The African Development Bank identified the top 10 fastest-growing economies in Africa, with East Africa projected to be the continent's fastest-growing region overall. The GDP is expected to rise from 4.4% in 2024 to 6.1% in 2026, with half of the region's economies, including South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya, forecast to grow by at least 5% in 2025.
West Africa's real GDP growth is anticipated to increase from 4.1% in 2024 to 4.6% in 2025, with Togo, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, and Gambia also showing strong growth potential.
In North Africa, GDP is projected to climb from 2.7% in 2024 to 4.2% in 2026, primarily driven by economic rebounds in Libya, Egypt, and Morocco.
Key growth drivers and projected rates for some of the leading economies include:
South Sudan: projected to lead Africa in real GDP growth (34.4%) due to oil production recovery and exports;
Senegal: expected growth of 8.6% driven by oil & gas, infrastructure, and agriculture;
Uganda: projected 7.2% growth fueled by the oil sector, infrastructure, and public investment;
Rwanda: anticipated 7.1% growth with expansion in services, tourism, ICT, and manufacturing;
Niger, Djibouti, Togo, Ethiopia, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire: all projected to grow at 6.3-6.9%, supported by resource expansion, infrastructure development, and strategic investments.