Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth is projected to reach 4.3% in 2026, up from 4.0% in 2025, despite ongoing structural challenges and renewed momentum from reforms, investment, and regional integration.
The increase indicates a slow rebound from recent shocks, such as currency pressures, high debt servicing costs, and reduced official development support. Many countries are undertaking fiscal consolidation as limited budgetary space requires tighter expenditure and increased reliance on private-sector investment.
Momentum is predicted to continue into 2027, with growth projected at 4.5%, assuming the external environment does not deteriorate and security conditions improve in fragile and conflict-affected states.
Higher commodity prices, particularly for gold, precious metals, and coffee, have already increased revenue in several economies, helping to stabilize state finances.
Africa’s largest economies are also helping to drive the resurgence. South Africa’s growth rate increased to 1.3% in 2025, boosted by improved electricity supplies, a healthy agricultural crop, and improving business confidence.
Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.2%, boosted by services, particularly banking and ICT, a moderate recovery in agriculture, and the country’s emergence as a net exporter of refined petroleum products.
Most African economies continue to have little exposure to US markets, but vulnerabilities exist.
Against this context, a group of African countries is expected to surpass the continental average in 2026, thanks to reforms, investment inflows, and sector-specific growth, ranking among Africa’s top ten fastest-growing economies.