FTSE Russell, the global index provider, has released the results of its 2025 Annual Country Classification Review, outlining significant developments for several markets – notably Egypt and Nigeria.
Egypt under pressure
Egypt has been added to the Watch List for possible reclassification from Secondary Emerging to Frontier market status. According to FTSE Russell, the Egyptian market no longer meets the minimum securities count requirement necessary to retain its Emerging Market classification.
This development reflects the ongoing challenges facing Egypt’s equity market, where liquidity constraints, foreign exchange shortages, and limited foreign investor participation have persisted over the past year.
A downgrade to Frontier status would be a setback for Egypt, potentially reducing its weight in global emerging market indices and lowering passive investment inflows. Market observers will now focus on whether authorities can address these structural issues before the next review cycle.
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Nigeria moves closer to Frontier status
In contrast, Nigeria has been added to the Watch List for possible reclassification from Unclassified to Frontier market status, as it now meets all five FTSE Quality of Markets criteria required for inclusion.
This marks a potential turning point for Africa’s largest economy, which was previously removed from the FTSE Frontier Index in 2022 due to persistent foreign exchange repatriation issues.
The latest inclusion signals progress since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced reforms to improve FX transparency and liquidity, including the liberalisation of the naira exchange rate earlier this year.
If confirmed, Nigeria’s return to the FTSE Frontier Market Index would restore its visibility to global investors and could trigger renewed inflows from passive funds tracking FTSE indices.
Global highlights
Beyond Africa, FTSE Russell confirmed the upgrade of Vietnam from Frontier to Secondary Emerging market status (effective September 2026), recognising major reforms in market accessibility.
Meanwhile, Greece will be promoted from Advanced Emerging to Developed Market status, marking its return to developed ranks for the first time since 2013.
On the fixed income side, Slovakia will join the FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in June 2026, while South Korea’s inclusion remains on track for April 2026 following its improved market accessibility rating.
