International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised Nigeria’s economic growth projection for 2026 upward to 4.4 percent, up from the earlier estimate of 4.2 percent, according to the latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) released on Monday.
Gatekeepers News reports that IMF said Nigeria’s economy is expected to slow slightly to 4.1 percent in 2027, while sub-Saharan Africa as a region is projected to grow by 4.4 percent next year. Global economic growth is forecast at 3.3 percent in 2026, with a modest slowdown to 3.2 percent in 2027.
The fund noted that the revised forecast for Nigeria reflects an upward adjustment from its October 2025 projection of 3.1 percent. It cited strong technology investments, supportive fiscal and monetary policies, favorable financial conditions, and private sector resilience as key factors offsetting the impact of shifting trade policies.
IMF further highlighted that global inflation is expected to ease, although U.S. inflation may return to target more gradually. It also warned that key risks to growth include technology-related uncertainties and rising geopolitical tensions.
The organisation advised Nigerian policymakers to strengthen fiscal buffers, maintain price and financial stability, reduce uncertainty, and implement structural reforms to sustain growth momentum.
Earlier this month, on January 13, World Bank also raised Nigeria’s 2026 growth projection to 4.4 percent, up from its June 2025 forecast of 3.7 percent, reflecting broader optimism about the country’s economic prospects.
