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Popular Insights
  • Key takeaways:

    • Tecno (23.55%) and Infinix (21.73%) lead the Nigerian mobile market, making up a combined 45.28% of the market share.
    • Samsung (12.36%) is the leading non-Chinese brand, with Apple (9.43%) following closely behind.
    • Xiaomi (7.15%) and Huawei (4.34%) are emerging as significant players in Nigeria's mobile sector.
    • Premium brands such as Samsung (12.36%) and Apple (9.43%) have considerable but smaller market shares compared to their Chinese counterparts.
    • Chinese manufacturers collectively dominate over 60% of the mobile market in Nigeria.
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    • The highest-grossing Nollywood movie has grown from a modest ₦30 million in 2009 to over ₦1 billion in 2023.
    • Since 2016, Nollywood's highest-grossing movie at the local box office has stayed above ₦250 million.
    • Four of Nollywood's highest-grossing movies in the past five years have been produced by Funke Akindele.
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  • A Trend of Adult literacy rates of African countries

    Between 2018 and 2021, adult literacy rates across African nations exhibited significant disparities. Seychelles and South Africa led with literacy rates of 96% and 95%, respectively, indicating a high proportion of literate adults. Conversely, Chad had the lowest literacy rate during this period.

    These statistics underscore the uneven progress in educational attainment across Africa, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve literacy in lower-performing nations.

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    Africa's sanitation crisis is alarming, with 17 of the top 20 countries having the highest open defecation rates.

    Eritrea (67%), Niger (65%), and Chad (63%) lead, putting millions at risk of disease.

    Even Nigeria, the most populous African country, has 18% of its population practising it.

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  • Nigeria was the seventh most populous nation in the world in 2020, with 206.1 million people. Projected to reach a population of 401.3 million by 2050, Nigeria will rank third after India (1st) and China (2nd). According to Institut national d'études démographiques' projections, Nigeria, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Egypt, Tanzania, and Kenya will be among the world’s top 20 most populous countries by 2050.

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    The FAAC's revenue distribution from 2017 to August 2023 highlights the dominance of Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa states in allocations. Despite Lagos' economic prominence, it ranked fifth. Here is the distribution of revenue among states between 2017 and August 2023.

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  • In 2012, the volume of Point of Sale (POS) transactions in Nigeria was nearly 2.6 million, valued at ₦48 billion. As of 2022, it had grown to nearly four billion transactions worth ₦41 trillion. The volume and value of POS transactions surged between 2020 and 2022.

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  • Only 10% of Nigerians earn above ₦100,000, according to the Nigerian Financial Services Market Report. This aligns with most reports about Nigeria, and it's in sharp contrast to the narratives online.
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  • A Trend of Adult literacy rates of African countries

    Between 2018 and 2021, adult literacy rates across African nations exhibited significant disparities. Seychelles and South Africa led with literacy rates of 96% and 95%, respectively, indicating a high proportion of literate adults. Conversely, Chad had the lowest literacy rate during this period.

    These statistics underscore the uneven progress in educational attainment across Africa, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve literacy in lower-performing nations.

    See more

Other Insights
Share of rural and urban population in Nigeria (1950 - 2050)
  • Nigeria's urban population is projected to grow from 9% in 1950 to 70% in 2050.
  • The urban population surpassed the rural population for the first time in 2020.
  • Between 1980 and 2020, Nigeria’s urban population more than doubled, from 22% to 52%.
  • The rural population share is expected to fall sharply from 91% in 1950 to just 30% in 2050.
  • In 2010, Nigeria’s population was still majority rural (57%), but within just a decade, that changed.
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  • Egypt led every single year from 1961 to the most recent year — 63 years of dominance.
  • Egypt peaked at over 10.2 million tonnes in 2009, no other African country came close.
  • As of 2023, Egypt ranked 5th globally, just ahead of Italy and behind the US.
  • Nigeria hit its highest level in 2015, with 4.2 million tonnes.
  • Nigeria was the only country that got within 1.5 million tonnes of Egypt in 13 different years.
  • Countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia remained consistent but far behind Egypt and Nigeria.
  • Egypt’s lead is backed by large-scale irrigation and strong export systems.
  • In 1987, Africa supplied 11.7% of the world’s tomatoes. But by 2023, its share dropped to 8.8%.
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Key Takeaways:

  • From 2014 to 2023, China’s imports from Nigeria fluctuated significantly, ranging between $907 million and over $3 billion.
  • A sharp 53% drop was recorded between 2014 and 2015, followed by a further decline to a decade-low in 2016.
  • China reached its highest import value in 2021, when it imported over $3 billion from Nigeria.
  • Imports fell by 47% in 2022 but recovered by 48% in 2023, reaching $2.37 billion.
  • The volatility in trade reflects the influence of global commodity prices, especially oil, and evolving bilateral trade dynamics.
  • Mineral fuels, oils, and distillation products accounted for more than 50% of China's imports from Nigeria during the period of study.
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Key takeaways:

  • China led global gold production with 378.16 tonnes, representing approximately 10.4% of global output.
  • The top five producers (China, Russia, Australia, Canada, and the United States) collectively produced 37% of the world’s gold.
  • African nations showed remarkable strength, with four countries in the top 15 (Ghana, Mali, South Africa, and Burkina Faso).
  • Ghana led Africa in gold production and ranked 6th globally, producing 135.11 tonnes in 2023.
  • China, Australia, and Russia together produced nearly 1,000 tonnes of gold, accounting for 27.3% of total world production.
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Francophone Africa startup deals by sectors (2024)
  • Mobility led 2024’s startup funding in Francophone Africa with two deals at a value of $20.5M.
  • Fintech had the highest number of deals at 7, but with a lower total value than Mobility.
  • Cloud Services, Communications, and eCommerce each attracted over $3M from just one deal.
  • Agritech recorded the lowest funding at only $0.2M, despite being a vital sector.
  • Logistics, Healthtech, and HR/Payroll sectors saw two deals each, but with moderate funding.
  • Electric Motorcycle and Eyewear startups each secured $2M–$3M in one-off deals, showing niche interest.
  • Digital Health drew limited attention in both deal count and funding, signalling untapped or underdeveloped potential.
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Nigeria’s official exchange rate (Nigerian naira per US$), 2015 - 2024
  • The Nigerian naira depreciated by a record-breaking 129.23% in 2024, the highest drop in the last decade.
  • From 2015 to 2022, the naira's depreciation was relatively controlled, rarely exceeding 20% year-on-year.
  • The exchange rate remained nearly flat from 2017 to 2019, showing signs of stability.
  • In 2023, the naira lost over half its value (51.46%), marking the beginning of the current volatility wave.
  • The exchange rate crossed the ₦1,000/$ threshold in 2024 for the first time in history.
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Key Takeaways:

  • Electrical and electronic equipment was China’s top export to Nigeria, valued at $2.88 billion.
  • The top five export categories (electrical equipment, machinery, vehicles, plastics, and iron/steel products) together accounted for over $8.78 billion, representing around 44% of total exports.
  • Industrial goods such as machinery and steel, along with manufactured consumer goods, dominate China’s export portfolio.
  • Products like apparel, synthetic materials, and household items featured strongly among the top export categories.
  • In total, China exported goods worth $20.18 billion to Nigeria in 2023.
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Key Takeaways:

  • In 2023, China imported $1.41 billion worth of mineral fuels and oils from Nigeria, making it the leading import category.
  • The top three import categories (mineral fuels, ores, and salt/earth materials) together made up nearly 89% of the total import value.
  • Nigeria’s exports to China are largely raw materials and natural resources, with minimal contribution from manufactured goods.
  • The top ten product categories accounted for almost 99% of China’s total imports from Nigeria.
  • Agricultural and animal products such as oil seeds, raw hides, and spices also formed part of Nigeria’s export portfolio.
  • China’s total imports from Nigeria were valued at $2.37 billion in 2023.
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Key Takeaways:

  • In 2023, China’s exports to Nigeria totaled $20.18 billion, while imports from Nigeria reached only $2.37 billion.
  • China’s trade surplus with Nigeria amounted to approximately $17.8 billion.
  • Chinese exports accounted for 89.5% of the total bilateral trade, with Nigerian exports making up just 10.5%.
  • The trade imbalance underscores Nigeria’s strong dependence on Chinese goods and industrial inputs.
  • For every $1 Nigeria exports to China, it imports $8.50 worth of Chinese products.
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Somalia’s official exchange rate (Somali Shilling per US$), 2015 - 2024
  • Somalia’s currency has depreciated by 26.4% between 2015 and 2024.
  • The sharpest yearly depreciation was in 2019, at 4.64%.
  • From 2020 to 2021, the SOS saw its smallest year-on-year shift at 1.08%.
  • Despite fluctuations, every year from 2015 to 2024 recorded a net increase in SOS per US$.
  • 2017 recorded near-stable currency performance with just a 0.16% change from the previous year.
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Key Takeaways:

  • Africa's gold production grew steadily from 621.78 tonnes in 2010 to 1,003.98 tonnes in 2023.
  • The continent experienced an overall increase of 61.5% in gold output over the 14 years.
  • The continent saw consistent year-on-year growth, with only minor declines in 2020 and 2022.
  • 2023 marked the highest production level in more than a decade.
  • The average annual growth rate in gold mine production over the period was approximately 4%.
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Key Takeaways:

  • Global gold production rose from 2,830.80 tonnes in 2010 to 3,646.07 tonnes in 2023.
  • The most significant year-over-year growth occurred between 2012 and 2013, with an increase of over 178 tonnes.
  • A temporary decline in production was recorded in 2019 and 2020, reflecting pandemic-related disruptions.
  • Production recovered quickly post-pandemic, reaching a record 3,646.07 tonnes by 2023.
  • Over the last fourteen years, gold mine output grew at an average annual rate of approximately 2%.
  • Growth from 2021 to 2023 was more moderate compared to earlier years.
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  • Gold bullion dominates exports, contributing ¢163.0B (55.3%) of total exports.

  • Petroleum oils follow distantly at ¢52.6B (17.8%).

  • Cocoa (beans, paste, butter) remains a vital sector, collectively worth ¢24.7B (8.4%).

  • Manganese, cashew, tuna, iron/steel, and shea oil are niche contributors, each under 2% of exports.

  • All other products still make up a significant 14.4% (¢42.4B), showing potential for export diversification.
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  • Petrol prices in Nigeria rose by 52% between August 2024 (₦830.5) and March 2025 (₦1,261.7).
  • The highest monthly increase was in September 2024 (+24.1%), while the sharpest drop came in April 2025 (-17.1%).
  • By July 2025, prices had eased to ₦1,025, still 23% higher than a year earlier.
  • NNPC retail outlets offered significantly lower prices than the national average, with Abuja as low as ₦880 at the March 2025 peak.
  • Dangote Refinery offered relatively competitive pricing, ranging from ₦840 to ₦899, creating an alternative supply option.
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  • France tops the world with 13 time zones, owing largely to its overseas territories spread across the globe.
  • The US and Russia follow closely, each spanning 11 time zones, reflecting their massive geographic spread.
  • In contrast, Africa remains highly unified, with just two countries, DR Congo and South Africa, operating two time zones each.
  • Most nations on the list, including Brazil, Mexico, and Spain, fall between 2–4 zones, underscoring how rare double-digit time zone coverage is.
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  • South Africa’s GDP per capita rose from $440 in 2000 to an all-time high of $2,692 in 2024.
  • Growth was relatively steady in the 2000s, with notable jumps after 2006 and again in the post-pandemic years.
  • Despite dips in 2008 (global financial crisis) and 2020 (COVID-19 shock), the economy showed resilience with quick rebounds.
  • By 2024, South Africa achieved its strongest per capita GDP on record, cementing its role as one of Africa’s leading middle-income economies.
  • The country recorded growth in 21 of the past 24 years.
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  • Algeria’s GDP per capita more than tripled in 25 years, rising from $1,772.9 in 2000 to $5,631.2 in 2024.
  • The 2000s boom saw rapid growth, peaking at $5,180.9 in 2008, fuelled by high oil and gas prices.
  • Between 2014 and 2016, GDP per capita fell from $6,094.7 to $4,425.0, reflecting oil price collapses and domestic fiscal strain.
  • After pandemic-era lows in 2020 ($3,743.5), Algeria rebounded to its second-highest level on record in 2024 ($5,631.2), regaining its regional standing.
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  • Egypt’s GDP per capita grew from $1,366 in 2000 to $3,339 in 2024, a 144% increase over 25 years.
  • The economy peaked at $4,233 in 2022, marking the highest point in the series before a two-year decline.
  • Sustained growth was driven by the 2000s and 2010s, with resilience after the 2008 financial crisis and Arab Spring disruptions.
  • The dip after 2022 reflects external pressures, currency adjustments, and inflationary challenges, though per capita levels remain well above early 2000s baselines.
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