Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to remain on a positive growth trajectory, with economic expansion projected at 4.6% in both 2026 and 2027, according to the latest update of the World Economic Outlook published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Growth in the region is set to accelerate, rising from 4.4% in 2025 to 4.6% over the following two years, driven by improved macroeconomic stability and structural reforms implemented in several of the continent’s major economies.
This performance is particularly noteworthy given a global environment marked by persistent trade tensions and relatively stable global growth, estimated at 3.3% in 2026.
Among the region’s largest economies, Nigeria is expected to record growth of 4.4% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027, while South Africa anticipates expansion of 1.4% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027—figures that represent an improvement over previous forecasts.
The IMF highlights macroeconomic stabilization and reform measures in several key economies as the main drivers of this positive momentum. The institution encourages the continued implementation of structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening long-term growth potential.
