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.

Nigeria Seals $1.3bn Alumina Refinery Deal with AFC The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) have signed an investment partnership to jointly fund three projects, including a $1.3 billion alumina refinery. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the agreement as a landmark deal to transform the mining sector and boost its contribution to gross domestic product. A statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said the pact was signed on Sunday in Abuja. Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi, signed on behalf of the government,…

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Dangote Cement Hikes Dividend by 50% as Profit Spikes Dangote Cement Plc has announced plans to pay shareholders N45 as a final dividend, reflecting improved earnings performance in 2025. The proposed amount represents a 50% increase over the equivalent period in 2024, supported by significant earnings growth. The top members of the cement oligarchy double down on their profitability in 2025, supported by a about 35% year-on-year increase in cement price per tonne in the Nigerian market. Nigeria’s volume sold was flattish, but the group’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation supported the improved performance. Volume sold in the…

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Stanbic IBTC Falls by 5.4% after AFS Delay Hint Stanbic IBTC Plc lost about 5.4% of its market value as investor sentiment deteriorated, with the non-operating holding company hinting that its audited results would be delayed. According to trading data, Stanbic IBTC’s share price dropped to N122 as investors trimmed their holdings amidst fluctuating trading volume. The bank’s share price declined in one out of five trading sessions, reflecting thin trading activities due to large holdings by its parent company. The financial services company is 68.46% owned by Stanbic Africa Holdings Limited, which is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The…

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