Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s inclusion among the world’s top 10 contributors to global real GDP growth projected for 2026 is a clear validation of the economic reforms being implemented by President Tinubu, according to the Presidency, Prime Business Africa reports.
Data released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows that Nigeria is expected to contribute 1.5 per cent of global real GDP growth in 2026, placing it ahead of several advanced economies and alongside key emerging markets such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Vietnam.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelReacting to the ranking, presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said the development reflects the early gains of the Tinubu administration’s bold reform agenda, which he described as repositioning Nigeria within the evolving global economic order.
“The fact that Nigeria now features among countries actively driving new global growth shows that the balance of payments is changing and that President Tinubu’s reforms are working,” Dare said, adding that recent policy decisions are beginning to yield measurable international impact.
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The IMF ranking focuses on contribution to incremental global output, rather than overall economic size. China leads the list with 26.6 per cent, followed by India at 17.0 per cent and the United States at 9.9 per cent. China and India alone are projected to account for 43.6 per cent of global growth, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to generate nearly half of total global economic expansion.
According to Dare, Nigeria’s presence on the list underscores the country’s emerging systemic relevance, noting that growth in a large, youthful economy such as Nigeria now carries global consequences.
“This ranking is not about who is richest today, but about where new output, demand and momentum are being created,” he said. “Nigeria’s inclusion signals untapped economic strength and strategic weight.”
The Presidency attributes this momentum to reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange market reforms, and fiscal restructuring aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and attracting investment. While the measures have come with short-term economic pain, the government maintains that they are necessary to reset the economy on a sustainable growth path.
The ranking also comes amid renewed global debate about shifting economic power, following comments by tech billionaire Elon Musk suggesting changes in the global balance of production and growth. For Nigeria, the IMF data has been cited by government officials as evidence that the country is beginning to feature more prominently in global economic calculations.
Dare stressed that Nigeria is “on the cusp of change,” arguing that the sequencing and depth of reforms under President Tinubu have laid the groundwork for stronger growth outcomes in the coming years.
Analysts note that sustaining Nigeria’s contribution to global growth will depend on consolidating reforms, boosting productivity and translating macroeconomic improvements into jobs and improved living standards. However, the Presidency insists that Nigeria’s IMF ranking is an early signal that the reform trajectory is beginning to deliver results.
With global economic momentum increasingly shifting toward large, fast-growing economies, the government says Nigeria is positioning itself to play a more consequential role in shaping future global growth trends.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
