Economic Growth is Speeding Up in Africa, but Uncertainty Clouds Outlook

April 23, 2025--Economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is showing some resilience despite uncertainty in the global economy and restricted fiscal space. Regional growth is expected to reach 3.5% in 2025 and further accelerate to 4.3% in 2026-2027. This growth is mainly due to increased private consumption and investments as inflation cools down and currencies stabilize.

The median inflation rate in the region declined from 7.1% in 2023 to 4.5% in 2024.

However, growth is still not strong enough to significantly reduce poverty and meet people's aspirations -a core concern of the 31st edition ofAfrica's Pulse, which focuses on Improving Governance and Delivering for People in Africa. Real income per capita in 2025 is expected to be approximately 2% below its most recent peak in 2015. Countries rich in resources and those facing fragility, conflict and violence are growing more slowly than more diversified economies, and the region is struggling to create enough good jobs for its young population.

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Source: World Bank