NGX wins Africa’s Best Exchange at Euromoney Markets Awards 2026
Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has been named Africa’s Best Exchange at the Euromoney Markets Awards 2026, earning international recognition for its role in expanding capital formation, improving market infrastructure and widening investor access as Nigeria’s equities market continues to attract growing investment.
The award was presented at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London on Thursday, October 15, recognising achievements in market development during 2025. It comes as the Nigerian Exchange records a strong rally, with market capitalisation reaching N160.73 trillion and turnover rising significantly in 2026.
The recognition highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure in mobilising capital and connecting companies seeking funds with retail, institutional and international investors.
A major contributor has been NGX Invest, the Group’s electronic platform for public offers and rights issues. The platform facilitated more than N2.8 trillion in capital raising during the banking sector recapitalisation exercise, helping financial institutions reach investors through multiple distribution channels.
By September 2026, the platform’s network had expanded to more than 180 channels spanning stockbrokers, banks and fintech companies, with a WhatsApp subscription channel providing another route for investors to participate in public offers.
The expansion of digital distribution is significant for Nigeria’s capital market, where easier subscription processes can help mobilise household savings and institutional funds for business expansion, while lowering barriers to participation in new share offerings.
NGX Group’s recognition also comes against the backdrop of a strong performance in the domestic equities market. The All-Share Index gained 51.19 per cent in 2025, while equities turnover rose 109.48 per cent to N5.96 trillion and market capitalisation reached N99.38 trillion.
The rally has continued this year. As of October 16, the All-Share Index had gained 59.07 per cent year-to-date, while equities turnover climbed 73.78 per cent to N7.82 trillion from N4.50 trillion in the corresponding period of 2025. Market capitalisation stood at N160.73 trillion.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, said the award reflected continued investment in the infrastructure and technology needed to support capital formation and improve market efficiency.
He said the Group would continue working with regulators, policymakers, issuers, investors and market operators to widen digital access to investment opportunities and strengthen connections with other African exchanges.
Beyond trading and capital raising, NGX Group has expanded its focus on sustainable finance through the NGX Net-Zero Programme, implemented with DEG Impulse gGmbH and Africa Foresight Group, with support from the develoPPP programme.
The initiative helps Nigerian companies improve climate readiness, establish science-based emissions-reduction targets and develop transition plans that could support access to climate-aligned finance. More than 50 companies have engaged with the programme, with 19 joining as community members.
The Group has also pursued post-trade reforms, including Nigeria’s transition to T+1 settlement in June 2026, which shortened the period between trade execution and settlement. The move is intended to improve market efficiency and reduce the time investors wait for cash or securities to become available after transactions.
For Nigeria, the Euromoney Markets Awards recognition comes as the capital market seeks to play a greater role in financing businesses, attracting foreign investment and broadening public ownership of productive assets.
The longer-term economic test will be whether stronger market infrastructure and digital access can translate into a deeper pool of investment capital for Nigerian companies, particularly those seeking funding for expansion, innovation and job creation.
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