Venezuela’s latest political rupture is not just another chapter in a long crisis. It is a regime risk shock with global macroeconomic consequences. The labels—coup, externally backed regime change, or failed transition—matters less than what it reveals: the fragility of energy supply, geopolitics, and the pricing of emerging-market risk in a fragmented world. At its…
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Africa’s economic outlook is often summed up by a single number: growth rate. Forecasts for 2026 are in the low-to-mid 4 percent range (AfDB, Nov 2025), suggesting resilience but not transformation. However, interpretations of Africa’s present condition and future trajectory differ greatly depending on the economic lens applied. Economic schools of thought shape how policymakers…
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For decades, Nigeria’s monetary policy operated in a hybrid space—part rules, part discretion—constrained by fiscal dominance, exchange-rate pressures, and deep structural inflation drivers. Monetary decisions were often shaped as much by administrative controls, directed credit, and quasi-fiscal objectives as by price stability. That framework is now changing. In recent years, the Central Bank of Nigeria…
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When central banks lower policy rates or governments deploy countercyclical fiscal stimulus, the standard transmission narrative is well known: the cost of capital declines, intertemporal substitution favors present consumption, risk appetite increases, private investment accelerates, and aggregate demand recovers. Monetary easing should relax financial conditions and spur balance-sheet expansion. Fiscal transfers and spending should smooth…
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Why GDP, inflation, and FX numbers increasingly reflect narrative, not measurement Global markets depend on economic indicators that purport to be precise but often fall short. GDP growth expressed to the decimal, inflation to the basis point, and FX reserves to the dollar all offer a sense of certainty underpinning pricing and forecasting. Yet this…
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A rate-cutting spree that saw seven of the world’s 10 major, developed-market central banks cut rates last year paved the way for a global risk binge, despite economic, political, and geopolitical dark clouds. Africa was not left out of the soiree, but local currencies remained the Achilles heel. 2024, the year of the dovish pivot…
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Christmas is no longer just a religious festival; over the years, it has become more of a celebratory holiday for spreading love and cheer. It is the most awaited time of the year, not just because you get to spend quality time with your loved ones or exchange gifts with them but also because businesses…
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In practical terms, President Kagame is poised to remain President for life as Rwandans continue to vote in favour of peace and development over justice and democracy. With a c.99% vote share in the 2024 presidential elections, Paul Kagame – the incumbent Rwandan President – crushed election victory and will be extending his nearly a…
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Suppose a central bank is incapable, or unwilling, to meet all the demand for foreign exchange at its official exchange rate and seeks to protect or provide a temporary stopgap for its foreign exchange reserves during unpalatable balance of payment adjustments. In that case, it often implements foreign exchange controls. Unfortunately, these restrictions typically encourage…
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A strong fiscal position is necessary to achieve strong economic growth, build resilience to shocks, and liberate Africa from its current pickle. Many African countries are still dealing with post-pandemic financial stressors—high borrowing costs and re-financing risks—and middling politics. This is consistent with the broad emerging market trend of rising public debt burden, rising much…
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