Standard Chartered outlines 2026 investment outlook for Nigeria
Elegbede Abiodun
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited hosted its clients at the 2026 Global Market Outlook event, bringing together industry experts to examine the evolving global financial landscape and its implications for Nigeria in 2026, where it revealed that the country’s growth outlook is optimistic.
A statement from the bank on Tuesday stated that the well-attended event featured presentations from speakers drawn from Standard Chartered, including Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer, Africa, Middle East and Europe; Lanre Olajide, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, Nigeria; Ernest Adejumo, Head of Wealth Solutions; Uche Ugboh, Head of Treasury Markets; and Chima Eboh, Head of Affluent Banking and Branches.
The speakers delivered insights on current market trends, economic shifts, and wealth-building strategies, followed by a question-and-answer panel session that offered attendees practical perspectives on navigating opportunities and challenges in the year ahead.
Speaking on the impact of the global outlook on Nigeria and the investment opportunities available to stakeholders, Gill said, “Clients took away three key messages from the 2026 global market outlook: (i) Stay overweight equities, (ii) continue to generate attractive yields through diversified bonds, but most importantly (iii) diversify, both within equities and across asset classes given valuations and continued uncertainty.”
Adejumo said the key takeaways from the bank’s 2026 Global Market Outlook highlighted the importance of discipline and diversification in an increasingly complex global environment.
“While short-term volatility may persist, investors who concentrate on long-term fundamentals, quality assets, and informed, advisory-led portfolio construction are best positioned to navigate uncertainty and seize emerging opportunities.
“Our GMO reinforced a clear message for investors: clarity comes from context, not noise. By understanding the global themes influencing growth, inflation, and interest rates, clients are better equipped to make confident and well-timed investment decisions. This approach focuses not on predicting markets but on preparing portfolios through diversification and discipline, aligned with their long-term financial goals,” he said.
The event hosted over 1,200 clients across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt and concluded with a networking lunch with the bank’s management team.
Nigeria’s economic outlook for 2026 remains cautiously optimistic, with GDP growth projections of 4.3 to 4.4 per cent, driven largely by the services sector, particularly ICT and finance, as well as a potential recovery in the oil sector. Efforts to diversify revenue sources beyond oil are ongoing.
However, challenges, including high inflation and fiscal pressures, persist, while poverty is expected to remain an issue despite reforms aimed at promoting inclusive growth.
Key focus areas include stabilising the naira, controlling inflation through effective monetary policy, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that government policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Achieving these goals will require strong fiscal discipline and comprehensive structural reforms.
Standard Chartered said it remains optimistic about Nigeria’s long-term economic potential, emphasising the importance of sustainable reforms, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation in driving growth in Nigeria and across Africa. The bank noted that by aligning global trends with regional strengths, it is well-positioned to support clients and communities in achieving their goals in 2026 and beyond.
