ECOWAS has projected that Nigeria could emerge as one of the world’s leading economic powers within the next 50 years, potentially ranking as the fifth-richest country globally if ongoing reforms and regional trade growth continue.
The forecast was made during the ECOWAS 2026 parliamentary session in Abuja, where officials said West Africa is entering a new phase of economic transformation.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr Kalilou Sylla, said Nigeria’s future growth will depend on stronger intra-regional trade and sustained economic reforms.
He also projected that Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire could break into the world’s top 15 economies within 25 years, adding that Côte d’Ivoire may eventually surpass France economically.
Sylla said: “It is not the American or English markets that will let the Nigerian market grow, but the sub-regional markets.”
He noted that intra-ECOWAS trade has doubled to 40% in four years despite challenges such as instability, border issues, and currency pressures.
The remarks come as Nigeria continues implementing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, including fuel subsidy removal and currency liberalisation, which have caused short-term inflation but are aimed at long-term economic stability and growth.
