Nigeria has been ranked the world’s most generous country in the 2026 World Giving Report, despite the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.
In an Instagram post by BBC News Africa, the report, published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), ranked Nigeria first globally based on the proportion of income people donate to charitable causes.
The study surveyed 60,000 people across 105 countries and measured donations made to charities, religious organisations and people in need, excluding money given to family members and friends.
According to the report, Nigerians donate an average of 2.8 per cent of their income to charitable causes, ahead of Ghana at 2.4 per cent and Egypt at 2.3 per cent. Eight of the world’s top 10 most generous countries are in Africa.
The report noted that Nigeria’s ranking comes despite rising inflation, soaring transport costs and food prices reaching their highest levels in more than two decades.
Commenting on the findings, Executive Director of the African Philanthropy Forum and CAF partner, Mosun Layode, said Nigeria’s culture of giving remains deeply rooted.
“Nigeria’s consistent ranking among the world’s most generous countries reflects a society where giving is not an exception but a communal norm. It is woven into the social fabric of daily life,” she said.
Also reacting, Professor Ebenezer Obadare, Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the report highlights the resilience of Nigerians in supporting one another.
“The study recognises a collective determination to keep community and social solidarity alive against the backdrop of the retreat of the state,” he said.
