Nigeria’s Digital Economy sector accounted for 11.8% of the country’s Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2025, according to fresh figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The contribution is lower than the 14.4% recorded in Q2 2025, indicating a mild slowdown in quarterly performance.
Overall, the sector delivered N6.7 trillion out of the nation’s N57 trillion real GDP for the period, underscoring its continued role as one of Nigeria’s leading economic pillars, propelled largely by telecom operators and financial service providers.
GDP Overview: Quarterly Dip, Yearly Improvement
Nigeria’s real GDP expanded by 3.98% in Q3 2025. Although slightly lower than the 4.23% growth posted in Q2, it surpasses the 3.86% growth recorded in Q3 2024, demonstrating steady year-on-year progress.
Information & Communication (I&C) Sector
The I&C sector, which includes telecommunications, publishing, broadcasting, and sound/media production, contributed 9.1% to real GDP in Q3 2025. This marks a decline from 11.8% in Q2 but an improvement from 8.95% recorded in Q3 2024.
The sector generated N5.2 trillion, compared to N5.72 trillion in the previous quarter.
I&C Sector Breakdown:
- Telecommunications: N4.4 trillion (84.5%)
- Broadcasting: N430.7 billion (8.2%)
- Sound & Media Production: N379.2 billion (7.2%)
- Publishing: N9 billion (0.1%)
Despite the quarterly fall, the sector achieved a 5.78% year-on-year growth rate in real terms.
Financial Institutions (FI) Sector Shows Strong YoY Growth
The FI sector, which includes banking and insurance, contributed 2.7% to real GDP in Q3 2025, translating to N1.5 trillion, down from N1.75 trillion in Q2.
FI Sector Breakdown:
- Financial Institutions: N1.3 trillion (86.7%)
- Insurance: N190.6 billion (13.3%)
While the sector’s contribution slipped from the 3.23% posted in Q2, it recorded a substantial 19.63% year-on-year growth, outperforming the 2.30% recorded in Q3 2024.
Future Outlook: Sector Positioned for Expansion
Analysts predict continued growth for Nigeria’s digital economy, supported by rising investment in telecommunications infrastructure and digital innovation. Key industry players, including MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, are expected to drive further expansion.
Earlier in 2025, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, projected that the sector could generate $18.3 billion by 2026. He also highlighted the National Digital Economy Bill 2025 as a critical tool for achieving Nigeria’s ambitious $1 trillion economy target.
With strengthened policy support and ongoing private-sector investment, the digital economy is set to remain a major engine of Nigeria’s economic growth.
