Nigeria’s economy is projected to grow at 4.1 per cent in 2026 and strengthen slightly to 4.3 per cent in 2027, even as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict is clouding the global outlook.

The projections, contained in the IMF’s April 2026 World Economic Outlook released at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, the United States, show a relatively stable trajectory for Nigeria despite rising external risks, particularly from energy market disruptions triggered by the war.

The IMF had earlier projected stronger growth of about 4.4 per cent in early January before the latest global shock, reflecting the impact of domestic reforms and improving macroeconomic conditions.

While Nigeria’s growth outlook remains steady, the IMF warned that countries like Nigeria face growing vulnerability from higher global energy prices, inflation pressures and tighter financial conditions.

The war, which has disrupted oil supply routes and pushed up fuel costs, is already feeding into domestic inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

Recent data show petrol and diesel prices have surged sharply since the conflict began, straining households and businesses.

Although higher crude prices may support government revenues, the broader macroeconomic impact remains mixed, with inflation and exchange rate pressures posing downside risks.

The IMF also cut global growth to 3.1 per cent in 2026, with only a modest recovery to 3.2 per cent in 2027 as the Middle East conflict disrupts trade and energy markets.

Emerging markets and developing economies, including Nigeria, are expected to grow at 3.9 per cent this year before recovering to 4.2 per cent in 2027, reflecting the uneven impact of the shock across regions.

Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to expand by 4.3 per cent in 2026 and 4.4 per cent in 2027, placing Nigeria slightly below the regional average but still among the stronger performers.

South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, continues to lag with growth forecast at one per cent in 2026, rising modestly to 1.3 per cent in 2027.

Among major economies, the U.S. is projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2026 before easing to 2.1 per cent in 2027, while China is projected to grow by 4.4 per cent and four per cent respectively.

India remains the fastest-growing major economy at 6.5 per cent through 2027, while the Euro Area continues to struggle with weak growth, particularly in Germany and France.

The IMF warned that many developing economies, particularly energy importers, remain vulnerable to rising costs and external shocks.

The IMF urged central banks to prioritise price stability, warning against easing policy prematurely in response to supply shocks. It stressed the need for clear communication and strong institutional independence.

On fiscal policy, the Fund cautioned against broad-based energy subsidies, describing them as costly and inefficient. It recommended a targeted and temporary support for vulnerable households, funded within existing budgets.

The IMF also warned against the use of trade restrictions to address external imbalances, noting that such measures tend to weaken output without resolving underlying issues. It called instead for coordinated global action to stabilise trade and restore energy supply chains.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed new rules for Public Offering of securities by a Free Trade Zone Entity (FTZE). Free Trade Zone Entity means a free zone enterprise, established in a free trade zone and licensed by a Free Zone Authority.

The SEC has set a N7.5 billion minimum capital requirement specifically for such entities that intend to undertake a Public Offering. SEC noted that no shares of an FTZE may be issued or offered to the public, without the approval of the Commission in accordance with the provisions of the new rules.

SEC said the rule, which is being proposed pursuant to s. 95(1)(f) of the ISA 2025, is to provide eligibility requirements and conditions for free trade zone entities seeking to conduct public offering of securities in the capital market.

In addition to this requirement, SEC also noted that registration requirements for shares offered by FTZEs shall include among others the statement of the issuer’s minimum paid up capital, the holders thereof and their respective holdings, certified or verified by the Free trade Zone Authority or other authorised custodian of the register of shareholders.

Also required for the registration of the shares offered by the FTZE include: information on the current composition of the issuer’s board of directors, certified or verified by the free trade zone authority; a “No Objection” letter for the offering and listing of the issuer’s shares, issued by its free trade zone authority; and a mandatory disclosure to list the shares to be offered on a registered securities exchange.

In addition to the N7.5billion minimum paid up share capital required by the SEC in the proposed new rule, an FTZE seeking to offer or issue its shares under the Rules shall: Be duly licensed by a free zone authority established under an enabling law; have at least three (3) years track record of operation immediately preceding the offering application, during which time the entity or its subsidiary has been engaged in an independent activity for at least 2 years in a free trade zone; and have a senior management that has sufficient competencies and experiences related to its activities.

Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON), the country’s leading industry platform for digital finance stakeholders, has announced PalmPay and TeamApt as key sponsors of the third edition of its flagship event, PAFON 3.0. Scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Oriental-Hotel, the high-level gathering will convene over 600 industry professionals and more than 20 expert speakers from banking, fintech, telecommunications, and regulatory institutions.

With a central focus on emerging trends shaping digital finance, PAFON 3.0 will serve as a critical platform for collaboration on the future of digital payments, cybersecurity, and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial services.

As Nigeria continues to lead Africa’s digital payments evolution, this year’s forum will emphasize building a sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem.

A highlight of the event is the flagship session themed “Fair Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Deepening Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,” which will explore how technology can expand access to financial services for millions of underserved Nigerians.

Speaking on the significance of the sponsorships, Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of PAFON and chairman of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association, said:

“The support from PalmPay and TeamApt underscores the growing importance of collaborative action in shaping Nigeria’s digital payments future. These are organisations at the forefront of innovation and inclusion, and their involvement reinforces PAFON’s mission to drive a fair, accessible, and technology-driven ecosystem.”

“PAFON 3.0 is designed as a policy-industry convergence point. Having leading players like PalmPay and TeamApt on board strengthens the quality of conversations and outcomes we expect from this year’s forum,” he added.

PalmPay is one of Africa’s leading mobile financial services platforms, providing millions of users with seamless access to payments, transfers, savings, and other digital financial solutions. With a strong footprint in Nigeria, PalmPay has played a key role in advancing financial inclusion through user-friendly and accessible mobile technology.

TeamApt, a prominent Nigerian fintech company, is widely recognized for building robust financial infrastructure that powers digital banking and payment services across the country. Through its innovative solutions for businesses, agents, and financial institutions, TeamApt continues to drive efficiency and scale within Nigeria’s payments ecosystem.

Key Highlights of PAFON 3.0 Include:

• Thought Leadership Panels: Discussions on AI, digital commerce, and regulatory evolution
• Regulator Engagement: Participation from agencies including the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigerian Communications Commission
• Exhibition & Demos: Showcasing new fintech and banking innovations
• B2B Networking: Strategic partnership opportunities across the payments value chain

PAFON 3.0 will feature keynotes from Prof. Adewale Peter Obadare, founder/CVO of Digital Encode Limited, and Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Vice President of the Governing Council of the Fintech Association of Nigeria, and CEO, CreditRegistry.

Other Confirmed Speakers include, Mr. Uche Nwosu, manaing director, PalmPay (Nigeria), Mr. Dennis Ajalie, Chief Executive Officer, TeamApt;  Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF Limited): Special Guest of Honour; Mojeed Abayomi Agboola, National President, Financial Inclusion Agents Multipurpose Cooperative Society (FIAMCS); Dr. Obioha Otti, National President, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN); Ibirogba Oluwagunwa, Chairman Lagos Chapter of AMMBAN; Chukwuemeka Enoch, Founder, Lagos Blockchain Week, and Sarafadeen Fasasi, National President, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFiAN), amongst others.

How to participate:

Participation at PAFON 3.0 is free, however, pre-registration is now open to industry stakeholders, tech enthusiasts, and media via: https://forms.gle/QnDUy9Wc3pC1FMpZ8