Sub-Saharan Africa to Outpace Global Growth at 4.3% in 2026 as Inflation Rises to 4.7%
Updated
Updated · Business Insider Africa · Jul 28
Sub-Saharan Africa to Outpace Global Growth at 4.3% in 2026 as Inflation Rises to 4.7%
1 articles · Updated · Business Insider Africa · Jul 28
Summary
The IMF projects sub-Saharan Africa will grow 4.3% in 2026, beating the global rate of 3.0% as well as the United States at 2.3% and the United Kingdom at 1.0%.
Structural reforms, improved macroeconomic stability and momentum in both non-resource and resource-rich economies are driving the region’s stronger outlook, even as global conditions stay uneven.
Nigeria is forecast to expand 4.1% in 2026, while South Africa is seen growing 1.1% as policy adjustments and structural reforms gradually take hold.
Global headline inflation is expected to climb from 4.1% in 2025 to 4.7% in 2026, with oil-importing African economies facing pressure from energy prices averaging $89 a barrel.
The IMF said the region’s growth advantage is set to extend into 2027 despite geopolitical conflicts and shifting market conditions weighing on the wider world economy.