World Bank: Nigeria's Regional Investment Role Lags

Despite its status as Sub-Saharan Africas largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria has not established itself as a significant contributor to foreign direct investment FDI or remittance flows within the region, according to the World Banks Global Economic Prospects 2025 report.

The report highlights that while Nigerian banks have expanded their operations across the continent, the country's overall contributions to regional investment and financial flows remain modest. This disparity between Nigerias economic size and its limited role in intraregional trade and investment underscores untapped potential.

The World Bank noted Nigeria's modest role as an export destination within Sub-Saharan Africa and its relatively small contribution as a source of FDI or remittances.

The report stated: "Despite having the largest economy and population in SSA, Nigeria has a modest intraregional role as an export destination and does not yet have a substantial role as a source of FDI or remittances, although its banks have a regional presence."

According to earlier reports from the World Bank, Nigerias economy is projected to grow by 3.5 in 2025 and 3.7 in 2026, driven by increased activity in the services sector and gradual macroeconomic improvements.