While several African nations have state-controlled telcos, some private operators have extended their presence across the continent. Notably, none operates in all countries on the continent.
MTN Group and Orange are present in 17 countries, with MTN having a stronger presence in Southern Africa than Orange. Francophone West Africa and North Africa are Orange's primary markets.
In almost 61 years since Nigeria's First Republic, there have been 16 Presidents and Heads of State either by seizure, democratic election, or handing over by an interim government.
The unsuccessful attempt to restore Nigeria to democracy between 1992 and 1993 gave rise to the aborted Third Republic.
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.
The Global Innovation Index 2024 reveals a striking contrast in innovation performance between countries globally and across Africa. Switzerland leads the global rankings with an impressive score of 67.5, followed by Sweden (64.5) and the USA (62.4), highlighting their sustained investments in research, development, and technological advancement.
In Africa, Mauritius takes the top spot with a score of 30.5, followed closely by Morocco (28.8) and South Africa (28.3). However, even Africa's most innovative nations achieve less than half the score of global leaders, indicating a significant innovation gap.
Nigeria ranks 15th in the African ranking and 113th globally, out of 133 countries, with a score of 17.1.
The 2024 Global Peace Index reveals a decline in peacefulness in 97 countries, the highest since the index began.
Nigeria is among the nations affected by regional conflicts and rising violence. With a peace index score of 2.91, Nigeria is facing increasing challenges.
A deteriorating peace score impacts foreign investment and economic stability. Global economic losses due to violence reached $19.1 trillion in 2023.
Nigeria's GDP saw its steepest drop in 1999, marking the country's transition to civilian rule with Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae running for president.
Over the years, Nigeria's economy has fluctuated, peaking in 2014. Despite stable population growth, recent economic dips underscore ongoing challenges.
Lagos led Nigerian states with ₦815.9 billion in Internally Generated Revenue for 2023, followed by the FCT with ₦211.1 billion.
Despite only a 25% growth, Lagos’ IGR confirms its economic dominance. The FCT, meanwhile, recorded an impressive 70% increase.
Ebonyi, though with lower revenue, achieved an astonishing 148% growth.
Taraba generated the least revenue, increasing by 6%.
As of October 2024, only nine African countries are certified malaria-free: Egypt, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritius, Libya, Morocco, Seychelles, and Lesotho.
Egypt and Cape Verde are the newest members of this group.
Over 40 African countries remain uncertified, with the continent recording 233 million malaria cases in 2022.
There were 249 million malaria cases globally in 2022, with Africa accounting for 233 million.
Nigeria and DR Congo were the highest contributors.
Egypt and Cape Verde have been certified malaria-free, joining only seven countries in Africa.
In 2023, Libya led Africa in labour productivity, generating $29.7 per hour worked. Gabon and Mauritius followed at $25.6 and $25.5.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's workers generated $6.8 per hour, and Burundi recorded the lowest at $0.8.
Globally, Luxembourg and Ireland topped the list with $146 and $143 per hour, showcasing the efficiency and quality of human capital in these economies.
In H1 2024, the UK accounted for nearly half (48.9%) of Nigeria’s capital investments, totalling $2.93 billion, followed by South Africa (14%) and the Netherlands (11%).
This highlights the UK's long-standing economic ties with Nigeria, having invested over $47.5 billion over the past ten years. The UK remains Nigeria's top capital import source.
