Industry leaders and regulators have highlighted that the next phase of digital finance will be defined by building systemic trust rather than just expanding technological access. At the launch of the Trust Architecture in Platform-Led Finance report, experts argued that while financial inclusion has grown, confidence remains a critical challenge. The discussions, which featured representatives from various financial and regulatory bodies, emphasised that trust is an operational and institutional necessity, requiring robust identity verification, effective consumer protection, and greater collaboration between banks and fintechs to ensure the long-term stability of digital financial ecosystems. To operationalize these findings, the Bridgforte Centre has established the Trust Lab to track and measure trust infrastructure across African markets.

Standard Bank has processed over 8 billion yuan ($1.2 billion) in transactions since joining China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). As the first African lender to gain direct CIPS access and be appointed a renminbi clearing bank, the institution is enabling businesses across the continent to settle trade directly in yuan. This shift, which bypasses the US dollar, aims to reduce transaction costs, shorten settlement times, and provide a critical alternative for businesses facing persistent dollar liquidity challenges in Africa-China trade.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2025 annual report, foreign high-security printers supplied 65 percent of the country’s banknotes last year. The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM) was allocated 2 billion pieces, or 35 percent of the total approved production, but delivered only 62 percent of its target. The CBN approved 5.71 billion pieces of banknotes in 2025 as currency in circulation rose to 5.73 trillion naira, reflecting higher economic activity and cash demand.

Ghana’s cedi has shifted from being Africa’s best-performing currency in 2025 to its weakest as of July 2026, depreciating 11.6 percent against the dollar this year. Despite strong macroeconomic fundamentals and improved foreign exchange reserves, the currency has faced intense pressure from rising global oil prices, increased demand for foreign exchange from importers, and significant external debt repayments. Analysts note that while the decline is notable, it reflects temporary market dynamics and seasonal pressures rather than a structural failure of the country’s recent economic reforms.

Aviation unions, including ATSSSAN and NUATE, have issued a seven-day ultimatum to airline operators over the non-remittance of the mandatory five percent Ticket Sales Charge. The unions warn that failure to settle these outstanding payments will lead to the picketing of defaulting airlines. The action follows the expiration of a previous 14-day notice, with workers citing concerns that unpaid dues are undermining the operational and safety standards of industry agencies.

Kano State is advancing the development of the 3,740-acre Dansoshiya Irrigation Infrastructure in Kiru Local Government Area. Designed to facilitate year-round farming across three cropping seasons, the project features a dam with a three-billion-cubic-litre capacity. The initiative, which includes the construction of a 14-kilometre access road and extensive canal networks, aims to mitigate the impact of erratic rainfall, boost crop yields, and stabilize food supplies. Government officials stated that the project is central to the state’s strategy to enhance food security, improve farmer incomes, and stimulate economic activity through the agricultural value chain.

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has mandated all 27 local government councils in the state to anchor their annual budgets and developmental projects on newly unveiled five-year development plans. The Local Government Development Plans (2025–2030) are designed to institutionalize evidence-based governance and ensure alignment with the state’s 12-Point Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Governor Namadi emphasized that these plans must serve as the primary guide for resource allocation and accountability to avoid the implementation failures seen in previous frameworks. The state commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Ibrahim Garba Hannun-Giwa, confirmed that the initiative was developed through extensive multi-stakeholder consultations. Local government leaders have pledged their commitment to integrating these documents into their operational and financial planning processes.

Standard Chartered has reported a record operating income of $11.6 billion for the first half of 2026, marking a 9% increase in profit before tax to $4.8 billion. Driven by robust performance in wealth management and global banking, the bank has announced a $1 billion share buyback and raised its full-year earnings outlook. The bank also increased its interim dividend by 66% to 20.4 cents per share, supported by a strong capital position with a 14.2% Common Equity Tier 1 ratio.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has officially recommissioned the Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The upgrade, part of the federal government’s aviation infrastructure development, features modern baggage handling systems, new check-in counters, and improved passenger amenities. As Nigeria’s fourth busiest airport, the facility serves as a critical hub for Northern trade, agriculture, and tourism. Additionally, authorities announced the imminent expansion of the airport’s Hajj terminal to be completed ahead of the 2027 season.

Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP) is working to restore stable power in Festac Town and Amuwo Odofin following prolonged outages caused by grid maintenance and persistent cable vandalism. The firm has completed a new feeder, Festac 3, to provide an alternative supply source but is currently awaiting load balancing and regulatory approval from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Meanwhile, supply on the existing Festac 1 feeder has been partially restored as repairs continue. EKEDP has engaged local stakeholders and reported vandalism incidents to the Lagos State Police Command, resulting in arrests. The utility cautioned against illegal disruptions to infrastructure during ongoing resident frustrations.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has officially concluded its banking sector recapitalisation exercise, with thirty-three banks raising a combined 4.65 trillion Naira. Following the completion of this mandate, the CBN has shifted its focus toward improving corporate governance and risk management within the sector. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasized that the primary objective of this increased capital is to boost lending to productive sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Lawmakers have urged banks to prioritize credit flow to these critical areas to support economic growth, following a period where bank credit to manufacturing contracted by 22.5 percent year-on-year by December 2025. The CBN continues to maintain a cautious monetary policy stance, holding the Monetary Policy Rate at 26.50 percent to balance inflation control with economic expansion.

Twelve Nigerian Exchange (NGX) listed companies have paid a cumulative N287.14 million in penalties to NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo) for failing to meet mandatory financial filing deadlines. These sanctions, part of a broader enforcement action involving 49 companies, represent a significant impact on corporate coffers and shareholder value. Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc leads the list with N67.44 million in penalties, followed by International Energy Insurance Plc and Universal Insurance Plc. The penalties underscore the regulatory push for timely disclosures as a pillar of market transparency.

Nigeria LNG Ltd (NLNG) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Train 7 expansion project, which is set to increase the company’s production capacity by 35% to 30 million tonnes annually. Managing Director Adeleye Falade stated that the project is vital for boosting gas exports and domestic energy supply, including a 50% increase in liquefied petroleum gas for local use. While the expansion remains a cornerstone of the national ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, NLNG continues to navigate challenges regarding feedgas availability and intensifying global market competition. Since inception, NLNG has generated over $149 billion in revenue and remains a critical contributor to Nigeria’s economic infrastructure.

Nigeria’s foreign exchange landscape saw significant growth in 2025, with total inflows reaching $109.86 billion, a 13.81% increase over the $96.53 billion recorded in 2024. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2025 Annual Report, autonomous sources served as the primary driver, accounting for 64.21% of total inflows. Despite a 27.83% rise in total outflows to $49.05 billion, the country maintained a net FX inflow of $60.81 billion, signaling increased liquidity support from non-CBN channels.

The NASD OTC Securities Exchange has launched Nigeria’s first regulated digital securities platform, the NASD Digital Securities Platform (NDSP). Powered by blockchain technology from Blockstation Inc., the platform is designed to facilitate the issuance, trading, clearing, and settlement of tokenized securities. The exchange plans to host its inaugural public digital securities offering in early September, marking a move to modernize market infrastructure and expand access to capital.

Despite deploying over 101,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure, Nigeria faces a digital inclusion crisis with approximately 130 million citizens still lacking reliable mobile internet access. While national backbone capacity is substantial, infrastructure is heavily concentrated in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, leaving rural areas underserved. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) identifies excessive and inconsistent Right of Way charges, widespread infrastructure vandalism, and high operational costs as primary barriers to last-mile expansion. Although the government has initiated the Project BRIDGE program to extend network reach, industry experts warn that backbone development alone is insufficient without addressing the structural bottlenecks that discourage investment in underserved communities.

Dimension Data Limited has successfully raised 4.05 billion naira in the first tranche of its 20 billion naira bond programme. The funds will be dedicated to expanding the company’s fibre infrastructure to address the rising demand for digital connectivity among Nigerian financial institutions, fintechs, and enterprise customers. This initial issuance represents 20 percent of the total programme, with the remaining balance expected to be accessed in future tranches as the company scales its network.

The Central Bank of Nigeria imposed N430 million in fines on financial institutions in 2025 due to delays in resolving customer complaints and non-compliance with regulatory directives. According to the CBN’s 2025 Annual Report, 21 separate penalties were issued as consumer complaints rose by over 10 percent to 23,129. Furthermore, the regulator oversaw the recovery of over N19 billion and 329 million dollars in refunds for consumers. An additional N1.26 billion in penalties was also issued for other regulatory breaches.

Zichis Agro-Allied Industries Plc reported a significant surge in its H1 2026 unaudited financial results, with profit after tax rising 543.1% to N457.0 million. Revenue increased by 285.4% to N910.5 million, largely driven by strong demand for egg, feed mill, and palm oil products. The company’s expansion was bolstered by a new N2.00 billion long-term debt facility, pushing total assets to N3.60 billion. Despite a rise in administrative expenses, the firm maintained robust earnings growth, with basic earnings per share climbing to 38 kobo from 12 kobo in the same period last year.