2026 World Bank outlook: NESG puts Nigeria’s growth at 9.9 percent

Nigeria’s economic outlook for 2026 is something to cheer about if the projections by the World Bank and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) are anything to go by.According to the 2026 ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report by the World Bank released recently, the Bretton Wood institution projected Nigeria’s economic growth rate for 2026 to 4.4 percent from the 3.7 percent forecasted in June 2025.The global financial institution also upgraded Nigeria’s economic growth rate for 2027 to 4.4 percent from 3.8 percent.In addition, the bank estimated that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.2 percent in 2025, compared to the 3.6 percent forecasted in June last year.Also, the World Bank increased its 2026 global economic growth rate projection from 2.4 percent to 2.6 percent.In the report, the financial institution also estimated a 2.7 percent economic growth rate for the 2026 period compared to the 2.3 percent orecasted in June last year.According to the report, the 2027 global economic growth rate is projected at 2.7 percent, compared to the 2.6 percent forecasted in June 2025.The World Bank said the global economy is proving more resilient than anticipated despite persistent trade tensions and policy uncertaintyHe described the refinery as an initiative of Kian Smith, led by its founder and Managing Director, Ms Nere Emiko, commending her perseverance and leadership in delivering the project.“The Federal Government acknowledges the resilience and enterprise of the company’s leadership in bringing a flagship project of this magnitude to fruition,” he added.The ministry also highlighted other major private-sector investments stimulated by recent reforms in the solid minerals sector, including: A $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State. A $400 million rare earth minerals plant also in Nasarawa, and a $200 million ASBA lithium plant in Abuja