Nigeria tops Africa, Ranks 55th globally in IMD economic Performance Ranking

Nigeria has emerged as the highest-performing African economy on the economic performance pillar of the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, scoring 45.2 points and ranking 55th globally, according to Nairametrics.

The report evaluated 70 economies across economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Nigeria outperformed five other African countries assessed—South Africa (36.27), Ghana (34.6), Kenya (33.19), Namibia (22.3), and Botswana (18.25).

However, Nigeria slipped one place in overall competitiveness, ranking 68th out of 70, due to persistent infrastructure deficits, macroeconomic instability, and institutional challenges.

Business executives identified borrowing costs (67.6%), exchange rate volatility (67.3%), and inflation (61.2%) as the country’s biggest competitiveness challenges.
Key Points:

Nigeria leads Africa in economic performance but lags globally in competitiveness
Infrastructure remains Nigeria’s weakest area, ranking last (70th) globally
Borrowing costs, exchange rates, and inflation are the top business concerns
Public finance (16th) and tax policy (15th) are bright spots
Structural reforms are needed to improve global competitiveness

Nigeria’s economic performance is strong for Africa, but structural reforms in infrastructure, institutions, and cost of doing business are urgently needed.

Sources: Nairametrics, IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026