Africa’s economic growth is set for a notable acceleration, with total continental Gross Domestic Product expansion projected to climb from 2.8 per cent in 2024 to 4.0 per cent in 2025, maintaining that 4.0 per cent rate through 2026, according to the Economic Report on Africa 2026 by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Subregional figures highlight significant economic performance variations across the continent, with East Africa emerging as the consistently strongest performer.
East Africa recorded 5.6 per cent growth in 2024, followed by an estimated 5.4 per cent in 2025 and a projected peak expansion of 5.8 per cent in 2026.
North Africa demonstrates the most pronounced acceleration during this three-year period. After posting a low 1.1 per cent growth rate in 2024, the subregion's economic output is estimated to rebound sharply to 4.6 per cent in 2025, before settling at a projected 4.1 per cent in 2026.
West Africa maintains solid and steady momentum throughout the timeline, expanding by 4.2 per cent in 2024, reaching an estimated 4.6 per cent in 2025, and expecting a projected 4.4 per cent growth rate in 2026.
Central Africa displays a relatively stable economic trajectory, tracking at 2.9 per cent growth in 2024, an estimated 2.8 per cent in 2025, and a projected reach of 3.0 per cent in 2026.
