Trade developments are set to sustain export windfalls amid easing barriers with eastern markets, Databank Research has revealed in its 2026 Economic Outlook.

It expects a firmly anchored current account surplus averaging 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2026.

This will be supported by stronger market confidence, improved trade competitiveness and resilient commodity exports.

“We anticipate that improving macroeconomic indicators will stimulate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows and strengthen Balance of Payments (BoP) performance, with limited impact from the proposed US tariff conditions as discussions on realigned trade frameworks progress”, it added.

It pointed out that the ongoing regional trade integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), coupled with enhanced duty-free arrangements with major partners such as China, India and the European Union, are expected to deepen market access and diversify export destinations.

It added that these developments, together with steady gold and primary cash crop receipts, reinforce our optimistic outlook for a robust external position barring unforeseen systemic shocks.