Business

CBN Holds Benchmark Interest Rate at 26.5% Amid Renewed Inflation Concerns

Published

6 months ago

May 20, 2026

306 Views

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent, maintaining the current stance after its two-day meeting that ended on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced the decision, noting that the committee voted unanimously to hold all key parameters unchanged. The asymmetric corridor around the MPR remains at +500/-450 basis points, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) stays at 45 per cent for commercial banks and 16 per cent for merchant banks, while the liquidity ratio is retained at 30 per cent.

The hold comes as headline inflation rose for a second consecutive month to 15.69 per cent in April 2026, up from previous levels, driven largely by food inflation at 16.06 per cent and higher transportation costs. Cardoso emphasised the need for a cautious and vigilant approach to anchor inflation expectations and safeguard macroeconomic stability.

This decision aligns with analysts’ expectations ahead of the 305th MPC meeting and follows the first rate cut in years implemented in February 2026, when the MPR was reduced by 50 basis points to the current 26.5 per cent.

The CBN Governor highlighted ongoing reforms, exchange rate stability, and efforts to improve food supply as factors supporting the disinflation process, even as global and domestic risks persist. The next MPC meeting is expected in July.

The retention signals the apex bank’s priority on taming inflation while monitoring the impact of previous policy actions on the broader economy.

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Africa’s Top Five Strongest Currencies

Tunisia continues to lead as Africa’s strongest currency. The Tunisian Dinar’s strength is largely supported by strict exchange control measures and inflation management, even amid ongoing political and economic challenges

Published

3 hours ago

November 2, 2026

OCHEFA

8 Views

According to the Forbes currency calculator, the following are the five strongest African currencies as of October 2026 against the US Dollar.

5. Botswana – Botswana Pula (BWP) Exchange Rate: 13.76 BWP per USD

The Botswana Pula stands out as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s strongest currencies. Sound governance, effective fiscal policies, and a balanced reliance on diamond exports have helped maintain its strength.

4. Ghana – Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) Exchange Rate: 11.58 GHS per USD While the Ghanaian Cedi has been volatile, recent economic reforms and IMF support have introduced some stability. Government initiatives to rein in inflation and manage public debt are beginning to yield positive outcomes.

3. Morocco – Moroccan Dirham (MAD) Exchange Rate: 9.81 MAD per USD

The Moroccan Dirham benefits from the country’s stable macroeconomic policies, economic diversification, and prudent monetary governance. Morocco’s growing appeal to foreign investors, especially in renewable energy, also bolsters its currency.

2. Libya – Libyan Dinar (LYD)Exchange Rate: 6.39 LYD per USD

Despite years of political unrest, the Libyan Dinar remains notably strong. This resilience largely stems from Libya’s abundant oil reserves, which generate substantial foreign exchange revenue.

1. Tunisia – Tunisian Dinar (TND)Exchange Rate: 2.98 TND per USD
Tunisia continues to lead as Africa’s strongest currency. The Tunisian Dinar’s strength is largely supported by strict exchange control measures and inflation management, even amid ongoing political and economic challenges

Business

Naira Exchange Rates Today, Monday November 2,2026

Published

19 hours ago

November 2, 2026

OCHEFA

24 Views

PARALLEL MARKET RATES

₦1382 DOLLAR (USD)

₦1815POUND (GBP)

₦1515EURO (EUR)

₦970DOLLAR (CAD)

₦65RAND (ZAR)

₦350DIRHAM (AED)

₦190YUAN (CNY)

₦100G.CEDI (GHS)

₦2300CFA F.(XOF)

₦2200CFA F.(XAF)

₦850AUSSIE (AUD)

OFFICIAL CBN EXCHANGE RATES

DOLLAR (USD)₦1346.26

POUND (GBP)₦1803.58

EURO (EUR)₦1503.23

SWISS FRANC (CHF)₦1634.20

JAPANESE YEN (JPN)₦8.56

CFA FRANC (XOF)₦2.28

WEST AFRICAN UNIT OF ACCOUNT (WAUA)₦1821.09

CHINESE YUAN (CNY)₦202.35

SAUDI RIYAL (SAR)₦358.71

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR)₦80.67

Business

African Energy Bank Headquarters Operation in Nigeria

The $5bn financial institution is designed to fund oil, gas and other energy projects across Africa as traditional international lenders reduce financing for fossil fuel investments.

Published

1 day ago

November 1, 2026

OCHEFA

34 Views

Pic:L-R: Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon. Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Federal Government of Nigeria, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank and Hon Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire during the first General Meeting of the Africa Energy Bank in Abuja, Nigeria.

African Export-Import Bank and the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation have formally announced the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).

The $5bn financial institution is designed to fund oil, gas and other energy projects across Africa as traditional international lenders reduce financing for fossil fuel investments.

The announcement was made during the AEB’s inaugural general meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, on 31 October 2026.

The bank will provide financing for petroleum exploration, production, transportation, refining and distribution, while supporting Africa’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

Afreximbank and APPO estimated the continent’s energy investment requirements at `$200bn, indicating a substantial funding gap that the new institution is expected to help address.