Africa ETP News
you are currently viewing::Sub-Saharan Africa's Growth Holds, But Downside Risks MountApril 8, 2026--Smarter industrial policy can advance Africa's economic transformation and create jobs
Geopolitical risks-including the conflict in the Middle East, high debt-service burdens and long-standing structural constraints, continue to weigh on the region's capacity to accelerate growth and create jobs. The report, formerly titled Africa's Pulse, finds that growth for 2026 in Sub-Saharan Africa is holding at 4.1%, the same pace as in 2025, but downside risks are mounting. Rising fuel, food, and fertilizer prices, alongside tighter financial conditions, are likely to push inflation higher, disrupt economic activity, and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable households which spend a larger share of their income on food and energy. Source: worldbank.org |
South African rand strengthens after surprise GDP growth data
June 9, 2026- The rand strengthened on Tuesday after South Africa's economy expanded more than expected in the first quarter of 2026, though the impact of the Iran war was likely to be reflected in the next release.
At 1415 GMT, the rand traded at 16.4325 against the U.S. dollar, up about 0.6%.
Africa's growth holds firm amid global turbulence, says 2026 African Economic Outlook
May 26, 2026-The continent recorded an estimated average GDP growth of 4.4 percent in 2025, with 22 economies posting rates above 5 percent.
In 2026, Africa is projected to grow at 4.2 percent, despite heightened geopolitical tensions and global supply shocks.
First Mutual Wealth Gold ETF debuts on VFEX
May 2, 2026-Zimbabwe's exchange-traded fund (ETF) landscape has undergone a gradual evolution, shaped by liquidity constraints and shifts in the underlying equity instruments. The launch of the Old Mutual Top 10 ETF in December 2020, the first ETF, with listing in January 2021, marked a significant milestone for the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), introducing passive investment exposure.
Africa Faces Mounting Risks Just as Growth Gains Take Hold
April 23, 2026- To weather the shock, policymakers should ensure that any near-term measures are time-bound and targeted at the most vulnerable, and maintain the focus on medium-term development objectives.
Sub-Saharan Africa's economies entered 2026 with significant momentum. The region had notched its fastest growth rate in 10 years-4.5 percent in 2025-buoyed by reduced macroeconomic imbalances, rising investment levels, and a generally supportive external environment.
IMF-Regional Economic Outlook Update Sub-Saharan Africa-Hard-Won Gains Under Pressure
April 16, 2026-After a strong 2025 with regional growth estimated at 4.5 percent, sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 reaping the benefits of hard-won stabilization gains. But the war in the Middle East has clouded the outlook. The shock has caused a rapid increase in key commodity prices, particularly in fuel and fertilizer.
Africa: Government Welcomes Continued Growth in South Africa's Economy
March 10, 2026-Government has welcomed the latest data released by Statistics South Africa showing that South Africa's economy grew by 1.1% in 2025, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 0.4% in the fourth quarter.
