Kola Owolabi
Can you imagine how free Lagos roads are on Sunday mornings? It is because only Christians are going about, on the way to and from church. People who belong to the other major religion, talking about Muslims are most of the time at home since Sunday is a work free day. The demographic makeup of Lagos in terms of religion says that about half of Lagosians are Christians and half are Muslims. This accounts for why the roads are free on Sunday mornings; only half of the population are on the streets.
The same scenario plays out when schools are on holidays in Lagos. The roads are so free, just like it happens on Sundays. A trip to any part of Lagos that would have taken hours on a normal day is made within twenty minutes. It is because children of school age, who constitute about half of Nigeria’s population are on holidays and are at home, not going anywhere.
Just like the roads are jammed with traffic when these school age children are on the roads, going to school, your business will be jammed with huge traffic of patronage if your product or service is targeted at the school age population who constitute about half of the population of Nigeria.
With Nigeria’s population projected to reach approximately 239 million by 2026, and approximately 40.5% of the population under the age of 15, totaling over 96 million individuals, this report is looking at opportunities that will fly in 2026 and it is sure that any opportunity targeted at that dominant group of Nigeria’s population, the youth will definitely succeed.
Comparative Analysis: Africa and America
To understand the scale of the Nigerian opportunity, one must look at its peers.
Ethiopia & Egypt: While Ethiopia (approx. 135M) and Egypt (approx. 118M) are the second and third most populous African nations, their median ages are higher at 19.1 and 24.3 respectively.
South Africa: Often seen as a primary investment destination, South Africa has a much more “mature” demographic with a median age of 19.8 to 28 depending on urban concentration.
The United States: In stark contrast, the median age in the U.S. is approximately 38.5. While the U.S. faces the challenges of an aging “Baby Boomer” generation, Nigeria is experiencing a “Youth Wave” with 3.5 million young people entering the labor market every single year.
| Country | Projected Population (2025/26) | Median Age | % Under 15/Youth Dominance |
| Nigeria | ~239 Million | 18.1 | ~40.5% (High) |
| Ethiopia | ~135 Million | 19.1 | ~35% |
| Egypt | ~118 Million | 24.3 | ~30% |
| South Africa | ~65 Million | 28.0 | ~25% |
| USA | ~340 Million | 38.5 | ~18% |
2. Sector Opportunities for 2026
A. Opportunities in Education
The demand for education in Nigeria is insatiable due to the sheer volume of the school-age population. By 2026, the traditional education system will remain overwhelmed, opening massive gaps for private and digital intervention. So much more room for schools in Nigeria today, particularly schools offering premium/high quality education and skill based programmes.
- Premium Nursery/Pre-Primary Schools (Location Specific): With 40% of the population under 15, high-quality, neighborhood-specific early childhood education is a guaranteed high-traffic business. With public schools even degenerating more, people are on the lookout for high-quality early stage education for their children
- Online Revision Materials: Online sites or apps offering past questions and guides for WASC, JAMB, and NECO, etc.
- Skill-Based Schools: In 2026 you can set up a specialized school, as a College of Technology (monotechnic) that will offer contemporary skill based programmes like Data Analytics, cybersecurity, and healthcare programs as youth prioritize “future-proof” skills for global employability.
- Premium Primary & Secondary: This is the time you can set up a school that bundles standard curriculum with international certifications (IGCSE, SAT) and digital literacy. You will see the highest patronage from the growing middle class.
B. Opportunities in Food and Beverages Production
The Nigerian food and drink market is projected to reach $60.69 billion by 2026. Because the demographic is youth-dominated, products must be “trendy, branded, and digitally accessible”.
- Sweets & Confectioneries: Production businesses targeted at making assorted biscuits, ice cream, and fruit drinks remain a viable proposition for a population where nearly 100 million people are in the “treat-seeking” age bracket.
- Poultry & Egg Production: High demand for protein-rich snacks for children makes egg production a strategic play for the 2026 agricultural sector.
- Packaged & Convenience Foods: Urbanization (projected at 54.8% by 2025) is driving demand for ready-to-eat meals and snacks for busy students and young professionals.
C. Opportunities in Technology & Leisure
The “Digital Powerhouse” potential of Nigeria is rooted in its youth.
- Educational Apps: Apps focusing on STEM subjects (Math, Science) and languages are expected to see high adoption as parents seek to supplement physical schooling.
- Digital Leisure & Gaming: There is a growing niche for games and leisure materials that reflect local Nigerian culture while utilizing global gaming mechanics.
- E-commerce & Delivery: With over 60% of the population under 25, the demand for “fashionable snacks” and lifestyle goods through digital apps is transforming the retail landscape.
3. Strategic Recommendations for Investors
Target the “School-Age” Cycle: Businesses should align their marketing and operational cycles with the academic calendar. As the report notes, the “traffic of patronage” follows the traffic on the roads.
Focus on Affordability and ROI: In a high-inflation environment, the youth and their parents are becoming more discerning, prioritizing products and services that offer clear value for money.
Digital Integration: Whether in food or education, a digital-first approach is mandatory to reach a population with an 18.1 median age.
The 2026 takeaway
The key takeaway is that, no matter what business you are in now, or whatever product or service that you have in the market, you can tweak it to address the needs of the huge Nigerian youth market and you will be part of reaping the benefits of this huge opportunity.
For example, if you are into making canvas shoes for adults, it is time to add another production line that will start to make canvas shoes for school age children and teenagers.
David Solomon 2026 Business Opportunities Report
Kola Owolabi is the CEO of David Solomon Consulting – He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management Consultants(FIMC.CMC) The company can be reached by phone or WhatsApp through 08023203198. You can also send reactions to the contents of this post or any question you may have to the same telephone/WhatsApp line.
