According to the latest World Economic Outlook published in 2026 by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Democratic Republic of the Congo is expected to surpass Ethiopia in terms of nominal gross domestic product (GDP), thereby becoming the fifth-largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa.
This growth is largely driven by the strong momentum of the extractive sector and increased mining production, the institution noted. According to projections, the Congolese GDP is expected to reach $123 billion in 2026, compared to $122 billion for Ethiopia.
In the regional ranking, South Africa retains its position as the leading economy, followed by Nigeria, Angola, and Kenya.
The DRC’s abundant mineral resources, although sometimes associated with tensions, continue to attract international investors. The country notably benefits from strong global demand for strategic metals used in battery production.
As the world’s leading producer of cobalt and the second-largest producer of copper, the DRC has also seen its national currency, the Congolese franc, appreciate by around 25% against the US dollar over the past twelve months.
