The 10 must-read articles of Q1 2023
2023 is a testament to the fact that time flies. One minute, we were celebrating the New Year. Next, we’re reflecting on a recently concluded first quarter.
For us at Stears, this reflection means reviewing the top ten articles from Q1 2023 that our readers deem comprehensive, thought-provoking, and helpful. Create a free account to get similar pieces in your inbox daily.
We highlight these selected must-read articles below:
1. Who should be Nigeria’s next Petroleum Minister?
Soon, a president will be sworn in and must appoint ministers within the first 60 days in office. A key minister to watch out for will be the one heading the Ministry of Petroleum, given this sector’s importance to the Nigerian economy.
But what does this role entail, and who is qualified to hold it? Our Senior Analyst has answers as she highlighted the must-have qualities for Nigeria’s next petroleum minister.
Read the full article here.
2. What’s the impact of a Tinubu Presidency on the financial markets?
Following the announcement of the All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu as the new president-elect, the financial markets reacted.
This article details what a Tinubu presidency might have in store for our markets.
Read the full article here.
3. How the CBN wipes out investor confidence in Nigeria
Under Emefiele's tenure, the CBN has consistently implemented policies discouraging investors. In January, this worsened as certain controversial events involved the CBN governor, making investor confidence take a further nosedive. Our Senior Financial Analyst explores the extent of this nosedive.
Read the full article here.
4. Six predictions for the Nigerian fintech sector in 2023
If you're a fintech geek or curious about the industry, read what our Senior Fintech Analyst thinks is around the corner regarding Buy Now Pay Later, POS Agents, bank transfers, and more. Chances are high that some of these predictions are taking place already.
Read the full article here.
5. 3 risks for Nigeria’s investors in 2023
This year, Moody’s downgraded Nigeria’s credit rating to near junk status, indicating that Nigeria is a risky economy. But what are the risks involved in investing in Nigerian companies and assets?
Find out by reading the full article here.
6. CBN raises interest rates to 17.5%, the highest in over two decades
In January, the CBN increased its monetary policy rate (MPR), which benchmarks interest rates, to 17.5%. This rate—the highest in over two decades—shows CBN’s commitment to ensuring price and exchange rate stability.
But will this translate to positive results? Our Financial Analyst answered in an analysis showing the implication of the CBN's 17.5% MPR hike.
Read the full article here.
7. A startup's guide to thinking about scandals
There are many issues facing startups, and they must prioritise what to tackle. Should corporate governance be among these issues? This article examines why corporate governance matters and why African startups should care about it.
Read the full guide here.
8. How exports can boost Nigeria's GDP
Nigeria has barely grown more than 3.5% in the last eight years. In comparison, our average growth from 2000-2010 was 7.7%. But exports as a critical component of GDP can correct this low growth and strengthen the Nigerian economy.
Read the article’s full explanation here.
9. How the CBN is pushing Nigeria into a recession
In its battle against inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has embarked on the longest cycle of monetary policy tightening, since 2015, such as increasing interest rates. We unpacked whether the CBN's rate rise decisions are bad for the economy.
Read the full article here.
10. Can Nigerians be optimistic about the future?
With the 2023 general elections done and almost dusted, Nigerians have elected a president and governors. But, Nigerians still have another important choice in 2023: be optimistic about the future.
Why is this necessary and what prompts this advice? Our final article on this list breaks down the reasons here.