Economy West Africa Homepage

BMI View: The current account surplus, as a percent of GDP, should peak this year at a staggering 32.9%, up from 21.4%, as the price of oil continues to rise. Going forward the size... 2008-03-03

BMI View: Our forecast for real GDP growth of 6.7% in 2008 is below the government's 7% target - principally because we believe high oil prices, inflation and infrastructural weaknesses... 2008-03-03

BMI View: While a jump in headline inflation to 8.6% y-o-y in January 2008 from 6.6% y-o-y in December 2007 is worrying, we are more concerned about the major fiscal expansion scheduled... 2008-02-21

BMI View: While the reversal of a major telecoms privatisation deal is a blow to the government's credibility, we feel the incident is not indicative of any policy change, and expect... 2008-02-19

BMI View: We envisage significant improvement in Ghana's fiscal position in 2008, on the back of reduced utility subsidies and prudent spending, with the fiscal deficit equating... 2008-02-14

The Lagos All-Share Index had a good year and looks set to see large gains in 2008, potentially up to NGN70,000 judging by its current trend channel, although we emphasise the downside... 2008-01-31

BMI View: We expect real GDP growth to receive a fillip from the January-February 2008 Africa Cup of Nations football competition, delivering a strong growth rate of 6% for 2008.... 2008-01-31

The CFA franc is pegged to the Euro and, as our global assumptions see the dollar strengthening against the Euro in 2008 and 2009, we are forecasting CFA franc depreciation in the... 2008-01-30

BMI View: Strong oil exports should result in a trade surplus throughout our five year forecast period. Oil earnings will keep the current account deficit close to 2% of GDP over... 2008-01-24

BMI View: We expect 2007 to mark the zenith of Ghana's real GDP growth over the medium term. Growth should ease to a still-respectable 6.0% in 2008 from a somewhat higher 6.6% in... 2008-01-04