Ghanaian Consumer Confidence Shoots Up by 10 Points
Ghana’s latest Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for the second quarter of 2019 shows an extremely healthy increase of 10 points to 118, while Nigeria’s CCI has increased by one point to 127. These two sets of results present an optimistic picture of consumer sentiment across West Africa.
Looking at Ghana’s overall performance, Nielsen Market Lead for West Africa, Yannick Nkembe comments; “Ghana is currently the poster child for African economic growth and positive consumer sentiment. The International Monetary Fund estimates its GDP will rise 8.8% this year – double the pace of emerging economies as a whole, and well ahead of world growth.
“This is a result of factors such as expanding crude oil production, a stable democracy and the introduction of a more favourable taxation structure. Ghana’s manufacturing industry has also been boosted by policies aimed at diversifying the economy and preventing an over-reliance on the commodity markets.”
This overall positive outlook is reflected by Ghanaian consumers’ greatly improved view of their job prospects, with a 10 point increase to 63%, saying they will be excellent or good in the next six months. In terms of the state of their personal finances over the next 12 months, 74% say excellent or good up from 70% and the number of Ghanaian consumers who feel now is a good or excellent time to purchase has also seen a large increase quarter on quarter, from 34% to 46%.
Looking at whether Ghanaians have spare cash, 52% say yes, up nine points from the previous quarter. Once they meet their essential living expenses, the highest number of consumers (82%) put their spare cash into savings, followed by 72% on home improvements/decorating and 67% who invest in stocks and mutual funds.
When looking at the real life factors that are having a negative impact on Ghanaians outlook, the top concerns over the next six months include work/life balance at 24%; the same figure as the last quarter, rising food prices at 22% (dropped by three points compared to Q1’19) and tolerance towards different religions, also at 22% (increased by 1% since the previous quarter), and children’s education and welfare at 18% which has seen a 2 point increase.
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Nigeria and China have long maintained a cordial trade relationship, but recent statistics show a decline in bilateral trade by N37.3bn ($81m) to $219m in 2022 from the previous record of $300m in 2021.
Despite this decline, both countries are making efforts to enhance bilateral relations and explore ways to increase trade value.
Wang Yingqi, the Minister and Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, led a delegation from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission in Abuja. During the meeting, he emphasized the need to improve bilateral relations and increase trade value.
Yingqi stated that the Chinese government has invested in the Lekki Free Trade Zone through a Public-Private Partnership with the Nigerian and Lagos State governments.
He further highlighted that the total investment from Chinese companies to Nigeria in 2022 was around $219m, while in 2021, it was $300m.
Responding to the delegation, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Saratu Umar, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to deepening business partnerships with the Chinese government.
She emphasized the need for Nigeria to start exporting finished goods to China rather than just importing raw materials.
Umar stated, “We want the Chinese business environment to identify areas of interest, whether it is agriculture or solid minerals, so Nigeria can integrate it into the Investment Masterplan.”
As of March 22, 2023, the dollar to naira exchange rate is 1 USD to 755 NGN at the black market. This means that for every one US dollar, you can exchange it for ₦755, Investors King reports.
This rate is subject to change depending on a variety of factors including global economic trends, political developments, and market fluctuations. However, you can buy and sell 1 USD at ₦755 and ₦750 as of the time of writing today.
What is the current exchange rate of the dollar to naira in the black market today?
According to Investors King, as of the time this report was filed, a dollar can be purchased at the Lagos parallel market (black market) for N755 and sold for N750.
Exchange Rate of Dollar To Naira in Black Market Today?
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)
Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate
750
Selling Rate
755
Investors King understands that although the dollar to naira opened at N755 per $1 in the parallel market today, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not acknowledge the parallel market, also referred to as the black market. The CBN has instructed individuals in need of forex to approach their bank as the I&E window is the sole recognized exchange.
On Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023, individuals in the black market purchased one US dollar for N750 and sold it for N755. This shows that the value of the Naira has declined slightly to Wednesday, March 21st, 2023, when the local currency was exchanged at N748 and sold it for N753.
To stay informed about the dollar to naira exchange rate, there are a number of reliable sources that you can turn to. Here are some tips for staying up-to-date:
Check the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website: The CBN is responsible for regulating the country’s monetary policy and is a reliable source for the latest exchange rates. You can check their website regularly for updates.
Follow financial news outlets: Financial news outlets such as Investors King, Bloomberg, Reuters, and CNBC provide regular updates on the global currency markets, including the dollar to naira exchange rate.
Use online currency converters: There are a number of online currency converters that allow you to quickly and easily check the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira.
Follow social media accounts of financial experts: Following social media accounts of financial experts such as analysts, economists, and financial advisors can give you valuable insights into the latest trends in the currency markets.
By staying informed about the dollar to naira exchange rate, you can make informed decisions when buying or selling foreign currencies. Whether you are a business owner looking to trade in foreign currencies or an individual looking to invest in the currency markets, knowledge of the latest exchange rates is key to success. Keep these tips in mind and stay informed about the latest trends in the global currency markets.
A renowned consumer goods manufacturer, Unilever Nigeria Plc has disclosed plans to reposition its products and expand its business for sustainability.
Unilever Nigeria Plc produces and markets consumables that include foods, household, beauty, cleansing amongst other goods, Investors King reports.
In a corporate notice signed by its Secretary, Abidemi Ademola sent to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, the company stated that its home care and skin cleansing markets will cease to exist while a rebranding takes place for increment in profit.
According to the company, the change in its business model became expedient to fast track the organisation’s growth and further satisfy the needs of their customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders.
Ademola explained that the new strategy would involve digital measures to simplify the business process while chances of devaluation will be avoided and reduced in the market upgrade.
The company had already visualised the extinction of the home care and skin cleansing categories in 2023 for the general growth of the firm and particularly to build a sustainable business.
The statement read in part, “this will involve repurposing the portfolio by exiting the home care and skin cleansing categories to concentrate on higher growth opportunities.
“Strengthening business operations with measures to digitise and simplify processes; and focusing more on business continuity measures that reduce exposure to devaluation and currency liquidity in our business model.”