Stanbic IBTC Economic Summit Charts Investment Strategy for Nigeria’s 2026 Growth Outlook
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Institutional investors, corporate executives, and economic experts have gained actionable insights into portfolio positioning following the Stanbic IBTC Economic Summit, which focused on navigating Nigeria’s evolving investment landscape in 2026.
Held virtually under the theme ‘From Policy to Pockets: How 2026 Economic Shifts Will Shape Your Financial Decisions’, the summit examined Nigeria’s transition from economic stabilisation to growth consolidation, highlighting emerging opportunities and risks for investors and policymakers. Key discussions centred on monetary policy transmission, sectoral prospects, equity valuations, and institutional risk management frameworks.
Speaking on the summit’s objective, Busola Jejelowo, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, noted that the organisation brings a comprehensive, integrated perspective to financial advisory. She emphasised that Stanbic IBTC’s broad service offerings—spanning asset management, banking, pensions, insurance, stockbroking, trusteeship, and investment banking—position it to support clients across every phase of their financial journey.
Jejelowo stressed the importance of discipline and long-term strategy in the current economic climate. According to her, navigating uncertainty requires proactive risk management, continuous learning, and collaboration with trusted advisers. She reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to supporting investors through portfolio reviews, strategic asset allocation, and tailored financial solutions.
Also speaking, Abdulazeez A. Kuranga, Economist in Global Markets at Stanbic IBTC Bank, projected a shift in Nigeria’s economic structure, with reduced dependence on oil revenues and stronger contributions from non-oil sectors. He forecast GDP growth between 4.1 per cent and 4.4 per cent in 2026, signalling improved macroeconomic stability compared to 2025.
On fixed income investment, Toyin Aju, Head of Fixed Income at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, underscored the benefits of mutual funds, noting that professional fund management enables rigorous credit analysis and informed capital deployment. He encouraged investors to leverage expert guidance in shaping their financial futures.
Providing insights on equities, Kehinde Owonubi, Head of Equities at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, expressed optimism across key sectors, particularly banking. He linked this outlook to anticipated economic growth, declining interest rates, and increased credit expansion, all of which are expected to enhance lending activity and profitability.
Owonubi also highlighted recent regulatory adjustments by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), which raised the allowable limit for pension fund investments in equities. He described the move as a positive development that will deepen market liquidity and strengthen long-term capital market growth.
Across sessions, speakers agreed that while Nigeria has made notable progress in stabilising its economy, achieving sustainable investment returns will depend on disciplined execution and adaptive strategies. Panellists advocated for scenario-based portfolio planning—incorporating optimistic, baseline, and downside projections—to enhance resilience amid shifting economic conditions.
The summit further reinforces Stanbic IBTC’s role as a strategic thought partner to investors, providing critical insights, strengthening investment decision-making, and supporting the long-term development of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
