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Economic Outlook
Africa’s economic momentum continues to strengthen in 2025, with the African Development Bank projecting GDP growth of 4.1%, rising to 4.4% in 2026. The continent is home to 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies, underscoring its rising global economic significance.
- East Africa leads regional growth, with countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Sudan expected to exceed 5% growth, driven by robust public investment and expanding private sectors.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to grow at 3.8% in 2025, with low-income economies potentially reaching 5.8%, according to the IMF.
- Rwanda, Ethiopia, DRC, Guinea, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, Benin, and Niger are among the top performers, each projected to grow above 6%.
- Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Zambia are experiencing notable rebounds, with growth rates of 5%, 6.2%, and 6.2% respectively, supported by gains in mining and agriculture.
Infrastructure & Investment Developments
Significant infrastructure and investment initiatives are underway across the continent:
- Zambia hosted the “Invest in Zambia” conference, securing over US$2 billion in energy and agriculture MOUs.
- Uganda is set to begin construction of a US$4 billion oil refinery, co-owned with UAE partners.
- Somalia will commence deep-sea oil drilling in partnership with Türkiye.
- In West Africa, energy transformation is accelerating:
- Nigeria’s Dangote refinery nears full-scale operations.
- Senegal’s SAR refinery has processed its first domestic crude.
- Ghana is expanding the Jubilee oil field with a US$2 billion investment, backed by presidential reforms.
- Kenya’s Konza Technopolis, in collaboration with South Korea, is advancing smart-city infrastructure and innovation corridors.
- Ivory Coast continues to diversify its energy mix, expanding offshore oil, solar, and hydroelectric capacity.
Continental Trends
Despite regional disparities, Africa’s economic trajectory is supported by:
- Increased investment in energy infrastructure, value chains, and industrial diversification
- Continued macroeconomic reforms and efforts to enhance regional integration
- A growing emphasis on sustainable development and digital innovation
Regional Growth Summary
| Region / Country | 2025 Growth Rate | Key Economic Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa | 5–6%+ | Public/private investment, agriculture, energy |
| West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal) | Diverse | Oil refining, infrastructure, reforms |
| Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe) | ~6.2% | Mining, agriculture, trade |
| North Africa (Ivory Coast) | ~6.4% | Energy diversification |
| Sub-Saharan Africa Overall | 3.8%–4.2% | Macro-stability, industrial growth |
