The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court has dismissed Niger’s junta’s plea to lift sanctions imposed by neighboring nations in response to the unconstitutional coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July. The swift response from ECOWAS included border closures, suspension of financial transactions, and freezing of assets, with Nigeria going so far […]

In a joint statement on Tuesday, military leaders of Mali and Niger announced the termination of tax cooperation treaties with France, citing persistent hostility and the imbalanced nature of existing agreements, which they argue have resulted in substantial revenue losses. The decision, effective within the next three months, signifies a pivotal moment in the evolving […]

In a recent revelation from the AFEX Wet Season Crop Production Report for 2023, Nigeria faces a critical challenge as the demand for rice significantly outpaces local production. The annual supply gap of approximately 2 million metric tonnes has triggered a noteworthy 37% surge in rice prices in 2023. Impact on Rice Dealers Rice dealers […]

Former Minister of Work and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, delved into a pressing concern affecting Nigeria’s economic stability— the absence of a petroleum refinery, which contributes significantly to the nation’s foreign exchange demand, estimated at 30%. Fashola highlighted the far-reaching consequences of Nigeria’s reliance on imports due to the absence of a critical infrastructure like […]

In a significant stride towards enhancing Angola’s energy landscape, Abu Dhabi’s clean energy company, Masdar, has revealed plans to construct a 150-megawatt solar power plant. The project, set to be located in Angola’s Quipungo region, aims to bring electricity to 90,000 homes, aligning with the country’s target to achieve a 60% national electrification rate by […]

In response to growing concerns about potential funding reductions for crucial government initiatives, the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) has entered into discussions with the National Treasury to explore the utilization of the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account. The Institute for Economic Justice, along with economists, academics, and civil society organizations, is advocating […]

Mozambique is embarking on a transformative journey with the approval of an $80 billion energy transition plan, set to reshape its energy landscape until 2050. The comprehensive document, greenlit by Mozambique’s Council of Ministers, reflects a strategic commitment to renewable energy and climate action. Scheduled for official presentation on Dec. 2 at the COP 28 […]

Somalia has successfully secured its place as the eighth member of the East African Community (EAC), signifying a significant advancement in the push for expanded free trade across the region. The announcement came at a summit in Tanzania, where outgoing EAC Chair Evariste Ndayishimiye confirmed Somalia’s admission under the treaty of accession. President Hassan Sheikh […]

Tanzania’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) witnessed a significant upswing in Q1 2023, reaching an impressive $1.05 billion. This figure, nearly doubling from the same period last year, indicates a notable economic shift. China emerged as the primary contributor, injecting $614 million into Tanzania’s economy. Singapore, Germany, India, and Mauritius also played substantial roles, contributing $138.9 […]

A recently unveiled World Bank report has cast a sobering light on the economic havoc wreaked by crime in South Africa, estimating an alarming 10% annual drain on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Titled “Safety First: The Economic Cost of Crime in South Africa,” the report goes beyond mere statistics, emphasizing the pressing concern […]