South Africa’s mergers and acquisitions market lost momentum in the first half of 2026, as geopolitical tensions from the Iran war and weak domestic economic growth caused a sharp decline in corporate deal-making. Data from DealMakers Africa reveals that while deal value reached R311 billion, this figure was heavily skewed by a few mega-deals, masking a broader slowdown in activity. Transaction volumes dropped by 10 percent year-on-year, with a 75 percent collapse in black economic empowerment deals. Amidst this uncertainty, many listed firms opted to return capital to shareholders through share repurchases, totaling R122.9 billion, rather than pursuing acquisitions. Analysts expect this cautious environment to persist through the second half of the year unless geopolitical conditions improve.

The Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator has identified four key areas where local cassava processors must improve to attract financing. To overcome persistent capital-raising barriers, firms must demonstrate market feasibility, commercial viability, operational capacity, and robust financial health. Investors are specifically looking for verifiable evidence of secured demand, reliable feedstock sourcing, professional operational standards, and audited financial statements to de-risk investments in the sector.

Nigeria’s commercial real estate market is shifting as large corporations move away from co-working spaces in favor of dedicated, business-ready offices. While flexible work models remain popular for startups, multinational and large indigenous firms now prioritize operational resilience, security, and integrated infrastructure. Developers, such as the World Trade Centre Abuja, are increasingly providing bespoke workplace solutions that include fit-out coordination and facilities management to minimize operational disruption. This trend reflects a broader corporate move toward viewing office space as a strategic asset for productivity and business continuity rather than merely a property cost.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated a $60 million debt repayment by Nestoil Limited to a consortium of lenders. This payment is the first phase of a structured settlement to address the firm’s significant outstanding debt, which creditors claim reached $1.084 billion and N469.43 billion as of June 2026. The EFCC continues to investigate the transactions, while lenders anticipate a further $40 million in the next tranche. This recovery follows a prolonged legal battle and follows substantial impairment charges recorded by major Nigerian banks due to Nestoil’s non-performing loans.

Analysts are warning of an imminent correction in Nigeria’s real estate market as soaring construction costs and unsustainable rent hikes create a bubble. According to Bismarck Rewane of Financial Derivatives Company, the sector faces an oversupply of properties alongside record-high costs—with cement prices doubling and rent-to-income ratios reaching 70 percent, far above international standards. The resulting mortgage defaults and affordability crisis are driving developers to halt projects, signalling a potential market collapse.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has officially reopened Open Market Operations, OMO, to individual and corporate investors, providing a new, high-yield fixed-income instrument. By allowing broader participation through Deposit Money Banks, the policy creates direct competition for capital. With recent OMO yields clearing significantly higher than comparable Treasury Bills, analysts anticipate potential downward pressure on rates as demand increases. While this shift raises the hurdle rate for equity investments, market experts suggest that high-performing, growth-oriented stocks will remain attractive, as the development encourages more disciplined, risk-adjusted portfolio selection on the Nigerian Exchange.

Oil prices are trading near $89 per barrel following a 6% gain last week as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East. Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman should the country interfere with US blockades of Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. These ongoing disruptions continue to drive volatility in global energy markets, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the months-long conflict remain stalled.

Lagos remains the epicenter of Nigeria’s rental property demand, driven by rapid urbanization and its status as the nation’s primary economic hub. With a metro population exceeding 20 million and daily net migration of approximately 3,000 individuals, the state faces a housing deficit estimated at over 3.3 million units. Approximately 80 percent of Lagos residents live in rented accommodation. In response, the Lagos State government has increased its housing stock by 10,623 units over the last seven years through direct funding and public-private partnerships, with several projects scheduled for completion through 2026.

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has successfully closed its maiden 250 billion naira Series 1 Fixed Rate Bond after receiving overwhelming subscriptions within five working days. Issued through BOI Financing SPV Plc, the bond attracted a diverse pool of institutional investors, including pension funds and banks, with key support from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and the International Finance Corporation. Managing Director Olasupo Olusi attributed the strong market reception to government incentives provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which helped solidify investor confidence. Proceeds from the bond will bolster the bank’s capacity to provide long-term financing for Nigerian enterprises, with a portion of a separate 100 billion naira government fund intended to help subsidize borrowing costs for manufacturers. Final allotment figures remain subject to regulatory approval.

Nigeria’s headline inflation dropped to 15.4 percent in July 2026, down from 15.9 percent in June. The National Bureau of Statistics reported a month-on-month headline inflation rate of 1.57 percent, though food prices remain a significant pressure point for households. This consistent easing trend bolsters expectations that the Central Bank of Nigeria may pivot toward monetary policy easing during its next meeting in September.

Russia has launched a new multiple-entry talent visa aimed at attracting highly skilled foreign professionals, including scientists, entrepreneurs, and researchers. The programme offers a streamlined path to permanent residency and potential citizenship, allowing successful applicants to bypass standard immigration quotas and language requirements. This initiative, managed by the new Agency for Attracting Foreign Talents, is designed to bolster Russia’s economic and technological sectors by facilitating long-term immigration for individuals with specialized expertise.

WACOT Limited, a subsidiary of TGI Group, has partnered with the Bank of Agriculture to launch the 2026 Sesame Outgrower Programme in Jigawa State. The initiative aims to support 10,000 smallholder farmers by providing subsidized agricultural input loans, high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and technical extension services. The program, which utilizes a structured repayment system through produce, focuses on enhancing productivity, improving livelihoods, and promoting climate-smart farming practices across Nigeria.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) data indicates that the nation’s net foreign exchange (FX) flow dropped to $4.94 billion in March 2026, marking a 29% decline from February’s $6.98 billion. This is the lowest monthly net flow recorded since December 2025. While total FX inflows into the economy for March stood at $10.49 billion, outflows surged to $5.54 billion. Notably, net FX flow through the CBN specifically turned negative at -$1.66 billion during the month, though total net flows remain 38% higher year-on-year compared to March 2025.

Nigeria faces a growing divide between booming financial markets and a populace struggling with severe cost-of-living pressures. Despite government reforms like fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation aimed at stabilizing the economy, inflation and high interest rates have eroded purchasing power for millions. While investors show record confidence, reflected in strong stock market performance, the average Nigerian continues to battle with rising costs, fueling widespread public discontent ahead of upcoming elections. Officials maintain that these difficult reforms are essential for long-term fiscal health.

The Nigerian equities market is undergoing a healthy technical correction, consolidating after a 56% year-to-date gain. With market capitalization exceeding N156 trillion, recent pullbacks are characterized as profit-taking rather than institutional distribution. Analysts attribute the correction to a sector rotation phase following aggressive rallies in the Oil and Gas and Industrial Goods sectors. While banking stocks show defensive price action and the Consumer Goods sector faces inflationary pressure, the long-term bullish trend remains intact. Market participants are monitoring the 241,500 support level, with experts viewing the current dip as an opportunity for long-term investors to accumulate blue-chip stocks ahead of the next earnings cycle.

Retailers across Nigeria are protesting against the ongoing enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol below 20cl by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Traders report significant financial losses, merchandise seizures, and an inability to repay bank loans as their primary source of daily income faces total collapse. While the association of traders has appealed to the federal government for intervention, NAFDAC maintains that it is merely fulfilling its statutory regulatory duties. Retailers argue that underage alcohol consumption is a matter of parental responsibility rather than packaging size and are calling for a policy review to protect their livelihoods.

Integrated Indigo Limited has been named Agency of the Year at the 2026 National Spokespersons Awards. The marketing communications firm received the honour in Abuja during an event organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited. The award, which recognizes innovation and campaign impact, was determined following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation of 171 nominations. This is the second time the agency has received this top category award.

Nigeria is making significant strides in energy independence as the Dangote refinery hits full capacity, processing 650,000 barrels per day and expanding into regional exports. However, the sector faces a critical supply bottleneck; while 68.7 million barrels of crude were offered for domestic refining in Q1 2026, only 28.5 million were actually supplied due to pricing disputes. Achieving true energy sovereignty will require bridging the gap between crude production and domestic processing, ensuring manufacturers have reliable energy access, and building a broader industrial ecosystem beyond mere asset ownership.

The Executive Woman Summit (TEWS) 2.0 is scheduled for October 28, 2026, in Victoria Island, Lagos. Convened by executive coach Bola Matel-Okoh, the event aims to equip over 400 female corporate leaders and entrepreneurs with strategies for leadership, visibility, and influence. The summit features prominent speakers including Ibukun Awosika, Bola Adesola, and Mosun Belo-Olusoga, focusing on navigating complex organizational dynamics and maximizing executive potential.