Fintech to add N8.52tn to Nigeria’s GDP – EnterpriseNGR Report

Fintech transactions have been projected to add N8.52 trillion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2026. This was stated in EnterpriseNGR 2026 macroeconomic outlook released recently, adding that Fintech serves as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital economy. It would be recalled that the sector processed N1.08 quadrillion in transactions, representing 79% growth year-on-year, as […]

Fintech transactions have been projected to add N8.52 trillion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2026.

This was stated in EnterpriseNGR 2026 macroeconomic outlook released recently, adding that Fintech serves as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital economy.

It would be recalled that the sector processed N1.08 quadrillion in transactions, representing 79% growth year-on-year, as of 2024.

“The sector is expected to continue to build on strong expansion in digital payments and lending, to grow other areas, including wealthtech and Insurtech.

“With the operationalisation of CBN’s Open Banking guidelines which is expected to commence in 2026, a wave of innovation will unlock value not just in payments, but in credit scoring, personalised wealth management, and insurance,” the report reads.

It projected a surge in merger and acquisition of Fintech firms, stressing that larger players seek to deepen their infrastructure and business.

“Prime examples of this trend are Flutterwave’s recent acquisition of Mono and Paystack’s acquisition of Ladder Microfinance Bank,” the report reads.

It added that continued regulatory coordination by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to support sustainable growth, particularly in the capital market.

It stressed that the sector is poised to lead SME financing, enhance rural-urban financial integration, and support long-term GDP growth through more efficient financial infrastructure.

“In 2026, Nigeria’s financial infrastructure and professional services will drive innovation, consolidation, and inclusive growth across the economy,” the report read.

The Chief Executive Officer, EnterpriseNGR, Obi Ibekwe projected that the financial and Professional Services sector has a critical role to play in this next phase.

“Our members mobilise capital, manage risk, provide advisory expertise, and support the real economy. When this sector is strong, confidence deepens, and investment follows.

“This outlook is therefore both an assessment and a call to action — for policymakers, investors, and private-sector leaders — to sustain reform momentum, strengthen institutions, and focus on long-term value creation,” she said.

Olayinka Oyetunji, Associate Partner, EY-Parthenon stressed that the financial and professional services sector has a pivotal role to play in mobilising capital, managing risk, supporting transactions, and providing the advisory expertise required to translate opportunity into execution.

 

 

 

“The growing role of services, financial intermediation, technology, and emerging opportunities in critical mineral resources — including gold and lithium — supports diversification and technology-oriented investment.

 

 

 

“From our experience advising both domestic and international investors, reform-led stability creates space for longer-term capital. It allows investors to move beyond short-term positioning toward strategic, patient investment aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities,” she said.