Standard Chartered’s 2026 Investment Outlook

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has shared a positive investment outlook for Nigeria in 2026, saying the country’s growth prospects remain optimistic despite ongoing economic challenges. 

At its 2026 Global Market Outlook event, which brought together over 1,200 clients in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, the bank highlighted that Nigeria’s economy is expected to grow by about 4.3 – 4.4 per cent, driven mainly by the services sector, especially ICT and financial services, and a possible recovery in the oil sector. 

The bank also noted that Nigeria is making efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and grow other parts of the economy. 

Key Investment Lessons for Nigerians 

According to the bank’s experts, investors should focus on three main strategies: 

• Invest more in equities (shares) 

• Earn stable income through diversified bonds 

• Diversify investments across different sectors and asset types 

“Clients took away three key messages from the 2026 global market outlook: stay overweight equities, continue to generate attractive yields through diversified bonds, and most importantly, diversify across asset classes.” -Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer for Africa, Middle East and Europe. 

The bank also stressed that long-term planning, discipline and quality investments are more important than reacting to short-term market news. 

What Nigerians Should Watch Out For in 2026 

While the outlook is positive, some challenges remain. These include: 

• High inflation 

• Pressure on government finances 

• Persistent poverty 

• The need to stabilise the naira 

The bank believes that controlling inflation, improving infrastructure and ensuring that economic policies truly benefit citizens will be key in 2026. 

How Nigerians Can Benefit and Be Part of It 

Individuals, small business owners and young professionals can position themselves by: 

• Learning basic investment options such as mutual funds, bonds and equities 

• Saving consistently and setting long-term financial goals 

• Investing in ICT, digital skills and financial services, which are growing fast 

• Seeking advice from licensed financial advisers and banks 

• Following economic and financial events that explain market trends 

For entrepreneurs, opportunities exist in technology, financial services, logistics and business services that support Nigeria’s growing service economy. 

Standard Chartered believes Nigeria still has strong long-term potential. With the right reforms, better infrastructure and smart personal financial planning, Nigerians can take advantage of emerging investment opportunities and build stronger financial futures in 2026 and beyond.