Ten fastest-growing economies in Africa in 2026

Africa is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing regions in the world in 2026, with several countries recording growth rates well above the global average despite ongoing economic and fiscal challenges.

According to projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow by 4.4 per cent in 2026, compared with a global growth rate of 3.1 per cent. The forecast places Africa at the centre of global economic expansion, with 11 of the world’s 15 fastest-growing economies located on the continent.

The IMF, however, cautions that growth alone does not remove long-standing challenges. It points to “overlapping monetary, financial, external, and fiscal vulnerabilities” across many African economies. Rising debt servicing costs are also “crowding out development spending”, while greater reliance on domestic borrowing is creating what the fund describes as “a growing bank-sovereign nexus”.

The concentration of high-growth economies in Africa reflects broader changes taking place across the continent. Rapid urbanisation, increased digital adoption, and a growing population are creating new opportunities for investment and business development.

While challenges linked to debt, governance and external shocks remain, the IMF’s projections suggest that Africa will continue to play an increasingly important role in global economic growth. For policymakers, investors and businesses, the continent’s growth story in 2026 is one that extends beyond headline figures and reflects ongoing changes in key sectors of many economies.

Despite these concerns, several African countries are benefiting from a mix of resource exports, economic reforms, infrastructure investment and post-conflict recovery programmes.

Here are the 10 fastest-growing economies in Africa in 2026 and the factors driving their expansion.

South Sudan is projected to record the highest economic growth rate in Africa in 2026. The recovery is largely linked to the restoration of oil exports following disruptions caused by damage to the Petrodar pipeline during Sudan’s civil war.

Oil exports account for almost all government revenue in South Sudan. The resumption of exports in 2025 has helped restore foreign exchange earnings and is expected to return the country’s current account to surplus in 2026.

Guinea’s growth is being driven by its mining industry, particularly bauxite production. Strong demand from China helped the country export a record volume of bauxite in 2025.

The launch of iron ore exports from the Simandou project is also expected to contribute significantly to economic output and export earnings.

Sudan’s economy is forecast to expand as reconstruction efforts continue following years of conflict.

Investment is being directed towards rebuilding transport networks, communications systems and financial infrastructure. Increased spending on social services and public infrastructure is also expected to support economic activity.

Uganda’s growth outlook is supported by rising exports of gold and coffee, stronger household spending and increased investment activity.

Public spending and improvements in regional transport links are contributing to growth, while the anticipated start of crude oil production towards the end of 2026 is expected to provide additional momentum.

Rwanda continues to benefit from growth across services, mining, manufacturing and construction.

Tourism activity, public investment and the ongoing Bugesera International Airport project are supporting economic expansion. The country is also strengthening its position as a regional centre for finance and technology.

Large-scale investments in energy infrastructure, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, are helping to expand Ethiopia’s industrial capacity.

Growth is also being supported by coffee production, mining activities and economic reforms aimed at improving debt sustainability, liberalising the exchange rate and attracting private investment.

Benin’s economy is benefiting from structural reforms and increased industrial activity, particularly in agribusiness and textile production.

Agriculture remains a key contributor to growth, while investments in ports and trade infrastructure are helping strengthen the country’s role in regional commerce.

Niger’s projected growth is being driven by increased oil production and exports.

Public spending, agricultural investment and infrastructure development are also contributing to economic activity as the country seeks to expand its productive sectors.

Côte d’Ivoire continues to record growth through a combination of infrastructure investment, domestic consumption and agricultural processing.

Higher revenues from cocoa, gold and oil exports are supporting economic performance, while efforts to develop financial services are strengthening the country’s role within the West African economy.

Mining remains the foundation of Zambia’s economy, with copper production playing a central role in export earnings.

The government is targeting higher copper output in 2026, while agriculture, information and communication technology, energy and tourism are also contributing to growth.