Nigerian Exchange Group Plc has been named Africa’s Best Exchange at the Euromoney Markets Awards 2026, adding international recognition to a year of strong activity in Nigeria’s equities market.
The award was presented in London on October 15 and announced by NGX Group on October 19.
The recognition highlights the group’s work in market infrastructure, digital innovation and capital formation.
It comes as the Nigerian equities market records increased turnover and a substantial rise in market capitalisation.
Equities turnover rises in 2026
According to NGX Group, the All-Share Index had gained 59.07 per cent year-to-date as of October 16.
Equities turnover reached ₦7.82 trillion, up 73.78 per cent from ₦4.50 trillion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.
Market capitalisation stood at ₦160.73 trillion.
The figures follow a strong 2025, when the All-Share Index gained 51.19 per cent, equities turnover rose to ₦5.96 trillion and market capitalisation reached ₦99.38 trillion.
These figures point to increased activity in the market. However, investors still need to assess individual companies based on earnings, valuations, governance and their ability to sustain growth.
Digital platforms expand access to public offers
One of NGX Group’s initiatives is NGX Invest, an electronic platform designed to make subscriptions to public offers and rights issues easier.
The platform facilitated more than ₦2.8 trillion in capital raising during Nigeria’s banking-sector recapitalisation exercise, according to the group.
By September 2026, its distribution network had expanded to more than 180 channels, including stockbrokers, banks and fintech companies.
A WhatsApp subscription channel has also added another route through which investors can participate in public offers.
Digital access can help reduce barriers to participation, although investors must still understand the terms of each offer and the risks associated with the securities they buy.
Settlement and sustainability remain priorities
NGX Group has also identified post-trade efficiency and sustainable finance as important areas of development.
Nigeria moved to a T+1 settlement cycle in June 2026, reducing the time between the execution of a trade and its settlement.
Shorter settlement cycles can improve the speed at which investors receive funds or securities following transactions.
The group has also been working on sustainability initiatives intended to help companies improve climate readiness and prepare for climate-aligned financing.
Award puts focus on long-term market development
The Euromoney recognition highlights NGX Group’s role in developing the systems that connect investors, issuers and market operators.
Sustaining that progress will require continued investment in reliable infrastructure, transparency, investor education and efficient trading systems.
The market’s next challenge is to convert increased activity into durable capital formation that supports businesses and the wider economy.
