Ghana’s economy grew rapidly in January 2021. However, business and consumer confidence are weak. Looking back at 2020, ports activity is a mixed bag, while mobile money usage growth is dramatic.

According to provisional results from the electoral commission, Nguesso drew 88.57% of the vote alongside 67.55% turnout. Challenges are anticipated but lack leverage.

Fault lines have appeared underscoring vulnerability and price sensitivity of the population, and the risks a hung parliament poses to normal government business and the legislative programme.

The agency of Nigerian women has been evident everywhere from the #EndSARS movement to the appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as WTO Director General. However, representation in principal political institutions remains low.

The current oil and gas industry bill is similar to previous versions proposed since 2009. It will likely pass given the APC’s parliamentary majority. But core stakeholders remain opposed.

Senegal has been rocked by protests across the country. The immediate cause is the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko but underneath lies growing frustration with social conditions in the country.

Ghana has just celebrated its 64th birthday. That makes this as good a time as any to consider what and where this country is - the continuity and complexities surrounding its history and its future

The result removes a challenge to government business and confirms Ghana’s democratic norms. However, it also cements a number of problematic elements in the Ghanaian political landscape.

The tension between Nigeria’s command-style approach and the decentralised digital asset system spells uncertainty for crypto consumers and operators in Africa’s largest bitcoin market.

South Africa’s ex president Jacob Zuma is proving to be above the law in a long-standing state capture probe, undermining confidence in the government’s anti-corruption drive.