The Global Soft Power Index 2025, published by Brand Finance, has unveiled Nigeria’s evolving role on the global stage.
The 2025 report highlighted Nigeria’s surge in cultural influence as a key driver of its soft power. Ranking 77th globally, Nigeria maintains its position as one of the leading African nations on the index.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that soft power is defined as a nation’s ability to influence the preferences and behaviours of various actors in the international arena (states, corporations, communities, the public, etc.) through attraction or persuasion rather than coercion.
Brand Finance said each nation is scored across 55 different metrics to arrive at an overall score out of 100 and ranked in order from 1st to 193rd.
The 2025 report noted Nigeria’s score of 36.4 placing it fourth in Africa, behind Egypt, South Africa and Morocco.
A breakdown of the report shows that Nigeria’s soft power was influenced by the “People and Values” and “Culture and Heritage” pillars.
Afrobeat artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy Davido and Tems continue to dominate streaming platforms, while Nollywood remains the world’s second-largest film industry by output.
Also, Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts, including peacekeeping roles and leadership in ECOWAS, bolster its global reputation.
The report also stated that Lagos, as a hub for tech startups and innovation, enhances Nigeria’s appeal for trade and investment.
In Africa, Egypt leads the pack, ranking 38th globally with a score of 47.8. South Africa follows at 41st with 44.9 points, while Morocco rounds out the top 50 with 40.6 points. These rankings reflect Africa’s growing influence in diplomacy, trade, and cultural exports on the global stage.
Globally, the United States maintained its position at the top of the ranking with an all-time highest Global Soft Power Index score of 79.5 out of 100. China surpassed the United Kingdom to rank 2nd with a score of 72.8 out of 100 – its highest-ever position.
The UK is ranked 3rd, followed by Japan (4th), and Germany (5th).
