Global markets set for rapid expansion in 2026

The outlook for 2026 points to a year of striking economic contrasts, with some markets accelerating sharply while others contend with stubborn inflation and muted investment flows. Analysts from the IMF, OECD, and regional development banks are increasingly aligned on one trend: growth in 2026 will be driven less by traditional powerhouses and more by sectors and regions that have spent the past three years expanding their digital and infrastructural capabilities. From entertainment tech to green manufacturing and frontier AI services, several markets now appear well-positioned to outpace broader global GDP projections.

Among the fastest-growing areas for 2026 is digital entertainment, where iGaming stands out thanks to significant market shifts in regions like New Zealand. The country is currently debating major changes to its online gambling laws, with the Government signalling in late 2025 that a dedicated licensing framework for offshore casino operators is under active consideration in 2026. New Zealand online pokies on offshore platforms continue to attract players seeking simple mechanics, broad themes, large game variety, diverse bonuses, and fast gameplay. The platforms offering these titles typically provide streamlined withdrawals and user-friendly mobile interfaces, benefits that have helped sustain demand while policymakers work through the details of the proposed bill.

These dynamics collectively position iGaming as a market with strong year-on-year growth potential. This is supported by rising digital adoption and ongoing legal scrutiny that could change the sector’s formal structure later this year.

Outside entertainment, Southeast Asia enters 2026 with renewed momentum. Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines have become central to the diversification strategies of multinational firms seeking alternatives to China’s mature manufacturing environment. Vietnam’s northern provinces, in particular, continue to receive large-scale electronics and semiconductor investment, with several approved projects in late 2025 slated to scale production this year. Indonesia’s industrial policy, anchored in downstream processing of nickel and other critical minerals, adds further weight to the region’s manufacturing credentials.

With global demand for EV batteries still strong, Southeast Asia’s export manufacturing market is projected to grow faster than most emerging regions in 2026.

India also enters 2026 with strong momentum in digital services, fuelled by rapid improvements in mobile connectivity and rising enterprise demand for cloud-based and AI-supported tools. Government data released in December 2025 confirmed that high-speed mobile access now reaches well over 900 million citizens, widening the user base for fintech, logistics-tech, health-tech, and enterprise platforms. According to NASSCOM’s latest sector updates, India’s technology industry is projected to approach the $300 billion revenue mark by FY26, with recent annual growth in the 5%–7% range.

These projections reflect steady demand from international clients and the continued expansion of digital-transformation services. They firmly position India as one of the most resilient and scalable digital-services markets in the Asia–Pacific region.

Another market poised for rapid expansion in 2026 is clean energy, especially in the realms of solar storage, hydrogen, and advanced materials. The International Energy Agency’s late-2025 assessment highlighted substantial year-ahead demand for grid-scale batteries and renewable-compatible storage technologies. Meanwhile, the European Union and Japan are accelerating investment in hydrogen transport corridors, an initiative expected to stimulate parallel growth in ammonia handling, specialised shipping, and green-steel production.

These technologies are set to play an essential role in meeting net-zero commitments, and their supply chains are attracting both public and private investment at an unprecedented pace.

While global growth in 2026 will be uneven, several markets are primed for rapid expansion. Digital entertainment like the fast-moving iGaming sector in New Zealand sits alongside Southeast Asian manufacturing, India’s digital services, and clean-energy supply chains as standout examples. Their combined momentum shows the current state of the global economy. Innovation and expansion in 2026 will stem largely from regions and industries that have spent the past decade building digital capacity and new forms of consumer engagement.

This article was written in cooperation with esports-news.co.uk