Alongside businesses planning their Christmas festivities, one area that’s really capturing attention is the rise of emerging markets, and 2026 is set to be an especially exciting year for them…
And rather than growth being concentrated in a handful of familiar spots, we’re seeing growth spread across a wider set of countries powered by tech-intensive exports, fast expanding digital economies and AI-driven innovation.
According to S&P Global’s Q1 2026 outlook, AI and technology-related exports are expected to lead the way, while more traditional, non-AI-focused sectors in many emerging economies may feel the pressure of shifting trade conditions and rising US tariffs.
So, this means for UK companies, understanding where this growth is happening and what is driving it, will be essential. It’s an opportunity to spot high-potential markets, recognise the regulatory environments and consumer behaviours that will shape success in the year ahead.
In this blog, we’ll explore 4 markets we highly recommend keeping an eye on.
1. Poland
Poland’s digital economy has been evolving quickly, from what was once a manufacturing-led export story, it is now increasingly becoming about high-value IT and ICT services (and the shift is happening at an impressive speed).
According to the Polish Investment & Trade Agency (PAIH), Poland’s ICT exports are on track to reach €12 billion by 2026, up from around €9 billion just a few years earlier.
And by 2023, the country’s IT and ICT market had reached an estimated US$26 billion, which is a sign of both strong domestic demand and rising international competitiveness.
Even more impressive is the amount of IT services being delivered outside of Poland’s borders. Some estimates suggest these exports have more than doubled in recent years, growing from roughly £33 billion in 2019 to about £71 billion in 2023. This acceleration highlights Poland’s reputation as a reliable source for software development, cloud services and digital outsourcing — and it’s one supported by a large, highly skilled workforce.
2. Indonesia
“Why should my business consider Indonesia?”
Indonesia is quickly becoming one of the most compelling emerging markets to watch, and let us tell you why…
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia has demonstrated impressive resilience through global disruptions, from trade tensions to the pandemic, all while maintaining steady growth. Its strategic location and natural resources make it an attractive destination for international businesses.
With the country also undergoing a massive digital and industrial transformation, Indonesia’s digital economy was projected to reach $146 billion by 2025. It’s led by fintech expansion, digitisation and strong government backing for AI adoption.
Home to the world’s largest nickel reserves and significant cobalt deposits, the country is moving beyond raw material exports and stepping towards domestic EV battery production. It also fits into a wider national push to build value-added industries, such as clean energy, that better highlight its natural resource strengths.
Combined with the central government’s commitment to infrastructure development and manufacturing, Indonesia offers a blend of stability, scalability and long-term opportunity that makes it a standout emerging market for 2026.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria is emerging as one of the most dynamic digital economies.
As Africa’s largest digital population, Nigeria’s tech economy is flourishing, becoming a success especially in fintech and digital infrastructure.
The ICT sector remains a key part of the economy. By late 2024, it accounted for around 17% of national output, continuing to grow. Growth in the sector has been encouraged by consumers coming online more and the scale of digital activity happening across the country.
Fintech, in particular, is a standout, as investors poured more than $2 billion into Nigerian fintech companies in 2024 alone, backing everything from payment processors and lending platforms to digital banks and infrastructure providers.
And, consumers are responding well.
The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has reported a significant increase in instant payment transactions, as the total value reached N1.07 quadrillion in 2024, which showed an increase of 78% from N600.36 trillion recorded in 2023.
4. Vietnam
Finally, when you’re looking for a market that blends youthful energy, dynamic growth and excellent long-term potential, Vietnam should be near the top of your list.
It’s certainly catching the eye of global investors and businesses alike.
Research tells us that the broader FDI commitment figure for 2024 was about US$38.23 billion, covering new registrations, adjusted capital and share purchases.
With its growing manufacturing sector, improving institutional framework and strong global integration, we can expect Vietnam to continue to be an attractive destination if you want to stay ahead. The country has become a key beneficiary of the “China plus one” strategy, where companies are diversifying supply chains beyond China.
This, combined with relatively low labour costs and improving infrastructure, has made Vietnam a go-to for manufacturing, exports and higher-value production. So, for businesses evaluating international expansion, localisation, diversification or manufacturing partnerships, Vietnam stands out.
Preparing for growth in 2026, how can Wolfestone support you?
With only a couple months left of this year, it’s clear that the world’s emerging markets are entering a new phase. Whether it’s the booming tech ecosystem of Poland, Nigeria’s fintech dominance, Indonesia’s progress in EV manufacturing or Vietnam’s expanding manufacturing, each of these markets offers unique opportunities for forward thinking UK businesses.
But, it’s important to remember that entering a new region means communicating effectively, building trust, navigating regulatory landscapes and ensuring your brand fits in with local audiences.
That’s where we can help. Website localisation, technical translation, marketing adaptation or linguistic support — these are all things that our expert teams help remove language barriers so you can focus on growth.
If your 2026 strategy involves exploring new markets, Wolfestone can ensure your content speaks the language, as our expert teams help remove language barriers so you can focus on your growth journey.
Contact us today if you'd like to discuss our language solutions in more detail, or receive a free localisation consultation for 2026.
