More than half of Nigeria’s top chief executives are optimistic about revenue growth in 2026, reflecting improving economic conditions and stronger business confidence. According to the PwC 29th Global CEO Survey, 56% of Nigerian CEOs are very confident their revenues will increase over the next 12 months, significantly higher than the global average of 30%.
Sam Abu, regional senior partner for PwC West Market Area and country senior partner for PwC Nigeria, highlighted this optimism during the PwC & BusinessDay economic outlook event in Lagos. He noted that Nigeria is leading the pack in CEO confidence, driven by several macroeconomic and market improvements.
Among the factors boosting CEO sentiment is the easing of inflation, which fell to 15.15% in December 2025 following a revised calculation methodology. The Nigerian naira has also stabilized, strengthening by over 7% after earlier losing more than 40% of its value. This currency recovery has supported companies in mitigating foreign exchange-related losses and improving profit margins.
Foreign exchange reserves have climbed to about $46 billion, providing a solid buffer against external shocks and giving businesses greater confidence in financial planning. Many Nigerian-listed companies have reported full-year 2025 earnings that turned positive, reversing FX-related setbacks experienced in previous years.
The survey also found that 90% of Nigerian CEOs expect the economy to improve over the next year, up from 64% last year. This optimism extends beyond revenue expectations, reflecting confidence in the country’s monetary, forex, and fiscal reforms. These reforms, implemented over nearly three years, have aimed to stabilize the economy, restore investor confidence, and reduce volatility.
Abu noted, “Nigeria seems to be standing on solid ground even against the backdrop of surging uncertainty at home and globally.” This sentiment is echoed by CEOs across sectors, who are now more willing to pursue strategic investments, mergers, and expansions in the domestic market.
Sector-wise, the survey highlights that financial services, energy, and technology are attracting significant attention. Improved liquidity in the banking sector, ongoing energy sector reforms, and digital adoption are creating opportunities for growth and investment. CEOs are increasingly adopting a risk-aware approach, balancing growth ambitions with operational resilience.
Looking ahead, Nigerian businesses are expected to maintain cautious optimism, focusing on both revenue generation and sustainable growth strategies. Improved macroeconomic indicators, including controlled inflation, forex stability, and rising foreign reserves, are likely to underpin business confidence throughout 2026.
Overall, the survey paints a positive picture for Nigeria’s corporate sector. With continued reforms and a stable economic environment, CEOs are positioned to capitalize on opportunities and drive revenue growth, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a leading market for investment in Africa.
