Future Reports

  Since 2017, a brutal civil war has been ravaging Cameroon, claiming over 6,000 lives, displacing more than a million people, and leaving nearly 4 million in need of humanitarian aid. Despite the staggering human toll, the conflict remains largely overlooked on the international stage. This article aims to shed light on the intricate web of historical, linguistic, and political factors that have fuelled the crisis, while also delving into the recent failed attempts at peace, particularly the Canadian-backed initiative in January 2023. The roots of the conflict can be traced back to 2016 when protests erupted in the Anglophone North-West and South-West regions, fuelled by grievances over language-based discrimination and the broader marginalization of Cameroon's Anglophone population. The protests sought to challenge the imposition of French-speaking teachers and judges in Anglophone schools and courts. The situation escalated into a full-blown civil war in 2017, triggere...

In a surprising move, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dissolved the State Executive Council, relieving all Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants of their duties. The decision, communicated through a statement by Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan, is set to take immediate effect. This move comes on the heels of Governor Aiyedatiwa's recent inauguration on December 27, 2023, following the demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in Germany. The transition from Akeredolu to Aiyedatiwa has been marked by political turmoil and internal conflicts within the state assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Before his death, Akeredolu had transferred power to Aiyedatiwa via a letter to the state House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, when he proceeded on medical leave. However, this followed a period of uncertainty, where Akeredolu's failure to hand over to his deputy upon his return from Ge...

 In the bustling suburb of Ogba in Lagos, Arinola Omolayo, owner of a frozen food store, once found joy in her daily routine. Now, a cloud of reluctance hangs over her as the soaring prices of imported goods, particularly frozen chicken, grip her business. The cost of living for everyday Nigerians is on the rise, and the culprit behind this economic unease is the devaluation of the Naira.  Over the past three months, frozen chicken prices have surged by more than 26%, with a kilo now demanding a staggering 3,400 Naira (approximately $4). Arinola, once accustomed to serving big-ticket customers with 3-4-kilo orders, now finds them hesitating and opting for only a fraction of their usual purchases. The blame, she says, lies squarely on the shoulders of the US dollar, as her suppliers point to the surging exchange rates making their imported goods a tough sell.  However, Nigeria is not alone in grappling with a weakened currency. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, currencies are los...

  The Dangote Refinery, touted as Africa's largest with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has recently commenced operations, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria's economic landscape. This refinery, located at the Lekki Free Zone on the outskirts of Lagos city, is poised to transform Nigeria's oil industry, reducing its dependency on fuel imports and subsidies.  Nigeria, despite being a leading oil producer in Africa, has long struggled with fuel shortages due to a lack of domestic refining capacity. The Dangote Refinery aims to address this issue by initially focusing on the production of diesel and aviation fuel, later expanding to petrol output. The facility, occupying a vast 2,635 hectares of land and costing an estimated $19 billion, is positioned as a key player in reshaping the nation's economic trajectory.  The inauguration of the refinery, initially slated for 2021, was officially carried out by then-president Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. Th...

  Rwanda is poised for a significant economic upturn in 2024, with an anticipated growth rate of 7%. This positive outlook is driven by various factors, including private consumption, new investments, and strategic policy adjustments. As the country diversifies its predominantly rural economy, sectors such as energy, agriculture, trade, hospitality, and financial services are expected to play pivotal roles in driving economic expansion. Rwanda's commitment to becoming a regional hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) further adds to its growth potential.   In the context of the global economic landscape, Rwanda stands out as one of the fastest-growing economies, as highlighted by the recent World Bank report. Alongside Niger and Senegal, Rwanda is expected to lead the growth charts in 2024, showcasing a resilient economic performance. This contrasts with the struggles faced by larger African economies like Nigeria, South Africa, and Angola, which are antic...

  The recent appointment of Tariye Gbadegesin as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) is poised to redefine the landscape of climate finance from a business investment perspective. As the first African to helm this role, Gbadegesin brings a wealth of experience in infrastructure and climate finance, signalling a strategic shift for CIF and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable business investments.  Currently serving as the CEO of ARM Harith Infrastructure Investments, a pan-African infrastructure fund, Gbadegesin's expertise lies in structuring and delivering large-scale energy, infrastructure, and industrial investments. With over $3 billion in projects under her belt, her track record positions her as a trailblazer in mobilizing private capital for climate action.   Established in 2008, CIF has been a key player in mobilizing concessional finance for low-carbon, climate-resilient development. Despite its success, challenges...

Ivory Coast is poised to host the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a monumental government investment surpassing one billion dollars, signalling not just a sporting event but a transformative endeavour for the nation. The key objective behind this significant investment is to propel Ivory Coast's recovery after the civil war in 2011. The ambitious initiative encompasses the construction of four new stadiums and the refurbishment of two existing ones in five host cities, including Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.  The comprehensive development extends beyond sports infrastructure to critical aspects of the host cities' infrastructure, including airports, roads, hospitals, and hotels. This substantial investment, however, has raised concerns about economic sustainability, particularly given Ivory Coast's IMF ranking as the 138th richest nation globally. Despite these concerns, organizers emphasize that the primary goal is not financial gain but the broade...

   The untimely death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has cast a shadow over Ondo State, leaving its residents in mourning and the nation reflecting on the legacy of a remarkable leader. Akeredolu, who battled health challenges with resilience and determination, passed away on December 27, 2023, at a German hospital, succumbing to the dual forces of leukaemia and prostate cancer. As the state comes to terms with this profound loss, it's crucial to delve into the impactful journey that marked Akeredolu's final days and the political turbulence that surrounded his prolonged absence.  Akeredolu's health struggles were no secret. In June 2023, he took a 21-day medical leave, citing routine check-ups and the need for rest. During this period, he delegated powers to Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a decision that would later become crucial in the state's political landscape. However, his return did not bring the anticipated relief. A second medical leave commenced in December,...