Steering without a wheel

Steering without a wheel

Teachers across Nigeria are protesting rising school kidnappings, demanding stronger protection for students and staff as insecurity continues to disrupt learning. Will measures put in place by the government be enough to make schools safe again?  Nigeria’s private sector has warned against further compulsory wage increases, saying many businesses are already struggling with high costs despite the ₦70,000 minimum wage. Should wages go up faster to match living costs, or should businesses be protected from added pressure?  The U.S. plans to reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa that process visa applications from nearly 50 to just 20 regional hubs as part of a broader immigration policy shift. Will this policy make U.S. visa processing more efficient, or create new barriers for Africans seeking travel, study, and business opportunities in the United States?  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360617/support]

Everyone is running for something

Last Friday, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye fired Ousmanne Sonko, the Prime Minister and longtime ally. Despite the dismissal, Sonko remains influential after being elected speaker of parliament. Could this political split affect Senegal’s stability and democratic progress? Nigeria's drug enforcement agency seized a $363 million meth lab hidden in a forest in Ogun State, marking one of Nigeria’s biggest drug busts. Could this operation weaken drug trafficking networks in the country? The NNPC has accused Dangote Refinery of attempting to create a monopoly in Nigeria’s fuel sector amid ongoing tensions over fuel supply and pricing. Could this dispute affect competition and fuel prices in Nigeria? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360617/support]

A bust alternator

The World Health Organization has declared that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is under control. However, Rwanda has tightened border measures as a precaution. How should countries balance health security with trade and movement during outbreak responses? Cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire are protesting over payments, while a farmers’ group is also demanding an audit of the country’s cocoa regulatory council over concerns about transparency. What steps should be taken to ensure fair pricing and accountability in the cocoa industry? INEC has closed the window for political defections, while Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde has declared his presidential ambition, adding to the growing list of strong contenders ahead of the next election cycle. What political outcomes should Nigerians expect from this increasingly competitive race? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360617/support]

That’s a lot of appetite

With critics accusing the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi of being a French operation, could the summit mark a turning point in how Africa positions itself in the global economy and unlock stronger partnerships for sustainable growth? Nigeria’s stock market has surpassed ₦160 trillion in value. What is driving this renewed momentum in Nigeria’s stock market, and can the surge in investor confidence be sustained amid the country’s economic realities? President Tinubu has appointed a Homeland Security Adviser. Would the move aid the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance national safety and stability? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360617/support]

Which strategy works?

SBM published the Jollof Index last week, which showed that it now costs 43% of Nigeria's national minimum wage. Given what has been happening globally, especially with rising energy prices, what will increased economic pressure mean for Nigerians?  Nigeria says 130 citizens want to be evacuated after recent attacks on Nigerians in the country. South Africa's ambassador was summoned, signalling growing diplomatic tension and concern for citizen safety abroad. Will this lead to renewed bilateral efforts to address recurring xenophobic violence? The Bank of Ghana says the cost of currency issuance has dropped sharply, even as the central bank reported a $1.25 billion loss. Will tighter financial management and monetary reforms restore confidence in the country’s financial system and stabilise the broader economy? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360617/support]