Inflation plunges as reforms anchor naira stability

Nigeria’s sharp inflation decline signals reform gains, as monetary tightening, stronger reserves, and improved forex management reinforce naira stability and restore investor confidence, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes.

Nigeria’s inflation rate has fallen sharply from 27.61 per cent in January 2024 to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, reflecting the combined impact of monetary easing and structural reforms introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The moderation in price growth has coincided with improved foreign exchange stability, a rebound in foreign reserves to $46.8bn, and a steadier naira. As the Monetary Policy Committee prepares to meet on February 23 and 24, expectations are high that policymakers will maintain their focus on macroeconomic stability to accelerate the disinflation process, boost FX inflows, and strengthen the domestic currency.

By Justice Okamgba

Full story at Pulse NG

Dear Mr President, this is what South Africans want to hear in your SONA speech

As South Africa prepares for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s next address State of the Nation Address, and the red-carpet parade, IOL compiled a list of pressing issues he should address.

A year ago, the President stood in Parliament and sketched a vision of structural renewal, many of which had been achieved. Here's what else we want to see:

The “water load shedding” plan 

The 2025 promise of a “National Water Agency” was a start, but the pipes are still bursting.

Full story at IOL

By Nicola Mawson

What will upcoming inflation figures mean for interest rates in the UK?

(PA Graphics)

Inflation is expected to have fallen back to its lowest level for nearly a year in Wednesday’s official figures for January, in a boost to interest rate cut hopes.

Most economists are forecasting Office for National Statistics (ONS) data to show Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell back sharply to 3% in January from 3.4% in December, according to Pantheon Macroeconomics.

This would be the lowest level since March 2025.

By Holly Williams
Full story at Yahoo News

Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures climb as Wall Street braces for jobs report

US stock futures edged higher Tuesday night as investors braced for the long-awaited January employment report after the Dow hit a third straight day of record closes.

Futures linked to the S&P 500 (ES=F) climbed 0.2%, while Nasdaq 100 futures (NQ=F) added 0.2%. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) rose roughly 0.1%.

Investors are focused on the "Super Bowl of jobs reports": the January nonfarm payrolls report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report is scheduled for release after being postponed by last month’s partial government shutdown. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg estimate a median gain of about 68,000 jobs while the unemployment rate is expected to hold at 4.4%.

By Rian Howlett

Full story at Yahoo News

The End Of Petroleum Imports Regime In Nigeria

Nigeria is entering a decisive new phase in its energy history. For more than three decades, the country survived on the unstable foundation of imported petroleum products, an arrangement that left the economy exposed to global price shocks, foreign exchange scarcity, and volatile geopolitical risks far beyond Nigeria’s control.

Today, that long-standing import regime is being fundamentally redefined by the emergence of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refining facility.

The debate surrounding this transition has become increasingly loud, but the core facts remain straightforward: importation is inherently unstable, local refining is strategically superior, and Nigeria finally has the capacity to meet its own demand.

By Dan D. Kunle

Full story at Leadership

South Africa's student accommodation crisis: high demand meets limited beds

Universities in South Africa receive significantly more accommodation applications than available on-campus bed spaces each year, thereby reflecting national demand pressures and strong academic needs.

For the 2026 academic year, the University of Johannesburg says it received close to 100,000 (99 472) student accommodation applications while its current on-campus bed capacity stands at 7 015 beds.

“As at 04 February 2026, a total of 6 312 students had been accepted for residence accommodation. By the end of the registration period, the University anticipates accommodating the full capacity of 7 015 students, in line with available on-campus beds,” says Dr Nell Ledwaba, senior director for Student Affairs at the University of Johannesburg.

By Given Majola

Full story at IOL

Nigeria: IMF Ranks Nigeria Among 10 Top Contributors to Global GDP Growth

Balance of power is changing, says Elon Musk.

A new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has listed 10 countries, including India and Nigeria, among the top contributors to global economic growth for 2026.

This is consistent with the world's richest man, Elon Musk, declaring yesterday that "the balance of power is changing."

While the IMF data placed Nigeria at number six with a projected 1.5 per cent real GDP growth, India was ranked ahead of the United States of America as number two, with 17 per cent growth.

Full story at Pulse NG

By Ndubuisi Francis and James Emejo