Momentum Insights is Momentum Africa’s newsletter covering stories of interest in policy, governance and corporate spaces from across West Africa, East Africa and South Africa.
Here’s a round-up of the latest headlines from the countries and organisations we follow, curated from top media sources on October 6 2025.
- President’s Office Caught in D32M Shady Loan Scheme to OIC Secretariat
- New Tax Laws Provide Clarity, Not Higher Burden on Crypto Traders – Taiwo Oyedele
- Joseph Sannoh Accuses President Bio of Abandoning Longtime SLPP Supporters
- Tanzanian Opposition Leader’s Treason Trial Opens Weeks Before Election
News in Africa || West Africa
Gambia 🇬🇲
President’s Office Caught in D32M Shady Loan Scheme to OIC Secretariat (The Point)
The Auditor General’s report has highlighted several financial irregularities within The Gambia’s central government for the years 2021 to 2023. The findings include unauthorised fund use by the Office of the President, misclassification of accounts, and questionable tax waivers granted to private entities. The report has raised concerns about transparency and the overall management of public finances.
Bensouda Eyes Presidency, Unveils Vision for New Gambia (The Point)
Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has launched the United Change Movement, a new political platform aimed at contesting The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election. He said the movement seeks to address the country’s socio-economic challenges and promote inclusive governance, economic reform, and social justice. The announcement follows his resignation from the United Democratic Party after internal divisions over leadership and direction.
Nigeria 🇳🇬
Nigeria New Tax Laws
New Tax Laws Provide Clarity, Not Higher Burden on Crypto Traders – Taiwo Oyedele (Nairametrics)
Chairman of Nigeria’s Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified that income from virtual assets, including cryptocurrency, is not newly taxable under the revised tax laws. He said such income has always been covered by existing tax provisions, with the new reforms aimed at providing clarity and fairness. Oyedele added that the broader reforms will simplify Nigeria’s tax system, reduce multiple levies, and ease the burden on low-income earners while ensuring wealthier individuals contribute more.
Only Jonathan’s Enemies Will Want Him to Join 2027 Presidential Race – Oshiomhole (Business Day)
Former Edo State governor and senator Adams Oshiomhole has advised former president Goodluck Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election. He said doing so could damage Jonathan’s current reputation and questioned the strength of the Peoples Democratic Party, which he said has lost significant support since 2015. His remarks come amid speculation about Jonathan’s possible return to the race and ongoing debates within Nigeria’s political circles about potential contenders for 2027.
Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
APC Set to Expel Top Figures as Delegates’ Conference Nears (Sierraloaded)
The Chairman of Sierra Leone’s Western Area Rural District Council, Kasho Joseph Holland Cole, has said that several senior members of the opposition All People’s Congress will be expelled at the party’s 2026 delegates’ conference. Those named include Alfred Peter Conteh, former chairman of the Interim Governance Transition Committee, and former MPs Mohamed Bangura and Alfred Thompson. Cole stated that the move follows alleged breaches of party principles and will be part of efforts to strengthen internal discipline and unity.
Joseph Sannoh Accuses President Bio of Abandoning Longtime SLPP Supporters (Sierraloaded)
Senior Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) supporter Joseph Sannoh has voiced disappointment with President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, accusing it of sidelining longtime loyalists in favour of new allies. In an interview with Liberty Online, he said he remains committed to the SLPP as a party but is dissatisfied with what he described as the president’s handling of grassroots supporters. Sannoh urged President Bio to recognise and reward those who supported him during his rise to power.
News in Africa || East Africa
Tanzania 🇹🇿
Tanzanian Opposition Leader’s Treason Trial Opens Weeks Before Election (Reuters)
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has begun a treason trial in Dar es Salaam, accused of inciting rebellion through a public speech. His party, CHADEMA, has been barred from contesting the 28 October election after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct. Lissu has denied the charges, while his lawyers say the case is politically motivated.
Momentum Africa’s newsletter is compiled weekly by the Momentum Africa, covering stories of news in Africa.
