The Future Laboratory

34 results

Abula highlights the growing commercial potential of indigenous sports

A court sport invented in Lagos in 1984 is seeking international recognition. Abula, created by physical education teacher Elias Yusuf, combines elements of volleyball and tennis, with teams of four using rectangular bats to strike a tennis ball across a net.

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Fragmenting Societies

Stat: Economic anxiety outranks politics across sub-Saharan Africa

Economic wellbeing is now the leading concern for people across sub-Saharan Africa, with nearly a quarter ranking it as their country’s biggest national issue, according to a recent Gallup survey reported by Semafor.

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Culture & Media

Foresight Friday: Seyi Oduwole, foresight analyst

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, foresight analyst Seyi Oduwole unpacks Black Scottish TikTok, digital detoxes, parasocial relationships and West Africa’s rising tourism scene.

Celso Fabbri plays Group Therapy in Lagos, Nigeria

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Culture & Media

Nigeria’s Rave Revolution

Popularised by a surge in electronic music streaming, Nigeria’s rave scene is emerging as a vibrant space for hospitality, culture and community.

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Fragmenting Societies

Emerging Youth: Nigeria

Scarred by years of social unrest and a cost of living crisis, Nigerian Gen Z are split between hopes of creativity in local music and film and a generational exodus.

Unity is Strength by Akinola Davies Jr and Ibrahim Kamara for Kenzo, Nigeria. Photography by Ruth Ossai

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Marketing & Branding

Nigeria bans white models and British accents from ads

Taking assertive action to promote home-grown talent and stimulate inclusive economic growth, the Nigerian government is banning the use of white models and British accents in advertisements.