Author: Olu Anisere

Olu Anisere is a financial and economic journalist at MarketForces Africa, specialising in African macroeconomic policy, international finance, energy markets, and continental development.He covers major multilateral institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), providing readers with frontline reporting on policies shaping Africa's economic trajectory.Olu has reported extensively on Nigeria's fiscal and monetary policy landscape, including CBN interest rate decisions, Nigeria's bond market, FX inflows, and the country's engagement with global financial institutions.His coverage spans IMF and World Bank Spring and Annual Meetings, African Ministers of Finance conferences, and high-level economic forums where Africa's development agenda is set.His reporting captures perspectives from Africa's most influential economic voices, including Tony Elumelu, senior IMF officials, and CBN leadership, bringing institutional insight and policy depth to MarketForces Africa's readers.Olu also covers Inside Africa — tracking economic, investment, and development stories from across the continent. Olu Anisere is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

South African Rand Climbs Amid Soft Manufacturing Output The South African rand strengthened, trading at R16.39 per dollar, R19.18 per euro, and R22.00 per pound, according to a report released by First National Bank (FNB). The local currency is outperforming most emerging-market peers amid fragile optimism over the US-Iran ceasefire. However, markets remain cautious about the truce’s durability and the ongoing risks in the Strait of Hormuz. The rand’s gains come despite a broader dollar strengthening ahead of US inflation data. Meanwhile, gold has held above $4,700 an ounce, heading for a third consecutive weekly gain as the US-Iran ceasefire…

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Nigeria Back From Economic Brink To Stability, Shettima Says Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday said Nigeria is back from the economic brink and is now on a trajectory toward renewal, stability, and shared prosperity. Shettima stated this in Abuja at the national convening and report launch on “Strengthening the Nexus Between Democracy and Economic Growth in Nigeria,” organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF). The vice-president, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, was represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibo. Shettima noted that while the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led…

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CBN Demands Risk Discipline, Governance from Recapitalised Banks The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says strong governance and risk discipline are critical to the success of Nigeria’s ongoing bank recapitalisation programme. Dr Blaise Ijebor, Director of Risk Management Department and Chief Risk Officer at the CBN, said this on Thursday at a virtual risk management roundtable organised by the Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (AERMP). The event convened in Lagos had the theme: “Recapitalisation, Mergers and Acquisitions in the Nigerian Financial System; Minimising Risks and Maximising Opportunities for Greater Post-Recapitalisation Value”. Ijebor, represented by another Director, Olabanji Samuel, said…

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Oil Prices Edge Higher as Ships Stuck in Waterway Oil prices edged higher on Thursday as shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and escalating Israeli strikes on Lebanon heightened concerns over regional supply, despite a temporary ceasefire. Investors signal concerns that crude oil supply from the key Middle East producing region may not fully resume amid doubts that the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran will hold. International benchmark Brent crude futures traded at $97.03 per barrel, up around 2.4% from the previous close of $94.75. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose about 3.3% to $97.48 per…

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JSE Index Rises 3.96% as Global Risk Appetite Improves The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) rebounded strongly on Wednesday as global risk appetite improved sharply following reports of a conditional ceasefire in the Middle East and signs of progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Risk appetite improves with some positioning as investors see easing global macro and energy supply risks. Hence, the All-Share Index closed 3.96% higher, while the Top 40 gained 4.16%. Resources led the charge and rose about 4.68%, buoyed by a sharp rally in gold and PGM stocks, with AngloGold Ashanti (+6.27%), Gold Fields (+4.65%), Northam Platinum…

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