Finance news and analysis from across Africa

The naira plunging past N1,500 to the dollar was a wake-up call for anyone tracking African markets. Currency moves, telecom deals, public hiring plans and stipend changes all hit wallets fast. Here we collect the stories that reshape budgets, jobs and business plans across the continent.

On this page you’ll find fast summaries, plain analysis and practical takeaways from our finance coverage. We link to the full reports so you can dig deeper. Expect updates on exchange rates, corporate deals, government spending, jobs and consumer tech that affect household and corporate finances.

Money markets and exchange rates

Start with the naira story: official rates jumped toward ₦1,581 while black market levels topped ₦1,615. That gap matters if you send remittances, import goods or run a business that needs foreign inputs. Watch for central bank moves, import restrictions and fuel price changes — those usually follow big currency swings. If you manage cash, consider hedging options, keep some hard currency if legal, and price products with potential rate swings in mind.

Deals, jobs and budget moves that matter

Telecoms affect more than phone bars. MTN and 9mobile’s national roaming pact means better coverage for millions and potential revenue shifts for both operators. For consumers this can mean fewer dropped calls and better data in rural areas; for investors it changes traffic forecasts and capex plans. Companies that lease spectrum or share towers can cut costs fast.

Government hiring rounds also reshape finances. Nigeria’s call for 30,000 paramilitary recruits will lift local demand for training, uniforms and housing, while the wage bill rises when new staff join. Apply only through official portals and watch deadlines closely to avoid scams.

Small policy moves add up. The NYSC raising monthly stipends to N77,000 boosts youth income and local spending in host communities. More money in circulation can help small traders, but also nudge prices up if supply doesn’t match demand. Universities and public institutions facing leadership changes may see funding delays that affect salaries and procurement.

Tech launches and sports transfers matter too. Big consumer products like Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro shape import flows and spending by high-income buyers, while huge football transfers signal where big money flows in media and sponsorship. Keep an eye on these for retail demand and advertising shifts.

How to use this tag: follow headlines, read the quick takes, and check source documents like central bank releases or NCC approvals. For job posts, bookmark official recruitment pages and never pay third parties to apply. For currency risk, track both official and parallel rates and update pricing models monthly.

Tip: open multiple tabs and compare rates before sending money abroad to avoid surprises and save fees.

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