Africa one of the world’s fastest growing regions

Africa’s economies are projected to grow at more than 4.2% in 2026.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions.

Growth across economies in Africa was about 4.4%, and the African Development Bank expects that figure to rebound to above 4.4% in 2027.

The findings of the 2026 African Economic Outlook, released on Tuesday at the African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, underscore the continent’s continued resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions, tighter global financial conditions, and supply chain disruptions.

Growth would require a shift

Published under the theme, Mobilizing Africa’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World, the report notes that sustaining faster, inclusive and more resilient growth would require a decisive shift towards mobilising and deploying capital at scale.

This includes strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, deepening and integrating financial systems, expanding capital markets, and enhancing African agency in global finance.

Mixed regional outlook

The report notes a mixed regional outlook.

East Africa is expected to remain the continent’s fastest-growing region, though growth is projected to ease from 6.6% in 2025 to 5.9% in 2026, as rising energy and import costs linked to Middle East disruptions take their toll. A rebound to 6.4% is anticipated in 2027.

West Africa stable

West Africa is forecast to remain relatively stable, with growth projected at 4.7% in 2026, broadly in line with the estimated 4.8% for 2025, supported by strong agricultural production and continued infrastructure investment.

North Africa expected to grow

North Africa is expected to grow at 4.0% in 2026 compared to 4.4% in 2025, reflecting weaker tourism demand from Gulf states, and the broader effects of global supply chain disruptions.

An uptick in Central Africa

Central Africa is one of the few regions projected to see an uptick, with growth rising marginally to 3.8% in 2026 from 3.6% in 2025, buoyed by sustained high oil prices.

Subdued growth in southern Africa

Growth in Southern Africa is expected to remain subdued at 2.1% in 2026, from 2.3% in 2025, weighed down by weaker mining and agricultural output and higher energy costs.

More about WhyAfrica

For more about Africa’s growth and the sustainable use and responsible development of Africa’s natural resources, visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop shop for on the ground information and business intelligence about Africa.

Image: Agriculture will be one of the major sectors of growth across Africa in the next five years. Image credit: Richard Nyoni from Unsplash

Africa one of the world’s fastest growing regions