Author: Akintayo Adams

The World Bank’s Africa Pulse 2024 report anticipates mixed growth for African economies, with some thriving and others facing challenges. Over half of Sub-Saharan African nations have had their growth forecasts cut, affected by issues like political instability, poor infrastructure, and commodity dependency. Conflicts, such as Sudan’s, are particularly impactful, with Sudan expected to see a 15% economic contraction in 2024 following a 20% decline in 2023. The report includes a list of the ten slowest-growing economies on the continent: RankCountryReal GDP growth1.Sudan-15.1%2.South Sudan-7.8%3.Central Africa Republic0.7%4.Botswana1.0%5.São Tomé and Príncipe1.1%6.South Africa1.1%7.Malawi1.8%8.Zambia2.0%9.Zimbabwe2.0%10.Congo Republic2.1% Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google…

Nigeria faces an estimated $26 billion in annual economic losses due to severe electricity shortages, according to Standard Bank’s Africa Trade Barometer. This unreliable electricity supply also compels Nigerian businesses to spend $22 billion on off-grid fuel to stay operational. The report notes that “a national grid that frequently collapses” cannot meet the country’s peak demand, resulting in “reduced sales and income” for businesses. “In Nigeria, surveyed businesses must contend with a national grid that frequently collapses as it fails to meet a daily peak demand which is nearly four times its generation capacity,” the report reads. “Economic losses arising…

Manchester City declined Manchester United’s request to allow Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to join their private flight to the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, citing no available seats. City arranged the jet for their own delegation, and United now needs to make alternate travel plans for their players. This development comes as United implements cost-saving measures following the club’s recent changes under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has postponed its nationwide strike to December 2, 2024, giving the Nigerian government time to address its unresolved demands. ASUP’s issues include government intrusion in academic matters, infrastructure funding, unpaid promotion arrears, and a 25%/35% salary review for federal polytechnic staff. Following a meeting with the Ministry of Education on October 23, ASUP decided to delay the strike to monitor the government’s commitment, warning of a total service withdrawal if demands are unmet by December. “Resolutions and an action plan was developed during the meeting to resolve the issues which cover instances of…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded full points and three goals to the Super Eagles of Nigeria. This was after the abandonment of their AFCON Qualifying match against the Libyan National Team after maltreatment by the host. This news was made known on X by Godwin Enakhena, veteran sports journalist and Chairman of Sporting Lagos FC. “Botched game with Libya: Victory for Nigeria as CAF awards 3 points and 3 goals to Nigeria,” he wrote. In a similar development, the Libya Football Federation was also awarded a fine of $50,000 to be paid within 60 days. Get instant…

Veteran comedian Ali Baba recently shared how a joke he made about former Nigerian military leader General Sani Abacha nearly cost him his life. Speaking on Leadership Podcast, the 59-year-old comedian recalled the risky nature of humor during Abacha’s regime, describing how his satire about the leader led to a life-threatening encounter. “The first close encounter I had with death is when general Sani Abacha was the President,” he said. “So, I went to anchor an event in Abuja. So when it was time for the Akwa Ibom cultural group to perform. Abacha was still wearing one of those dark…

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca recently voiced his disappointment with Reece James’ leadership as captain, saying he “expected more” from him. Appointed as captain before last season, the 24-year-old James recently returned from a hamstring injury but did not meet Maresca’s expectations for strong, active leadership in the locker room. Maresca believes that being captain means setting a higher example rather than expecting others to follow solely because of the title. “Most of the time when they are captain, they think that because they are captain they have more – “Because I am the captain, I expect that you give me…

Street-pop artist Portable has publicly clashed again with his partner, actress Ashabi Simple, accusing her of showing insincere affection just weeks after they welcomed their second child. The confrontation unfolded on social media, where Portable voiced his frustration, suggesting he feels betrayed by her recent actions. Ashabi had praised herself in a video shared on Instagram. She tagged herself as “a blessed, happy, determined, peaceful and grateful woman”. Portable, who was triggered by the post, took to the comment section to blast Ashabi for praising herself, noting that she got pregnant for him because of her quest for fame. He…

Nigerian actress Ramota Adetu, also known as Aunty Ramota, has accused her management of taking her earnings and deleting her social media accounts. In a viral video, she revealed her struggles, stating that she is currently homeless after her former landlord asked her to leave. “I’m currently homeless. The lady I was staying with got married last month, and asked me to leave because her husband was not comfortable with me staying there,” she said. “The man who was building my house stopped due to personal issues. To make things worse, my management stole all the money I worked for…

The naira showed slight improvement at the official exchange market, strengthening to ₦1600 per dollar on Friday from ₦1601.20 the previous day. This marks the second appreciation for the currency this week, though it lost value three times. Compared to last week’s rate of ₦1600.78, the naira gained ₦0.78. However, in the black market, the naira depreciated by ₦15, closing at ₦1740 per dollar, up from ₦1725 at the start of the week. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.