IMF Upgrades Nigeria Growth Forecast Amid Global Slowing

The IMF upgraded Nigeria’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.2 per cent in its latest World Economic Outlook report, released during the Bangkok annual meetings. This represents a one percentage point increase from the 4.1 per cent projection in the July 2026 edition.

The fund warned that global economic growth is slowing to 3.1%, with rising energy and food prices, geopolitical tensions, and AI-related market corrections threatening the outlook.

The IMF emphasized that debt reduction efforts must not exacerbate poverty or food insecurity, particularly as Nigeria faces high living costs and potential income shocks. Cash transfers remain critical to cushion the impact of these challenges.