Future Reports

The village of Mafa, in Yobe State, once again found itself the target of a brutal Boko Haram attack. On September 1, 2024, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) descended on the village, killing more than 170 people, according to local reports. Despite previous threats, government assurances led villagers to return to their homes . In the aftermath of the attack, questions have arisen about whether Nigerians and their leaders have become desensitized to these tragic events. Mafa, like many communities in north-eastern Nigeria, has long been a battleground in the fight against Boko Haram and its splinter groups. In late July, after receiving threats from ISWAP, the village was evacuated. Residents fled to nearby Babban Gida, hoping to escape the violence that has plagued the region for over a decade. However, after receiving reassurances from local officials that the area was safe, most of Mafa's residents returned—only to be met with devastating consequenc

  The 2024 China-Africa Summit, held in Beijing, offers a critical lens through which to examine the evolving dynamics between China and African nations. This year’s summit, marking the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), has been particularly significant, reflecting a shift in China’s strategy and a broader rethinking of the China-Africa relationship amid growing global challenges. The China-Africa summit, which will last from September 4 to 6, will see leaders of African countries meet and discuss policies and cooperation agreements with officials from the continent’s biggest lender and investor. Those agreements will set the tone for the two side’s burgeoning relations for the next few years. A key theme emerging from the summit is China's strategic recalibration in Africa. Historically, China's engagement on the continent was characterized by massive infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These projects, often funded by large loans,

  In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country after facing weeks of intense public protests. The demonstrations, which saw hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis take to the streets, were driven by widespread dissatisfaction with economic mismanagement, corruption, and human rights abuses. This resignation marks a significant moment in Bangladesh's history and serves as a stark warning to other nations grappling with similar governance challenges. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for nearly 15 years, faced mounting pressure as economic conditions deteriorated sharply. Inflation surged to over 10% in recent months, driven by skyrocketing food and fuel prices. The government's attempts to curb inflation through austerity measures only deepened the economic pain for ordinary citizens. Reports of corruption within her administration further eroded public trust. The protests, initially sparked by e

Nigeria is grappling with a soaring gasoline debt that has now reached $6 billion, exacerbating the country's financial woes and igniting concerns over its economic stability. The debt surge is primarily attributed to the partial reintroduction of fuel subsidies by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the devaluation of the naira. President Bola Tinubu had announced the end of costly fuel subsidies last year, leading to a significant increase in pump prices. However, the NNPC soon imposed a cap on these prices as public discontent over the rising cost of living grew. This cap, coupled with a sharp decline in the naira, has allowed the subsidy to re-emerge. The government anticipates that the subsidy will cost at least $3.7 billion this year, adding to the financial strain. Fuel subsidies have long been a contentious issue in Nigeria. Analysts, non-governmental organizations, and government officials have criticized them for being inefficient and corrupt. Des

  Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets this week in a wave of protests against the Finance Bill proposed by President William Ruto's government. The bill, which seeks to introduce new tax measures and reforms, has sparked widespread public outcry, with citizens expressing concerns over the potential economic impact on their daily lives. The Finance Bill 2024 includes several contentious provisions aimed at increasing government revenue and addressing fiscal deficits. Key proposals include: 1. Value-Added Tax (VAT) Increase: The bill proposes an increase in VAT from 16% to 18%. This hike is expected to affect the cost of essential goods and services, placing a heavier burden on ordinary Kenyans. 2. Housing Levy: A new mandatory housing levy of 1.5% on gross income is proposed to fund affordable housing projects. However, many citizens fear this will further reduce their disposable income without guaranteeing tangible benefits. 3. Digital Service Tax : An expansion of the

  Nigeria is currently undergoing significant mediation to determine a new national minimum wage. This negotiation involves various stakeholders, including the Federal Government, state governments, the private sector, and labour unions such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The primary goal is to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in light of recent inflation and economic hardships. The NLC and TUC have been vocal about their demand for a substantial increase in the minimum wage, proposing as high as ₦615,000 per month. This figure is based on research reflecting the current cost of living for an average Nigerian family. The unions argue that the existing minimum wage of ₦30,000 is grossly inadequate, given the rising costs of basic necessities. On the other hand, the Federal Government, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Labour Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has acknowledged the need for a wag