gas prices surged amid escalating Middle East tensions and fears over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. How might rising global energy prices and Nigeria’s domestic reforms reshape the country’s oil revenue outlook? At least 25 civilians and three soldiers were killed in coordinated insurgent attacks in Adamawa, and then on Wednesday, an attack in Borno killed 19 soldiers, among others. How can regional security forces better coordinate to contain the growing insurgency? Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 general elections to 16 January and 6 February 2027. How will the new electoral timelines affect party preparations and voter mobilisation ahead of 2027? Support the show

    31 min

  3. FEB 27

    Everyone wants a piece

    The CBN's MPC reduced the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points while retaining key reserve and liquidity ratios. Will this rate cut significantly boost lending and economic growth in Nigeria? Foreign investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector dropped sharply in 2025, even though total capital inflows into the country increased significantly, raising concerns about the strength of local production. Can the government’s new industrial policy reverse this decline and attract more long-term investment into manufacturing? The DRC is increasing government control over its mineral resources. Will these reforms help the country gain greater economic independence and control over its mining sector? Support the show

    29 min

  4. FEB 19

    The barrels might be empty

    Nigeria’s Communications Minister, Bosun Tijani, says the government will assess MTN's $2.2 billion acquisition of a majority stake in IHS to ensure it aligns with the country's telecoms priorities. What does this review mean for Nigeria’s telecom sector? The United States has intensified scrutiny over security and illegal mining, with a bill in the House of Representatives proposing sanctions, visa bans, and asset freezes, while the Treasury freezes assets of eight Nigerians linked to extremist and cyber activities. What impact could this have on Nigeria’s security and foreign relations? Meanwhile, the US secretly deported nine migrants to Cameroon despite some having U.S. court protections. The Trump administration flew them from Alexandria on January 14 without Cameroon’s public consent. What are the legal and diplomatic consequences? Support the show

    21 min

  5. FEB 12

    Everything must go

    After public uproar, Nigeria's Senate amended the Electoral Act to allow (but not mandate) electronic transmission of results. Does this revision protect electoral transparency?  Nigeria plans to sell selected state-owned assets from 2026 to reduce its ₦25 trillion budget deficit, attract private capital, and support broader economic reforms. Will this asset sale strategy deliver long-term economic stability or merely provide short-term fiscal relief? Nigeria and South Africa are deepening economic ties with China through new trade agreements. Will closer ties with China drive sustainable growth in Africa, or increase long-term economic dependence? Support the show

    37 min

  6. FEB 6

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (91)

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    SBM Intelligence
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Week Ahead
  • Show Website
    The Week Ahead

You Might Also Like