Rising cost of real estate due to inflation in Nigeria

In Nigeria, inflation is driving up construction and rental costs at an unprecedented rate — with building expenses increasing by 300% and rental prices soaring by over 200%. Architects, developers and prospective homeowners face daily uncertainty, while low- and middle-income families struggle to secure housing. Through the voices of developers, tenants and market experts, this report explores how skyrocketing costs are impacting housing access and what this means for the future of Nigeria’s real estate. Watch the full video for a closer look at the human and economic consequences of an unregulated market under inflationary strain. Journalist: ANNABELLE AYANGBADE

Publications

Economy 4 October 2024

Toyin Akinosho, publisher of Africa oil and gas about Dangote refinery

In Nigeria, all eyes are on the Dangote refinery, which is still in test-run mode and awaiting its operational license. Expected to produce 330,000 barrels of fuel daily, it could transform the market, though prices and shortages persist. Toyin Akinosho, oil analyst, joined us from Lagos to assess the situation.

Economy 2 October 2024

Tanzania’s Clean Cooking revolution: phasing out charcoal by 2034

Tanzania is leading clean cooking with a national strategy to eliminate charcoal use by 2034 and reach 80% access to clean cooking. LPG companies like ORYX Energies distribute free kits to food vendors, helping people transition away from firewood and charcoal. While global summits discuss solutions, Tanzania is already taking action under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ten-year plan. Journalist: Goodhope Amani

Economy 20 September 2024

Géraud Neema, Analyst at the China Global South project

At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China pledged $50 billion in aid to Africa. However, questions about debt and whether the projects align with African needs are emerging. Leaders like Cyril Ramaphosa call for sustainable, job-creating investments to avoid dependency and ensure real development.

Economy 12 July 2024

Puntland battles piracy to protect economy

Resisting a new wave of maritime piracy in eastern Somalia is the number one priority for Puntland's maritime police force.

Economy 10 July 2024

Aissatou Ami Touré – mobile banking and inclusive finance

Aissatou Ami Touré, Managing Director of Yassir Senegal, an Algerian e-commerce start-up. The company offers digital financial services, enabling users to pay, save and borrow, in addition to e-commerce and delivery solutions. During this interview, Aissatou discussed the challenges of mobile payments for e-commerce in Africa. She was awarded the Les Margaret Prize 2024 in the Africa category, organised by the Journée de la Femme Digitale (JFD).

Economy 28 June 2024

Cameroon’s coffee and cocoa industries making progress

Many African countries are now prioritising the processing of raw materials to promote industrialisation and local consumption. The authorities and players in various sectors, notably coffee and cocoa, are actively committed to this approach, as our correspondent in Yaoundé witnessed during the Coffee and Cocoa Festival.

Economy 13 June 2024

AIPO Symposium 2024, an opportunity for Africa

A crucial issue for the protection of heritage and an incomparable tool for economic development: the designation of origin is making headway in Africa. The African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI) is a regional office covering 17 countries in West and Central Africa.

Economy 12 June 2024

South Africa: the ANC short of a parliamentary majority

Millions of South Africans went to the polls at the end of the month. It was a big turnout and this general election in one of Africa’s largest economies was labelled historic for what was at stake: the possibility that the ANC, Nelson Mandela's Party, would lose the majority and be forced into a coalition government. To talk about the election results and their consequences, Professor Sam Koma, Director of school of Economics and Management, Limpopo University joined us from South Africa.

Economy 31 May 2024

Developing the rice sector in Cameroon

The impact of climate change on agricultural production is becoming increasingly apparent, affecting almost all commodities. Rice is no exception, facing export restrictions from India and drought fears linked to El Niño in East Asia, leading to record-high prices. Despite this inflation, countries like Cameroon are still compelled to import rice to satisfy growing demand. Recently, local producers have started to develop a domestic industry.