Tag: Foreign Exchange
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Data Privacy and International Payments: What Every Executive Should Know
African businesses are engaging in cross-border transactions more than ever. From paying overseas suppliers to receiving payments from international clients, the movement of funds across borders has become a daily reality for many organisations. However, while speed, convenience, and competitive foreign exchange rates often dominate conversations, data privacy is increasingly becoming just as important, especially…
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Naira Card for Global Payments: What This Means for Nigerian Businesses
After years of restrictions, Nigerian banks have resumed international transactions on Naira debit cards. This move, following a wave of FX policy reforms, marks a potential turning point for businesses, especially SMEs and digital enterprises that rely on cross-border services and suppliers. But what does this mean for your business? A Brief Background: What Changed?…
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Behind the $41 Billion FX Reserve Projection: Why Nigerian Businesses Should Still Be Cautious
Introduction: Nigeria’s FX Reserves Are Rising In the face of recent economic challenges, Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves are projected to reach $41 billion by year-end, representing a potential increase from the current level of just under $34 billion. On the surface, this sounds like welcome news; more reserves typically signal improved currency stability and…
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Oil vs. Currency: How Oil Prices Shape the Currency Markets
Introduction: Why Oil Still Matters in Currency Markets Oil is not just fuel; it’s a market mover. For many oil-exporting nations, such as Nigeria, oil prices not only affect government revenues but also impact the overall health of the economy, the stability of exchange rates, and investor confidence. Currency values tend to rise when oil…
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Why Cross-Border Payments Are Still a Challenge for African Businesses
You’d think that in 2025, sending money from Lagos to Nairobi should be as easy as sending a WhatsApp message. After all, we live in the era of instant payments, digital wallets, and global fintech innovation. But for many African businesses, cross-border payments still feel like navigating a maze without a map. The question is:…
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How Global Payments Work: The Basics of Cross-Border Transactions
Cross-border payments drive global trade, but they’re more complex than domestic bank transfers. Understanding the mechanics behind these international payments is essential for treasury teams and global businesses, as it affects cash flow timing, FX exposure, supplier relationships, and overall cost of doing business. This guide breaks down the process, explains the key players, rails,…
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Ghana’s Cedi Becomes the World’s Best-Performing Currency in 2025: A Case Study for African Businesses
In a surprising twist to the currency stories of 2025, Ghana’s cedi has emerged as the world’s best-performing currency, gaining nearly 40–50% against the US dollar between January and June. At a time when many African currencies, like Nigeria’s naira or Egypt’s pound, have struggled under the weight of inflation, devaluation, and forex (FX) scarcity,…
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Nigeria’s Top 5 Inflation Drivers in April 2025
In April 2025, Nigeria’s inflation rate stayed high at nearly 24% compared to last year. To understand what’s making prices rise, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) asked businesses and everyday people what they think. Here’s what they found — and what it means for you. What People Expect About Inflation What’s Making Prices Climb?…
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₦22.1 Billion FX Losses in Q1 2025: What Nigerian Businesses Can Do to Protect Themselves
In the first three months of 2025, ten big Nigerian companies lost a total of ₦22.1 billion because of foreign exchange (FX) challenges. While this is much better than the huge ₦1.18 trillion loss from the same time last year, ₦22 billion is still a lot of money that could eat into profits. If your…
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Nigeria’s Economic Outlook: Growth and Inflation Projections for H2.
As we close the first half of 2025 and look forward, Nigeria’s economy is showing signs of slow but steady recovery. However, rising prices remain a big challenge for businesses and consumers alike. Growth: Slow and Steady Wins the Race Different experts have shared their views on Nigeria’s growth for 2025, and while their numbers…
