LAST WEEK IN AFRICA: Nigeria's Inflation Spike & Egypt's Interest Rate Cuts

Nigeria's Inflation Spike
Nigeria's annual inflation rate surged to 24.23% in March 2025, up from 23.18% in February, primarily driven by rising food and beverage prices. Food inflation reached a staggering 40.01% year-on-year, intensifying the economic pressure on households. Despite efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to stabilize the naira through tightening measures, inflation remains a challenge to the country's economic stability.

Egypt's Interest Rate Cuts
Egypt's central bank reduced its interest rates by 225 basis points for the first time in over five years, bringing the deposit rate to 25% and the lending rate to 26%. This move is in response to a significant decrease in inflation, from 38% in 2023 to 13.6% in March 2025, signaling the start of a potential easing cycle. Economic growth indicators are improving, making this a key policy shift as the country seeks to balance inflation control with growth stimulation.

Africa is undergoing meaningful change, and at QAl, we are committed to actively contributing to the continent's transformation.