costs

Bridging the Gap: President Cirro’s Bold Move to Keep Internet Affordable in North Western State of Somalia Hargeisa, a city that pulses with the energy of innovation and resilience, recently watched as its president stepped into the spotlight, wielding the power of public sentiment like a seasoned storyteller. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro has put a pause on a controversial decision by telecommunications giants Telesom and Somtel to double their internet service prices. This action, influenced by the voices…

The Global Tug-of-War Over Tariffs: What’s at Stake for Africa? In a world constantly reshaping itself through trade wars and diplomatic negotiations, the ripple effects often reach far beyond their origin. Recently, US President Donald Trump announced a potential leap in tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, possibly hitting a staggering 250%. Such drastic measures might set off alarm bells across the globe, especially in economically vulnerable regions like Africa. But what does this really mean for the continent, which…

Diesel fuel stands as the backbone of logistical operations and heavy-duty industries across Africa. Unlike gasoline, which is often associated with personal vehicles, diesel plays a crucial role in powering farm equipment, trucks, buses, and even electrical generators in regions where the power grid is unreliable. This importance means that fluctuations in diesel prices reverberate across the continent, significantly impacting supply chains, food prices, and overall economic activity.…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is currently exploring the possibility of divesting its state-owned refineries after years of costly renovation efforts that have yielded minimal results. This strategic reconsideration comes as part of a larger effort to enhance the company's operational efficiencies and long-term sustainability. At the recent 9th OPEC International Seminar held in Vienna, Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, took a candid approach in discussing the…

The 2025 Global Housing Affordability Index, published by Numbeo, sheds light on a troubling reality for many African nations: a substantial disconnect between property prices and the average incomes of households. This gap underscores an urgent crisis that transcends mere statistics, affecting real lives and futures across the continent. Recent rankings show that Ethiopia and Cameroon sit near the bottom of the global affordability ladder, only surpassed by Syria and Cuba. This situation raises an inevitable…

The Pervasive Impact of Rising Fuel Prices in Africa In a world where connecting goods and services is becoming increasingly essential, one of the most striking consequences of soaring fuel prices is the noticeable spike in transportation and logistics costs. Have you ever stopped to consider how a simple trip to the grocery store resonates throughout the economy? Trucks and long-haul vehicles that carry our essential goods predominantly run on diesel. When diesel prices climb, the ripple effects can be…

The persistent imbalance within Africa’s fuel pricing landscape has left many consumers and businesses disenchanted. Why, despite broader global stability, do fuel prices in various regions of Africa remain disproportionately high? This question echoes through the halls of government buildings, corporate offices, and everyday conversations among citizens. The answers are multifaceted and reveal the complexities of economics on the continent. One of the critical factors driving these high…

Nigeria's Ambitious Dairy Initiative: A Path to Self-Sufficiency In a bold move to reshape the agricultural landscape, Nigeria's Minister of Livestock, Idi Maiha, recently unveiled an initiative designed to reduce the country's staggering dependence on dairy imports, which currently amount to a hefty $1.5 billion annually. This endeavor is more than just a simple policy shift; it's a vital step toward achieving national self-sufficiency in an area where Nigeria has long struggled. "Our goal is ambitious but achievable: to…

Navigating Price Increases in Nigeria's Streaming Market In recent months, Netflix has adjusted its pricing structure in Nigeria, raising the cost of its Basic plan to ₦4,000 from ₦3,500 and the Mobile plan to ₦2,500 from ₦2,200, as reported by Punch. To some, these changes might appear as just another weight on the shoulders of consumers already navigating the waves of economic uncertainty. But what does this mean for a country grappling with inflation and dwindling purchasing power? This is not the…

The Recent Decline in Internet Usage in Nigeria: A Deeper Look Recent data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) presents a compelling, if somewhat alarming, narrative about internet usage in the country. Between January and April, total internet consumption dropped from an impressive 1,000,930.60 terabytes to 983,283.43 terabytes. This translates to a notable 1.76 percent decline over a mere three months. How often do we stop to consider what these figures mean for everyday Nigerians?…