The Nigerian Exchange Group has been named Africa's Best Exchange at the Euromoney Markets Awards 2026, the organisation announced, in recognition of its contributions to market infrastructure, digital innovation and capital formation. The award was presented in London on 15 October 2026 and recognises achievements during 2025, a year when Nigeria's equities market posted significant gains.
NGX Invest, the exchange's electronic platform for public offerings, has been central to expanding market access. The platform simplified subscriptions to public offers and rights issues, raising more than ₦2.8 trillion during Nigeria's banking sector recapitalisation exercise. By September 2026, the distribution network had expanded to more than 180 channels across stockbrokers, banks and fintechs, with investors able to subscribe to public offers through WhatsApp as well as traditional channels.
Nigeria's equities market grew substantially in 2025. The NGX All-Share Index gained 51.19 per cent during the year, equities turnover rose 109.48 per cent to ₦5.96 trillion and market capitalisation reached ₦99.38 trillion. The momentum has continued this year: as of 16 October 2026, the All-Share Index had gained 59.07 per cent year-to-date, equities turnover stood at ₦7.82 trillion (up 73.78 per cent from ₦4.50 trillion in the same period of 2025) and market capitalisation reached ₦160.73 trillion.
Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, said the award reflected the exchange's commitment to strengthening infrastructure and technology for capital formation and investment. He highlighted that widening digital access to investment opportunities, improving market efficiency and deepening connections with other African markets were key priorities for making the capital market more accessible, resilient and competitive.
Beyond digital innovation, NGX Group is advancing sustainable finance through the NGX Net-Zero Programme, implemented with DEG Impulse gGmbH and Africa Foresight Group. The initiative supports Nigerian businesses in strengthening climate readiness, establishing science-based emissions-reduction targets and developing transition plans to access climate-aligned finance. More than 50 companies have engaged with the programme, with 19 onboarded as community members. The exchange is also improving post-trade efficiency and strengthening regional connectivity; Nigeria transitioned to T+1 settlement in June 2026, shortening the settlement cycle, while strategic engagements with other African exchanges support cross-border investment.
For Nigerian investors, savers and business owners, stronger market infrastructure and wider digital access mean lower barriers to buying shares in public offerings and easier participation in capital markets, while faster settlement and better regional connections could reduce trading costs and expand investment opportunities.