interest rates

Farmers across Africa confront mounting pressures as Nigerian agricultural operators grapple with lending rates reaching 60 percent while Zimbabwean growers battle prolonged dry spells threatening maize and tobacco harvests.

Multiple African economies are implementing monetary easing policies as inflation pressures subside, with Zimbabwe achieving sub-10% inflation for the first time in nearly three decades while Nigeria reports sharp food price deceleration.

Nigeria's headline inflation declined marginally to 15.10% in January 2026 from 15.15% in December, while survey data reveals strong public pressure on the Central Bank to lower lending rates at next week's policy meeting.

January's unexpected decline in inflation has intensified pressure on the Central Bank of Nigeria to pivot toward monetary easing, though economists caution that structural vulnerabilities could complicate the policy shift.

January's unexpected drop in inflation to 15.10% has ignited speculation about monetary policy easing, though economists remain divided on whether the Central Bank of Nigeria should act swiftly or maintain its cautious stance.

Nigeria's headline inflation declined marginally to 15.10% in January 2026 from 15.15% in December, while survey data reveals strong public support for monetary easing as the Central Bank prepares for its next policy decision.