The Week Ahead

The US plans to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) starting January 1, a decision that could affect exports, businesses and jobs. In light of the landslide loss for the Trump government in Tuesday's midterms, what new vista are we going to see in trade relations between the United States and Africa?Nigerian fintech company OPay has withdrawn its planned $304 million US IPO following a regulatory inquiry in an undisclosed foreign jurisdiction. What does this development mean for investor confidence in African fintech companies?Nigeria's TUC has rejected a proposed ₦70,000 transportation allowance for workers over six months, calling instead for an increase in the minimum wage to ₦300,000. The disagreement highlights divisions amongst the unions over how to address rising living costs. Will the government reconsider its proposal in response to labour's demands?Support the show

INEC has published the voters’ register online ahead of the 2027 general elections, after earlier concerns about its delayed release. How can online access to the register improve transparency and help Nigerians verify their voter details?Nigeria's government has approved a transport allowance for workers to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs amid the high cost of living. Will the allowance meaningfully relieve Nigerian workers?Nigeria's states have rejected deductions from the Federation Account, raising concerns over revenue sharing and the funds available for public services and development. How could this dispute affect service delivery across the country?Support the show

The Q3 2026 SBM Jollof Rice Index recorded a decline in the average cost of preparing jollof rice in Nigeria, offering some relief to households amid rising living costs. Will this decline translate into sustained food affordability?Reports of Ebola in Abuja have raised concerns about Nigeria’s disease surveillance and public health preparedness. How prepared is Nigeria to contain a potential outbreak and prevent further transmission?Deutsche Bank has described the naira as undervalued, suggesting potential room for appreciation. However, foreign exchange liquidity, inflation and investor confidence will influence its performance. Could the naira strengthen in the coming months?Support the show

Ghana’s teacher unions have suspended their nationwide strike. What agreements or commitments led to the suspension, and how will this affect teachers and students?Ghana has imposed a 20% tax on digital services. How will this tax affect digital businesses, online service prices, and consumers in Ghana?Shell and Chevron are exploring opportunities in Ghana’s Keta Basin. What economic benefits could successful exploration bring to Ghana, and what environmental risks might arise?Support the show

Ghana has applied to join BRICS as it seeks stronger economic ties with emerging markets. Could closer ties with BRICS and greater use of the yuan strengthen Ghana’s trade and investment opportunities?The African Union has launched an Africa Credit Rating Agency to provide credit assessments that better reflect African economic realities. Could this help African countries reduce borrowing costs?Adeniyi Adeyemi has been charged over allegations linked to a fictitious government agency. How can the public better identify fictitious government agencies?Support the show

Happy Independence day, Nigeria. Nigeria is officially 66 years old.Kwam 1 has stepped in to reconcile rival factions within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), following tensions that have affected the union. Can this reconciliation bring lasting peace to the NURTW?Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has called for Africa to secure two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, while Côte d’Ivoire has also backed reforms to give Africa greater representation. Should Africa have permanent representation on the UN Security Council?Fighting has intensified in Ethiopia’s Tigray region as Tigray forces launch a new offensive. What could renewed fighting mean for peace and stability in Tigray?Support the show

Ivory Coast has rejected a US request to accept deportees who are not Ivorian citizens. The decision highlights tensions over US deportation policies. Should African countries accept deportees who are not their citizens?The Central Bank of Nigeria has reduced its Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5% to 23%, a move that could make loans cheaper. Will this rate cut improve access to affordable loans?The NSCDC has arrested 24 personnel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody. Investigations are ongoing. Who should be held accountable for the deaths?Support the show

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 a $100 million loan to Africell to support the telecommunications company’s operations and expansion. What could this financing mean for Africell’s expansion and competition in Africa’s telecommunications sector?Nigerians are the sixth-largest foreign nationality group working in the UK’s NHS. What does the growing presence of Nigerian professionals in the NHS mean for both the UK’s healthcare system and Nigeria’s own health sector?Support the show

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 sector fell to GH¢7.1 billion, raising questions about the financial pressures facing banks and their potential impact on the wider economy. What could be driving the decline in Ghana’s banking sector profits?Ivory Coast has begun liquidating its electoral commission, marking a significant change in the country’s electoral administration. What could this restructuring mean for the management of future elections and public confidence in the electoral process?Support the show

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?Nigeria has dropped to 56th in the world poverty ranking, highlighting the country's ongoing struggle with poverty and economic hardship. What urgent steps can the government take to reduce poverty and improve living conditions?Ghana’s fuel prices are expected to remain stable, providing some relief for consumers and businesses. How sustainable is this stability, and what could cause fuel prices to rise again?Support the show