MARCEL MBAMALUThe World Population Review has listed Nigeria and Indonesia alongside the United States, China, and India as nations poised to shape the world’s future by 2050.
According to the review, these countries will harness population trends, embrace technology, and create opportunities to become global leaders.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNigeria’s Rise
With a projected population of over 375 million by 2050, Nigeria will be the world’s third most populous nation. Its booming fintech scene and entertainment industry, Nollywood, are already making waves globally. The country’s growing digital economy, oil, minerals, and agriculture make it an attractive destination for investment.
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“Nigeria may not yet be on everyone’s radar—but it should be,” the report notes. Nigeria’s demographic vitality is symbolized by the fact that it “produces more twins per capita than any country on Earth.”
Indonesia’s Quiet Strength
Indonesia is quietly becoming a regional superpower with a stable government, youthful population, and vast natural resources. The nation is investing in green infrastructure, digital transformation, and tourism, while becoming a serious player in global manufacturing.
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“Indonesia often flies under the radar—but quietly, it’s becoming a regional superpower,” the report states. Indonesia is expected to become the fourth-largest economy in the world by 2045, ahead of Japan and Germany.
Global Implications
As the world heads towards 2050, the idea of power is evolving. It’s no longer just about military might, but also about talent, technology, demographics, and sustainability. Nigeria and Indonesia’s rise, along with other nations, will likely shape the global economy and influence the future of work, innovation, and culture.
The report notes that understanding these shifts will help individuals and businesses navigate the changing landscape and make informed decisions about where to invest, live, and build their futures.
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a communication scholar, journalist and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is the Chief Executive Officer Newstide Publications, the publishers of Prime Business Africa.
A seasoned journalist, he horned his journalism skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of News Editor at the flagship of the Nigerian press. He has garnered multidisciplinary experience in marketing communication, public relations and media research, helping clients to deliver bespoke campaigns within Nigeria and across Africa.
He has built an expansive network in the media and has served as a media trainer for World Health Organisation (WHO) at various times in Northeast Nigeria. He has attended numerous media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and Reuters/AfDB training on Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development of Africa.
A versatile media expert, he won the Jefferson Fellowship in 2023 as the sole Africa representative on the program. Dr Mbamalu was part of a global media team that covered the 2020 United State’s Presidential election. As Africa's sole representative in the 2023 Jefferson Fellowships, Dr Mbamalu was selected to tour the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) as part of a 12-man global team of journalists on a travel grant to report on inclusion, income gaps and migration issues between the US and Asia.
